Risk Manager

WSP • Seattle, WA

5d • Onsite

About The Position

WSP is seeking a Risk Manager to join its Project Controls team in Seattle, WA. The Risk Manager serves as the risk management subject matter expert on assigned projects, programs, or portfolios and is accountable for risk management performance on those commissions. The role develops risk management frameworks and strategies, and plans and implements processes tailored to client needs and aligned with recognized best practices.

The position facilitates structured discussions and workshops to elicit assumptions, quantify uncertainty, and validate economic risk drivers with technical and project stakeholders. It develops and maintains risk registers and quantitative economic risk models, and conducts quantitative cost and schedule risk analysis using probabilistic and simulation-based methods. The role assesses economic drivers of risk and prepares assessments, forecasts, scenario analyses, and reports to support strategic decisions. It also advises project leadership on risk-adjusted contingency and schedule reserves, supports risk response planning, and provides training to junior risk managers and other staff.

The successful candidate demonstrates attention to detail while maintaining a broad perspective, sound organization and analytical skills, and the ability to manage multiple projects and challenging behaviors. The role requires diplomacy, effective working relationships, and independent judgment. Travel is required as needed; other duties may be assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Economics, Finance, or a relevant field.
• 7–10 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, such as AACE International, APM, IRM, Project Management Institute, and ISO 31000.
• Experience facilitating quantitative risk analysis workshops on cost and schedule.
• Experience conceptualizing and developing risk models using analytical methods.
• Working knowledge of cost risk analysis software such as @Risk, Acumen Risk, or Crystal Ball, and schedule risk analysis software such as OPC or Primavera Risk Analysis.
• Experience developing and managing diverse teams.
• Experience preparing risk reports and documentation.
• Proven track record of upholding workplace safety and ability to comply with WSP’s health, safety, drug/alcohol, and harassment policies.
• Responsible and ethical decision-making regarding company funds, resources, and conduct, and adherence to WSP’s Code of Conduct and related policies and procedures.
• Strong attention to detail while maintaining a big-picture perspective.
• Ability to manage challenging behaviors and maintain effective working relationships diplomatically while exercising independent judgment.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and multitasking skills, including the ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously.

Nice To Haves

• Engineering, Economics, or Project Controls Management background.
• Experience in multiple sectors, such as transportation, energy, or 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.
• 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 related to business development.
• Knowledge of planning tools such as P6 and MS Project.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the risk management subject matter expert on assigned projects, programs, or portfolios and be accountable for risk management performance.
• Develop effective risk management frameworks and strategies.
• Plan, design, and implement client-tailored risk management processes aligned with best practices.
• Facilitate workshops and structured discussions to elicit assumptions, quantify uncertainty, and validate economic risk drivers with technical and project stakeholders.
• Develop and maintain project and program risk registers with input from project and client team members.
• Develop and maintain quantitative economic risk models to evaluate probabilities and impacts of alternative project outcomes, including downside and upside scenarios.
• Conduct quantitative cost and schedule risk analysis (QCRA/QSRA) using probabilistic and simulation-based methods.
• Analyze economic project risk drivers, including market conditions, labor and commodity trends, productivity assumptions, and systemic risk factors.
• Prepare economic risk assessments, forecasts, and scenario analyses to support strategic decision-making by project managers, executives, and clients.
• Advise project leadership on risk-adjusted contingency and schedule reserve ranges based on quantitative economic analysis.
• Prepare project and program risk reports as required.
• Support project teams in developing and implementing 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.
• Perform other duties as assigned and travel as required.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Disability and life coverage.
• Retirement savings.
• Paid sick leave.
• Paid vacation or other personal time.
• Paid parental leave.
• Paid time off for bereavement, voting, and/or attendance at naturalization proceedings.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior