Risk & Assurance Manager

Risk and Assurance Manager – Construction Division

Location: Flexible (Manchester or London preferred)

Are you ready to shape and lead risk management within a large, complex construction business?

Wates Construction is seeking an experienced Risk and Assurance Manager to play a critical role in strengthening and embedding an effective, proportionate and forward‑looking risk management framework across the Construction division.

Operating in a highly regulated environment, with complex projects, supply chains and commercial arrangements, Wates Construction requires a clear, consistent and proactive approach to risk. This role offers a genuine opportunity to influence senior decision‑making, support sustainable growth and drive continuous improvement across the business.

Key responsibilities

As Risk and Assurance Manager – Construction, you will work closely with senior leaders and cross‑functional teams to deliver a strong, value‑adding risk and assurance function. Key responsibilities include:

• Developing, implementing and maintaining a comprehensive Construction risk management framework, aligned to Group risk standards and governance requirements.
• Leading the identification, assessment and management of strategic, operational, project and commercial risks across the Construction division.
• Establishing and overseeing risk governance processes, including risk appetite, escalation routes, reporting and assurance activities.
• Producing clear, concise risk dashboards, reports and papers for senior leadership, Group Risk, Risk Committees and other governance forums.
• Maintaining and consolidating risk registers, ensuring project‑level and functional risks are captured, reviewed and aligned to divisional priorities.
• Partnering with Finance, Commercial and Operational teams to embed effective risk and assurance practices into decision‑making and delivery.
• Supporting board and forum governance through the design and ongoing improvement of governance frameworks, agendas and documentation.
• Driving engagement and awareness to promote a strong risk culture across the Construction division.
• Capturing lessons learned and best practice to continuously improve risk methodologies, tools and reporting.

Skills, experience and qualifications

Essential

• Proven experience in a risk management, assurance or governance role within a complex organisation.
• Strong understanding of enterprise risk management frameworks, governance and internal controls.
• Ability to analyse complex information, assess risk exposure and develop practical mitigation strategies.
• Experience producing high‑quality risk reporting and insight for senior stakeholders and committees.
• Strong stakeholder management skills, with the confidence to influence and provide constructive challenge.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Desirable

• Experience within construction, infrastructure, engineering or a similarly regulated environment.
• Exposure to project‑based risk, commercial risk or operational assurance.
• Experience working within a matrix or multi‑division organisation.

What we offer

• A key role within a major UK construction business, with real scope to influence and add value.
• Opportunities to work closely with senior leaders and Group functions.
• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
• Clear opportunities for career development and progression within Wates.

Additional information

Due to the nature of this role, a Basic Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check will be required at offer stage. Applications from individuals with criminal records will be assessed fairly and on an individual basis, and we do not discriminate on this ground. Some roles may also be subject to additional pre‑employment checks.

Further information is available via National Security Vetting.

A member of the Talent Team will be in touch to discuss the role and next steps.