Risk Manager

Our client, a prominent entity within the Defence & Security sector, is currently seeking a Risk Manager for a contract position.

Purpose of the Role

The post holder will lead and oversee the NATS Risk Management Framework, including the policy, processes, risk register (Riskonnect), reporting portals, and associated documents and tools. The role is responsible for ensuring the effective identification, evaluation, management, and reporting of risk across the organisation.
You will be accountable for implementing the Risk Management framework and delivering Risk Management Capability, Assurance, and Risk Reporting. Key stakeholders include the Chairman of the Audit Committee, Audit Committee members, the NATS Legal Director, Executive Directors, and their direct reports. You will collaborate with the NATS Executive and Senior Leadership Team to integrate risk considerations into strategic planning and business objectives.

Key Accountabilities

Own the NATS Risk Management Policy, Process, Risk Register, and Reporting portal, defining and maintaining the organisation's risk appetite and tolerance levels.
Provide the annual assessment of the effectiveness of risk management to the Audit Committee and NATS Board in line with the UK Corporate Governance Code.
Attend Audit Committee meetings as the Risk Management representative, providing updates on risks and the effectiveness of the Risk Management Framework.
Plan, conduct, and progress strategic risk identification activities with the NATS Executive team.
Support Executive Directors and Senior Leaders in risk identification, evaluation, management, and reporting.
Provide risk management processes and tools to enable high-quality application across the business.
Build risk management capability and expertise across the organisation.
Develop and maintain risk reports for business use, ensuring their adequacy as the business evolves.
Produce and assure all risk reporting for Executive and Board meetings.
Manage the Risk Champion network to provide oversight across the business.
Facilitate risk management training and support across the business, including ad-hoc expertise support.
Define and implement a NATS-wide Risk Management strategy and vision.

Qualifications, Experience, Skills and Personal Qualities

The ideal candidate will have a robust understanding of risk management best practices and principles, with significant experience in applying them within a complex organisational context. As an established leader, you must excel at influencing and persuading stakeholders at all levels, motivating senior executives and staff to deliver a robust risk capability. The following skills and qualities are essential:

Strategic mindset with the ability to anticipate future risks and align risk management with organisational goals.
Strong interpersonal and influencing skills to build trusted relationships with senior leaders and stakeholders.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, capable of conveying complex risk concepts clearly.
Sound judgement and critical thinking, with the confidence to challenge constructively.
Proactive and adaptable, with the ability to work in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
Collaborative and creative problem solver, able to unify diverse groups to develop solutions.
Commitment to professional development, with the ability to rapidly acquire deeper risk expertise as required.
If you are a seasoned Risk Manager ready for a new challenge within the Defence & Security sector, we encourage you to apply now and join our client's team