Operations Risk Specialist

Parsons•Centreville, VA

About The Position

Parsons is looking for a talented Operations Risk Specialist to join our growing team! In this role, you will collaborate, coordinate, identify, analyze, report, and mitigate risks associated with the full program scope of a large-scale, multi-billion-dollar complex infrastructure construction project. This individual will be responsible for supporting and maintaining a robust enterprise risk management framework and governance, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, promoting optimum supply chain operations, and upholding the highest standards of quality and safety. We are seeking passionate, skilled, and experienced professionals to join a major program and construction management team that is dedicated to supporting a large government customer in successfully delivering on a significant infrastructure project central to the United States’ border security programs. In our anticipated role, Parsons will provide Owner Agent Construction Management Services including Program Management, Construction Management, Risk Management, Scheduling, Cost Estimating, Progress Reporting, Construction Quality Assurance, Safety, and other supporting services to achieve program success. Note: US Citizenship is required for this position.

Requirements

US Citizenship is required
Must be able to obtain appropriate DHS suitability determination
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Project Management, or a related field
Minimum of 5 years of experience in risk management, compliance, supply chain, quality assurance, or safety within large-scale construction programs
Extensive experience in identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks and opportunities throughout various stages of the project lifecycle is crucial for operational project execution, with business plan management, earned value management, and forecasting
Proven track record in implementing a system / framework for risk management, preferably in program/project/portfolio management or a related field
Strong analytical skills for assessing complex data, identifying potential risks, and developing strategies to manage and mitigate them effectively
A strategic mindset for developing long-term risk management plans that align with the overall business strategy and objectives
The ability to think creatively and find innovative solutions to emerging risks
Experience in project execution and oversight, especially review / avoidance / and recovery of project issues
Proven track record in managing large-scale programs with significant complexity
Strong acumen of project, technical, and business financials
Adaptable and capable of adjusting strategies to address evolving challenges
Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence at all levels of the organization: Able to convey complex risk information to stakeholders at various levels, ensuring a clear understanding
Exceptional leadership skills with experience managing cross-functional teams in a matrixed environment: The role involves working closely with various departments, and internal/external stakeholders.
Ability to collaborate effectively as a partner (without authority or P&L responsibility) and build strong relationships across the organization
Ability to make informed and timely decisions and should be comfortable making tough decisions based on careful analysis and consideration of potential consequences
Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects with competing priorities and tight deadlines

Nice To Haves

Relevant certifications such as PMP (Project Management Professional), ISO 9001 Lead Auditor, or OSHA Safety Certification are highly desirable
Project Management Institute (PMI) Project Management Professional (PMP) certification, preferred
Project Management Institute (PMI) Risk Management Professional (RMP) certification, preferred
Project Management Expertise: Strong understanding of enterprise risk management frameworks, project management, and tools
Experience in managing large-scale, multi-billion-dollar construction programs
Proficiency in developing and maintaining Integrated Master Schedules (IMS) and risk-adjusted cost estimates, and earned value management (EVM)
Compliance Knowledge: In-depth knowledge of federal, state, and local regulations, including environmental and safety standards (e.g., OSHA, ISO 9001:2015, ISO 45001)
Knowledge of conducting compliance audits and reporting incidents
Supply Chain Management Knowledge: Expertise in supply chain optimization, procurement processes, and logistics management
Knowledge of identifying cost-saving opportunities and potential supply chain disruptions
Quality Assurance Knowledge: Strong background in quality management systems and construction QA processes
Knowledge of conducting inspections and ensuring adherence to design specifications and construction standards
Safety Management Knowledge: Strong background in safety management (e.g., OSHA, ISO 45001)
Knowledge of implementing safety plans and safety audits
Analytical and Communication Skills: Strong analytical skills to assess risks, develop mitigation strategies, and optimize program performance
Excellent communication and collaboration skills to work effectively with diverse stakeholders

Responsibilities

Establish and maintain the Program Risk & Opportunity Management Plan (ROMP)
Facilitate IPT-level risk workshops, pre-mortems, and risk-based planning reviews
Develop, moderate, and maintain a comprehensive living Risk & Opportunity Register to track risks, mitigation strategies, and outcomes, with linkages to cost/schedule impact tracking
Coordinate with Compliance, Quality, Safety, Engineering, Supply Chain, and Field teams to ensure operational risks are surfaced early
Capture and escalate cross-cutting risks to PMO and DHS stakeholders with mitigation accountability
Drive opportunity identification and implementation tracking for schedule accelerators, process improvements, or value adds (e.g., modularization, digital delivery, supplier innovation)
Integrate risk posture data into monthly performance reviews and DHS deliverables
Ensure Scalable and embedded, with regional and technical domain coverage to ensure accurate, forward-looking risk and opportunity management
Identify, analyze, and mitigate risks related to land acquisition, environmental compliance, permitting delays, utility relocation, supply chain disruptions, and construction cost escalation
Opportunity management must be embedded—not an afterthought—to drive innovation, optimize delivery, and identify value-adds across tech, logistics, and workforce
Tools and systems (e.g., ARM, Predict!, Risk Register in Primavera/Deltek/SharePoint) must be actively managed and integrated with scheduling, engineering, QA, Safety, Supply Chain, and cost functions
Facilitate communication and alignment among DHS, CBP, contractors, and other stakeholders to ensure unified execution of program objectives
Provide updates on risks, milestones, and program progress through dashboards, reports, and executive briefings