Senior Risk Manager

Ascent Flight Training; Bristol; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Ascent Flight Training is seeking a Senior Risk Manager to lead the development of risk management frameworks for military flight training operations. The role requires strategic insight and collaboration with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance and safety. The company offers a dynamic environment and competitive benefits.

Benefits

Competitive salary

25 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Private AXA healthcare

Pension plan (up to 6% matched)

Life assurance (up to 3 times annual salary)

Flexible benefits including holiday purchase/sale

Enhanced maternity and paternity leave

Employee Assistance Programme

Annual salary reviews

Mental health support

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years' experience in risk management.
• At least 3 years in aviation, defense, or safety-critical industries.

Responsibilities

• Develop & maintain a comprehensive enterprise risk management strategy.
• Conduct regular risk audits, assessments, and incident investigations.
• Prepare risk reports and present findings to senior leadership.

Skills

Communication

Leadership

Analytical skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in risk management

Qualification from the Institute of Risk Management

Job description

The Vacancy

A little bit about us

Ascent Flight Training is an established, fast-growing aerospace and training company operating across the UK. We deliver flying training services to the UK Government and industry partners.

We seek innovative, adaptable, and proactive individuals to help us achieve our passion for training, enabling our customers to realize their potential and fulfill their missions.

We offer a flexible, dynamic, and diverse working environment within our Training Support Hub and on operational sites. Your expertise and fresh ideas will be valued in our team.

At Ascent, our values are rooted in respect—for our employees, partners, and customers. We champion diversity and inclusion, embracing different perspectives to foster creativity and business growth. We are committed to equal opportunities and are a Disability Confident Committed Employer, actively supporting inclusivity for all, including those with disabilities. We encourage applications from all qualified candidates and provide workplace schemes such as Apprenticeships, Work Experience, and Job Shadowing, including for individuals with disabilities.

A day in the life of an Ascent Senior Risk Manager

As the Senior Risk Manager, you will lead the development and implementation of our risk management framework to support safe, efficient, and compliant military flight training operations. Reporting to the Head of Quality and CI, you will ensure proper identification, assessment, and mitigation of risks across operational, safety, financial, and regulatory domains. This role requires strategic insight, technical expertise, and collaboration with cross-functional teams in a high-stakes environment.

Key Responsibilities include:

1. Develop & maintain a comprehensive enterprise risk management strategy aligned with industry standards (e.g., ISO 31000), CAA, or equivalent MAA regulations.
2. Support the identification and assessment of risks in flight training operations, including safety hazards, equipment reliability, human factors, and environmental impacts.
3. Support risk owners in implementing risk mitigation plans, including controls, contingency measures, and emergency response protocols.
4. Conduct regular risk audits, assessments, and incident investigations, ensuring root cause analysis and corrective actions.
5. Collaborate with training, operations, and engineering teams to embed risk management into daily processes and decision-making.
6. Monitor regulatory compliance with military and civil aviation authorities, ensuring adherence to standards and reporting requirements.
7. Provide risk management training and guidance to staff, fostering a proactive risk-based culture aligned with business objectives.
8. Prepare risk reports and present findings to senior leadership and external stakeholders, including customers and shareholders.

What will make you successful?

• Bachelor's degree in risk management, aviation safety, engineering, or a related field.
• Qualification from the Institute of Risk Management (IRM) or APM equivalent (Desirable).
• Minimum of 5 years' experience in risk management, with at least 3 years in aviation, defense, or safety-critical industries.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills to influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Exceptional analytical skills, with the ability to interpret complex data and make evidence-based decisions.
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and collaboratively to achieve business objectives.
• Understanding of military flight training operations, including simulators, live flying, and ground-based training.

What can we offer you in return?

• Competitive salary
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays, with additional days based on service
• Private AXA healthcare for you and your family
• Pension plan (up to 6% matched)
• Life assurance (up to 3 times annual salary)
• Flexible benefits including holiday purchase/sale, BUPA dental, cycle2work scheme, retail discounts
• Enhanced maternity and paternity leave and pay
• Enhanced sick pay based on service length
• Employee Assistance Programme (24/7 legal and wellbeing support)
• Annual salary reviews and personalized learning and development plans
• Mental health support and subscription to the Unmind platform for employee and a plus one
• Free eye tests for DSE users and support for corrective glasses

The Company

The company has experienced unprecedented growth, supporting a large workforce and clients nationwide.