A growing shortage of Risk Professionals with a genuine QRA/QSRA experience
The UK infrastructure sector has a growing shortage of Risk Professionals with genuine QRA/QSRA experience.
As the scale and complexity of major infrastructure programmes continues to increase, the demand for experienced Risk Professionals is growing rapidly.
But finding people with hands-on QRA/ QSRA experience, who understand how to apply quantitative risk analysis within complex infrastructure environments, is becoming increasingly challenging.
We’re seeing particular demand for professionals who can combine:
🔹 Qualitative & Quantitative Risk Analysis
🔹 QRA / QSRA
🔹 Risk modelling & Monte Carlo analysis
🔹 Cost & schedule risk
🔹 Risk registers and mitigation strategies
🔹 Integration of risk with project controls
🔹 Major infrastructure / capital programmes
🔹 Stakeholder and client-facing risk management
The challenge isn’t simply finding someone with “Risk” on their CV.
It’s finding professionals who have actually delivered QRA/QSRA on major programmes and can translate the analysis into meaningful commercial and project decisions.
At Infraspec, we specialise in Project Controls, Planning and Risk recruitment, and have been operating within this sector for over 25 years.
We regularly place Risk Professionals across the UK infrastructure and major projects market, from Risk Engineers and Risk Analysts through to Risk Managers and Heads of Risk.
If you’re a business struggling to find experienced QRA/QSRA professionals—or a Risk Professional considering your next move—we’d be interested in speaking with you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What salary and contract rates can Risk Professionals earn in the UK infrastructure sector?
Salaries vary significantly depending on experience and whether candidates have hands-on quantitative risk analysis expertise. Below is a guide that we have calculated from the candidates that we qualify for opportunities.
Typical permanent salary ranges we see include:
- Risk Analyst: £40,000 – £60,000
- Senior Risk Analyst: £55,000 – £75,000+
- Risk Manager: £70,000 – £100,000+
- Senior Risk Manager / Head of Risk: £90,000 – £130,000+
Contract opportunities can typically range from:
- Risk Analyst: £350 – £450 per day
- Senior Risk Analyst: £450 – £550 per day
- Risk Manager: £550 – £800+ per day
- Programme or Portfolio Risk Lead: £800 – £1,500+ per day
These ranges vary by sector, project size, location and the level of QRA/ QCRA/ QCRA expertise required, and the majority of opportunities are inside of IR35 scope.
What is the difference between QRA, QSRA and QCRA?
QRA (Quantitative Risk Analysis) is the overall discipline of quantifying project risk. QSRA (Quantitative Schedule Risk Analysis) focuses on the impact of risk on project completion dates within the schedule, while QCRA (Quantitative Cost Risk Analysis) assesses the impact of risk on project costs and contingency requirements. At Infraspec we typically see the strongest market demand for professionals with hands-on QSRA and Monte Carlo modelling experience, particularly across major infrastructure, energy, defence and nuclear programmes.
Do I need QRA or QSRA experience to work in Risk Management?
Not necessarily.
Many organisations are willing to develop Risk Analysts and Risk Consultants who already possess strong qualitative risk management skills and an understanding of infrastructure & engineering projects.
Professionals with experience in:
- Risk registers
- Facilitation workshops
- Risk reporting
- Broader knowledge of Project controls
- Broader understanding of the link to Planning and scheduling
can often transition into more quantitative QRA and QSRA roles with appropriate mentoring and training.
How can I develop QRA and QSRA skills?
Many Risk Professionals begin by supporting quantitative risk exercises alongside experienced practitioners before progressing to undertake analysis themselves.
Developing experience in:
- Monte Carlo analysis
- Primavera Risk Analysis
- Schedule risk modelling
- Cost risk modelling
- Broader knowledge in project controls
can significantly improve career prospects within the infrastructure and engineering sectors.
At Infraspec, we regularly work with clients who are willing to develop capable Risk Analysts and Risk Consultants into more specialist QRA, QSRA and QCRA positions.
Are Risk Professionals currently in demand?
Yes.
As major infrastructure, energy, nuclear, water, transportation and defence programmes continue to expand, organisations are increasingly seeking professionals who can combine traditional risk management with quantitative risk analysis and project controls expertise.
Looking for a career change?
Check out our current risk opportunities here – Job Listings
Learn more about our Risk Management Recruitment services.