Major Projects PMO Risk Lead

Closing Date

2026-01-12

Job Title: Risk Lead

Location: Falmer, hybrid working

Contract Type: Permanent

Hours: 37

Salary: to be discussed at screening stage

Are you ready to lead the strategic approach to risk management for some of the most ambitious infrastructure projects in the region?

About the role

Our Major Projects team is the driving force behind delivering critical programmes that shape the future of our business and communities. As the Risk Lead, you’ll define and embed risk management frameworks across a portfolio of high-profile projects, ensuring proactive mitigation of risks and identification of opportunities. This is your chance to lead a talented team, influence strategic decisions, and champion best practice in risk management.

What you will be responsible for:

• Develop and implement a robust risk management strategy and framework for the portfolio.
• Establish and embed processes for Quantitative Schedule Risk Analysis (QSRA) and Quantitative Cost Risk Analysis (QCRA).
• Drive integration between risk, cost, and schedule to support risk-adjusted forecasting and delivery confidence.
• Monitor and report on enterprise, regulatory and portfolio level risks across all phases of delivery.
• Provide expert risk insight to support key stage gates, assurance reviews, and business case submissions. Lead the selection and deployment of risk management software tools.
• Build and mentor a high-performing risk management team, fostering accuracy, accountability, and innovation.
• Provide expert risk insights to senior leadership and external stakeholders, supporting key stage gates and assurance reviews.

Additional Requirements

• Proficiency in risk management tools (e.g., ARM, Primavera Risk Analysis, Safran).
• Familiarity with NEC contracts and regulatory reporting requirements.

What you’ll bring to the role:

Essential

• Proven experience leading PMO risk management within large-scale infrastructure or capital programmes.
• Professional certifications such as PMI-RMP, IRM, or APM Risk Practitioner.
• Strong leadership skills with a track record of managing and developing teams.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Desirable

• Degree in Engineering, Risk Management, or Project Management.
• Experience in integrating risk data into performance dashboards and reporting tools.

Southern Water is at the forefront of transforming Britain’s water industry, investing significantly to enhance resilience, sustainability, and service excellence. With £7.8bn planned investment for 2025-30, this is an unparalleled opportunity to join a business committed to delivering a generational shift in the way water services are managed.

You will be joining at a time of significant change, working alongside a highly skilled leadership team with a clear vision for the future. We offer an environment where senior professionals can make a meaningful impact, influence major strategic decisions, and drive long-term value creation

At Southern Water, we believe diverse perspectives drive innovation. If you’re passionate about making a positive impact and think you can bring value to our team, we’d love to hear from you—even if you don’t tick every box. Your unique skills and experiences could be exactly what we need.

If this role isn’t quite what you’re looking for but are keen to be contacted about opportunities at Southern Water, you can register your details here: Introduce Yourself (myworkdaysite.com- Introduce Yourself)

Our Commitment to Diversity

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. We do not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, or any other protected characteristic. If you need reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.

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