Senior Risk Manager

WSP in the U.S.; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

WSP in the U.S. is seeking a Risk Management Expert in Houston, Texas. The role involves developing risk management frameworks and facilitating risk analysis workshops, while supporting project teams and advising on contingency measures.

Applicants should have at least 10 years of experience in risk management or related fields along with a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline. Familiarity with various risk analysis software and strong analytical skills are essential.

Qualifications

• 10 years of experience in risk management, construction management, project management, or contract management.
• Knowledge of risk management and project control standards and frameworks.
• Experience facilitating quantitative risk analysis workshops.

Responsibilities

• Act as the risk management subject matter expert on assigned projects.
• Develop and maintain project/program risk registers.
• Conduct quantitative cost and schedule risk analysis.

Skills

Risk management expertise

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Effective communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Economics, Finance, or relevant field

Tools

@Risk

Acumen Risk

Crystal Ball

OPC

Primavera Risk Analysis

Power BI

Job description

Responsibilities

• Act as the risk management subject matter expert on assigned project, program, or portfolio, being accountable for the risk management performance on assigned commissions.
• Develop an effective risk management framework/strategy.
• Plan, design, and implement risk management processes tailored to the client’s needs and aligned with best practice (e.g., AACE International, Project Management Institute, ISO 31000).
• Facilitate structured discussions and workshops to elicit assumptions, quantify uncertainty, and validate economic risk drivers with technical and project stakeholders.
• Develop and maintain project and/or program risk registers with input from project and client team members.
• Develop and maintain quantitative economic risk models to evaluate the probability and impact of alternative project outcomes, including downside and upside scenarios.
• Conduct quantitative cost and schedule risk analysis (QCRA/QSRA) using probabilistic and simulation‑based methods to evaluate forecast uncertainty and outcome distributions.
• Analyze economic drivers of project risk, including market conditions, labor and commodity trends, productivity assumptions, and systemic risk factors.
• Prepare economic risk assessments, forecasts, and scenario analyses to support project managers, executives, and clients in strategic decision‑making.
• Advise project leadership on risk‑adjusted contingency and schedule reserve ranges based on quantitative economic analysis.
• Prepare project and/or program risk reports as required.
• Support project teams in developing and implementing appropriate internal and external response plans for critical risks.
• Work with project teams to determine appropriate contingency and schedule reserve amounts.
• Provide training to junior risk managers and other staff as required.
• Maintain strong attention to detail while sustaining a big‑picture perspective.
• Manage challenging behaviors and maintain effective working relationships with diplomacy, independence, and consistent judgment.
• Demonstrate strong organizational, analytical, and multi‑tasking skills (e.g., ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously).
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Travel as required.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Economics, Finance, or a relevant field.
• 10 years of experience in risk management, construction management, project management, and/or contract or change management.
• Knowledge of general risk management and project control standards and frameworks (e.g., AACE International, APM, IRM, Project Management Institute, ISO 31000).
• Experience facilitating quantitative risk analysis (QRA) workshops on cost and schedule.
• Experience conceptualizing and developing risk models using analytical methods.
• Working knowledge of cost risk analysis software (e.g., @Risk, Acumen Risk, Crystal Ball) and schedule risk analysis software (e.g., OPC, Primavera Risk Analysis).
• Experience in developing and managing diverse teams.
• Experience preparing risk reports and documentation.
• Proven track record of upholding workplace safety and ability to abide by WSP’s health, safety, and drug/alcohol and harassment policies.
• Exercise responsible and ethical decision‑making regarding company funds, resources, and conduct, and adhere to WSP’s Code of Conduct and related policies.

Preferred Qualifications

• Engineering, Economics, or Project Controls Management background.
• Experience in multiple sectors (e.g., transportation, energy, aviation) and familiarity with project/program delivery processes.
• PMP, PMI‑RMP, or other certification.
• Experience effectively reporting and communicating risk analysis outcomes to a wider project team.
• Experience in Strategic and/or Enterprise Risk Management is a plus.
• Experience in FTA funded programs.
• Knowledge and understanding of federal, state, and local transportation administration regulations and policies.
• Practical knowledge of Power BI and other reporting suite tools.
• Commercial acumen in relation to business development.
• Knowledge of planning tools (e.g., P6, MS Project).

WSP USA (and all of its U.S. companies) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The selected candidate must be authorized to work in the United States.