Risk Lead

Mace; Thousand Oaks (CA); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Mace is leading a high-profile rail project in California and seeking an experienced risk management leader to drive frameworks and performance across commissions.

The role requires senior expertise in risk tools, stakeholder engagement, and team mentorship, with a strong focus on sustainability and net zero transition within delivery. Hybrid work options may be discussed.

Qualifications

• Significant experience leading risk management frameworks on major construction programmes.
• Chartered membership (APM, RICS, CIOB, ICE, AACE, IRM, IEMA) or equivalent qualifications.
• Expert knowledge of risk tools, techniques, software, and planning/reporting systems.

Responsibilities

• Hold accountability for risk management performance with frameworks and strategies.
• Lead quantitative risk analysis and advise on contingency adequacy.
• Provide trusted client guidance and build professional relationships.
• Lead and mentor risk teams, supporting recruitment and career development.
• Ensure compliance with Mace Control Centre, client requirements and regulations.
• Champion sustainability and net zero carbon transition in delivery.

Skills

Risk management

Leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Sustainability

Education

Chartered membership or equivalent professional qualifications

Tools

Risk tools & planning systems

Job description

Mace combines construction expertise with consultancy to unlock potential in every person or project and redefine the boundaries of ambition. Our values shape the way we consult and define the people we want to join us on our journey.

The Project

The project is constructing a high-speed rail 800-mile rail network in California. Currently, 119 miles are under construction in the Central Valley, aiming for initial operation between 2030 and 2033, with total costs estimated between $88–$128 billion.

You'll Be Responsible For

• Hold accountability for risk management performance, designing and implementing effective frameworks and strategies across assigned commissions.
• Act as subject matter expert, leading quantitative risk analysis and advising on contingency adequacy within reporting cycles.
• Provide trusted guidance to clients, consultants, contractors, and project teams, building strong professional relationships.
• Lead and mentor high-performing risk teams, supporting recruitment, resourcing, and career development of junior colleagues.
• Ensure compliance with Mace Control Centre, client requirements, and prevailing legislation, driving innovation and service excellence.
• Champion sustainability and net zero carbon transition, proactively managing emissions and embedding responsible practices in delivery.

You’ll Need To Have

• Chartered membership (APM, RICS, CIOB, ICE, AACE, IRM, IEMA) or equivalent professional qualifications and development.
• Significant experience leading risk management frameworks and strategies on major construction programmes.
• Expert knowledge of risk tools, techniques, software, and advanced planning/reporting systems.
• Proven leadership of diverse teams, effective stakeholder engagement, and commitment to sustainability and net zero transition.

Note:

The estimated salary for this position is 150,000 - 230,000 USD. Starting salary may vary based on permissible, non-discriminatory factors such as experience, skills and qualifications.

Our Values

Safety first - Going home safe and well:

You will champion a safe, diverse and inclusive working environment, understanding the importance of wellbeing in your team and local health and safety rules or regulations of the work you’re involved with.

Client focus - Deliver on our promise:

You will lead on the cost management services including estimating, procurement and cost planning, owning the quality of deliverables, strategic outcomes and building long term relationships with your clients.

Integrity - Always do the right thing:

You will lead operations that are fiscally and ethically viable, influencing the achievement of business objectives that align with business and legislative compliance obligations.

Create opportunity - For our people to excel:

You will mentor, coach, and develop teams, demonstrating effective leadership to ensure excellence in delivery against plans, championing a continuous improvement culture throughout all activities.

Mace is an inclusive employer and welcomes interest from a diverse range of candidates.

We are also open to discussing part time, flexible, and hybrid working options if suitable with-in the role.