Programme manager (Nuclear New Build / SMR)

Head of Technical Delivery (Nuclear New Build / SMR) – Contract

This is an exciting and critical time for the UK nuclear sector. The successful applicant will support the delivery of a portfolio of new nuclear projects across the UK, including Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and other emerging nuclear technologies. The role will support activities that facilitate delivery at pace, ensuring strong governance, technical assurance, and effective engagement with government, regulators, and industry stakeholders.

Role Overview

The Head of Technical Delivery will report directly to the Technical Director. The role holder will be an international expert in nuclear technologies and will play a key role as an Intelligent Customer in specifying, procuring, and assuring a range of nuclear technologies and professional services. As well as strong technical expertise, the successful candidate must be a skilled communicator, able to interface with international technology vendors and stakeholders to develop appropriate technical and commercial relationships that lead to effective delivery outcomes, in support of the UK’s nuclear energy ambitions. The role will provide technical reports and assessments to senior leadership, as well as liaising with technical authorities across government, regulators, and other nuclear operators. The role holder will also be responsible for growing and leading a team, managing future direct reports, and establishing workstreams as required, working collaboratively across internal functions.

Key Responsibilities

The role will include, but is not limited to:

• Developing advice and technical input to UK Government across a wide range of topics in a timely and structured manner.
• Supporting enabling activities that identify, influence, and implement sustainable improvements across the nuclear landscape to support SMR deployment and wider nuclear technology delivery.
• Providing targeted delivery support and project assurance activities for the Integrated Project Delivery Team (IPT) delivering the first SMR programme.
• For the avoidance of doubt, this role does not sit within the SMR IPT.
• Supporting the mobilisation and launch of additional nuclear new build projects when directed by UK Government.

Accountabilities

• Work with multidisciplinary teams responsible for delivering work packages, assessing project proposals, and establishing projects capable of delivering multi-billion-pound programmes of work.
• Oversee the technical delivery of portfolios of work, ensuring delivery is on time, to budget, and to the required standard.
• Develop and implement resourcing plans for the delivery of technical workstreams.
• Manage contracts with external service providers required to deliver the technical programme of work.
• Support assurance activities to ensure delivery programmes adhere to established requirements and recognised industry best practice.
• Lead the alignment of technical delivery work scopes to wider business objectives.
• Provide mentorship and guidance to senior engineering, programme management, commercial, financial, and legal personnel.
• Collaborate with senior stakeholders across UK Government, DESNZ, Treasury, Cabinet Office, regulators, and industry to ensure alignment of objectives.
• Interface with international technology vendors where required.
• Drive the adoption of new tools and practices to improve cost, schedule, and quality of technical deliverables.
• Represent the organisation at public engagements and industry forums where required.
• Where authorised, act as a deputy to the Chief Technical Officer and hold delegated authority to act on their behalf.

Delivery Experience Required

• Planning and delivering successful consulting or advisory engagements with industry.
• Managing milestones and scope change to ensure successful completion of major programmes of work.
• Supporting independent governance and assurance activities for large complex projects.
• Producing and contributing to weekly, monthly, and quarterly management information reports.
• Assessing programme performance using standard portfolio/programme/project management methodologies.
• Building strategic and collaborative relationships with technical, commercial, financial, and governmental stakeholders at all levels (Board to Work Face).
• Defining and implementing delivery frameworks including people, processes, and tools.
• Working effectively with, or within, a PMO function.
• Supporting the development of business cases.
• Identifying and delivering technical work required to support large and complex procurements.
• Developing and implementing recruitment strategies and workforce plans.

Qualifications & Background

• Engineering Degree (or equivalent) in a relevant engineering or science discipline, with significant demonstrable experience.
• Chartered status is preferred but not essential.
• Significant relevant experience working within the nuclear sector or an equivalent high-hazard regulated industry.
• Proven track record of delivering technically complex and high-profile programmes.
• Demonstrable experience leading technical teams and developing team capability.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to articulate technical information clearly to a wide range of stakeholders, including senior government and industry leaders.