Great British Energy - Nuclear
Head of Pre-Operations
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Originally named, Great British Nuclear, Great British Energy Nuclear is an arm’s length body of the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, dedicated to supporting the development and deployment of new nuclear technologies in Great Britain. We play a crucial role in advancing nuclear new build, ensuring the UK’s energy security and achieving net-zero carbon emissions. Great British Energy – Nuclear focuses on fostering innovation, facilitating investment, and coordinating efforts across the nuclear industry to build a resilient and sustainable energy future. Great British Energy – Nuclear’s first step was to start the technology selection process for Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) in 2023. SMRs can potentially be quicker to deploy and less expensive to build than traditional nuclear power plants because they are smaller, have factory-based modular manufacturing and more flexible deployment options. In June 2025, Great British Energy – Nuclear announced that Rolls-Royce SMR had been selected as the preferred bidder to build the UK’s first SMRs, following a technology selection process that began in 2023. Great British Energy – Nuclear is aiming to deliver fast, based on a supportive and collaborative culture which values equality and diversity and creates an inclusive workplace. We draw on deep nuclear expertise – our Executive Committee has over 100 years of nuclear experience at home and abroad. GBE-N will unlock billions of pounds of private and public investment from design to operation, helping to get sites ready for development, and working to grow manufacturing capacity and skills capability. Our activities will be driven by our values, which are: Trust – We prioritise safety, we act responsibly and with integrity. Collaboration – We work as a team; we value diversity and expertise. Challenge – We are curious and courageous in the way we think and act. Care – We are thoughtful, inclusive and respectful of others. Drive – We get things done and we make a difference. If you have a disability and would prefer to apply in a different format or would like us to make reasonable adjustments to enable you to apply or attend an interview, please contact us at recruitment@greatbritishnuclear.uk and we will talk to you about how we can assist. Role Responsibilities The role is a senior position leading a cross functional team on the development of the Operator Capability within Great British Energy Nuclear, specifying, reviewing and accepting the capability required to support project delivery and demonstrate client maturity at key stages of the project. The role will require leadership of cross functional teams alongside the requirement to demonstrate integration of pre-operations capability at key stages of the project lifecycle. The incumbent is responsible for integrating and implementing the pre-operations capability needed to enable the Wylfa project to successfully turnover to Wylfa plant control and ultimately the capability will lead to the safe operation of a fleet of Small Modular Reactors in the UK. This role therefore involves setting strategy and implementing and assuring (LOD1) end-to-end operational readiness, including capability planning, training frameworks, support to design reviews and safety cases, asset management strategies, digital infrastructure and procurements.
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The role will also require the role holder to build and embed a strong Nuclear Safety and Security Culture, setting and upholding internationally recognised standards and best practices
. The role holder has the significant task of developing the organisation to being ready for operating and maintaining the Wylfa Power Station from First Fuel Loa d.Key responsibilities include
:- Accountable for designing and implementing the Operational Capability Developmen t .Act as a client integrator of operational readiness into lifecycle decision-making, design assurance, and stage-gate progress ionDevelopment and implementation of the operational strategies for all lifecycle phases: commissioning, operations, maintenance, and decommission ingResponsible for ensuring that vendor design submissions meet operational feasibility, maintainability, and compliance with UK nuclear safety standa rdsDevelopment of staffing models, competency frameworks and robust pipelines in accordance with ONR guidance and nuclear baseline requireme ntsDevelopment of Training Organisation that can ensure that staff have the appropriate levels of knowledge and experience in support of safe reliable generation. This should include technical training strategy and plan, including an apprenticeship programme, operator training (including simulator training) training administration and maintenance of training recor ds.Responsible for ensuring that digital system requirements for plant configuration control, work management, and operational decision support safer reliable operat ionSupporting the development of site documentation, including operating instructions, maintenance procedures, and safety case inputs as examp lesAdvising on commissioning plans and readiness assessments to ensure safe transition to operational sta tusEngaging with cross-functional stakeholders including engineering, operations, regulatory affairs, and supply chain to ensure integrated deli verDevelop the operating principles, commissioning and maintenance programme strategies and pla ns.Lead the implementation and embedding of strong nuclear safety cultu re.Be the organisational interface with the World Association of Nuclear Operators (WAN O).Establishment of the Site Emergency Preparedness arrangeme ntsDevelopment and embedding of a strong nuclear safety culture and continuous performance improvement cultu re.Collaborate with the Corporate and IPT HR/L&D team to work with local schools, colleges and universities to increase awareness of the nuclear industry and inspire students to work towards entering the indust ry.Ability to work autonomously, take a broad view on information available, and make risk informed decisions in a fast-moving environme nt.Establish and maintain relevant strategic relationships that help facilitate the creation of Operator Capability for the DevCo. Including regulatory bod
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Qualifications & Exper
ience Essential Qualific ationsDegree-level education in Engineering, Nuclear Science, or a related technical discipline. For experienced candidates a recognised qualification with institute accreditation will be consi
dered. Desirable Qualifi cationsProject Management Certification (PRINCE2, APM, PMP) or equivalent qualification to support cross-functional coordination (prefe rable).Chartered engineer or equ ivalentPrevious experience as a Licensed or Duly Authorised Reactor Op
erator.
Essential E
xperience Demonstrable experience on a Commercial Nuclea r Utility,Proven Leadership experience in commissioning, operations, outage and maintenance of nuclear systems. This should include but not limited to project management, change management and project controls.Demonstrable experience in leading cross functional, high perform ing teams.Demonstrable experience in the organisational requirements needed to establish safe and reliable Nuclear Power Plant Operator.Leadership experience acting as an intelligent custom er/client.Experience of working within and continually developing a nuclear safe ty cultureExperience with UK nuclear regulatory frameworksExperience in standing up organisations and building systems, processes and g
overnance. Desirable ExperienceExperience in fleet deployment or operational planning within the energy or infrastruct ure sector.Participation in safety case development, including input to operating instructions and maintenance procedures.Exposure to asset management strategies and lifecycle planning for nuclear infr astructure.Experience with digital twin technologies, simulation platforms, or AI-driven operational s upport toolKnowledge of decommissioning beneficial.Application of Systematic Approach to Trai ning (SAT).Previous experience in nuclear new bui
ld projects
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