Head of Project

Head of Project

Full-Time 70000 - 90000 ÂŁ / year (est.) No home office possible
Assystem

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead complex infrastructure projects and ensure regulatory compliance while driving team performance.
  • Company: Top independent nuclear engineering firm with over 60 years of experience.
  • Benefits: 25 days annual leave, career development opportunities, and a chance to make a real impact.
  • Other info: Opportunity for UK nationals to contribute to innovative solutions in a diverse environment.
  • Why this job: Join a dynamic team and work on nationally significant projects in energy and defence.
  • Qualifications: Experience in regulated environments and strong leadership skills required.

The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 ÂŁ per year.

Today, Assystem is among the top three independent nuclear engineering firms worldwide. With over 60 years of experience in highly regulated sectors, the group supports public and industrial stakeholders in the execution of complex and strategic infrastructure projects, subject to high safety and security requirements. Assystem mobilizes 8,000 experts in 13 countries and intervenes across the entire project lifecycle, in engineering, project management and digital solutions.

As Head of Project, you will act as the single point of accountability for project outcomes—leading a partner‑led delivery organisation while ensuring regulatory integrity, strategic alignment, and performance excellence. You will build and lead a high‑performing, cross‑functional client team, driving integrated decision‑making and delivering long‑term value in a highly regulated environment.

Your missions

  • Define clear governance frameworks, escalation routes, and decision‑making structures
  • Hold delivery partners accountable for cost, schedule, and performance outcomes
  • Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements (e.g. ONR, EA) and site licence conditions
  • Manage business case integrity, change control, and scope governance
  • Own project performance data, reporting accuracy, and governance forums
  • Collaborate with Programme Delivery Manager on partner selection and task orders
  • Drive Safety, Quality & Compliance
  • Lead multi‑tier assurance across delivery partners, client teams, and regulators
  • Ensure adherence to design, construction, quality, and HSE standards
  • Monitor contractor performance via KPIs, audits, and milestone tracking
  • Oversee accurate monthly reporting of cost, risk, and schedule
  • Actively manage project risks in line with ALARP principles
  • Empower Delivery & Build Capability
  • Build and lead a high‑performing, intelligent client team
  • Foster collaboration across partners and remove barriers to delivery
  • Ensure effective application of Rolls‑Royce standards and policies
  • Align infrastructure delivery with programme milestones and priorities
  • Promote innovation, continuous improvement, and cross‑project collaboration

Qualifications

  • Proven experience delivering complex infrastructure projects in regulated environments (e.g. nuclear, defence, energy, or high‑tech manufacturing)
  • Strong knowledge of NEC4 contracts (PSC/ECC) and tools such as CEMAR
  • Demonstrated ability to lead cross‑functional teams and partner ecosystems
  • Deep understanding of governance, assurance, and project controls
  • Exceptional stakeholder management and influencing skills

Additional Information

  • Work on nationally significant, technically complex projects
  • Strong career development and succession improvement opportunities
  • 25 days annual leave (buy and sell leave scheme)
  • Opportunity to make a real impact in energy, defence and infrastructure

Security clearance

This role requires the successful candidate to hold a minimum of a Security Check (SC) clearance without any caveats to that clearance. Due to the nature of work this role will be delivering and for the protection of certain assets, the successful candidate has to be a UK national or in MoD approved cases a Dual National from a non‑ITAR country.

We are committed to equal treatment of candidates and promote, as well foster all forms of diversity within our company. We believe that bringing together people with different backgrounds and perspectives is essential for creating innovative and impactful solutions. Skills, talent, and our people’s ability to dare are the only things that matter! Bring your unique contributions and help us shape the future.

Head of Project employer: Assystem

Assystem is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises safety, quality, and compliance in the highly regulated nuclear engineering sector. With over 60 years of experience, employees benefit from strong career development opportunities, a collaborative environment, and the chance to work on nationally significant projects that make a real impact in energy, defence, and infrastructure. The company values diversity and innovation, ensuring that every team member's unique contributions are recognised and celebrated.
Assystem

Contact Detail:

Assystem Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Project

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals on LinkedIn or at events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that Head of Project role.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. We want to see you shine, so understand Assystem's values and how your experience aligns with their mission in the nuclear engineering sector.

✨Tip Number 3

Showcase your leadership skills! When discussing your past projects, highlight how you’ve built and led high-performing teams. We’re looking for someone who can drive collaboration and deliver results in a regulated environment.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. We’re excited to see how you can contribute to our innovative projects and make a real impact.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Project

Project Management
Regulatory Compliance
Stakeholder Management
Cross-Functional Team Leadership
Governance Frameworks
NEC4 Contracts Knowledge
Performance Monitoring
Risk Management
Change Control
Quality Assurance
Cost Management
Communication Skills
Collaboration
Continuous Improvement

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Head of Project role. Highlight your experience in delivering complex infrastructure projects, especially in regulated environments like nuclear or defence. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!

Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a Head of Project, you'll be leading cross-functional teams. Use your application to demonstrate your ability to build and lead high-performing teams. Share specific examples of how you've empowered others and driven collaboration in past roles.

Emphasise Compliance and Governance Knowledge: Since this role involves ensuring regulatory integrity, make sure to highlight your understanding of governance frameworks and compliance standards. We’re looking for someone who can navigate the complexities of project controls and assurance seamlessly.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details directly and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at Assystem!

How to prepare for a job interview at Assystem

✨Know Your Project Management Frameworks

Familiarise yourself with governance frameworks and decision-making structures relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss how you've implemented these in past projects, especially in regulated environments like nuclear or defence.

✨Demonstrate Stakeholder Management Skills

Prepare examples that showcase your exceptional stakeholder management and influencing skills. Think about times when you successfully navigated complex relationships to achieve project goals, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.

✨Showcase Your Compliance Knowledge

Brush up on regulatory requirements such as ONR and EA. Be prepared to explain how you've ensured compliance in previous roles, as this is crucial for the Head of Project position.

✨Highlight Your Leadership Experience

Be ready to discuss your experience in leading cross-functional teams. Share specific instances where you empowered your team and fostered collaboration, as this aligns perfectly with the expectations for building a high-performing client team.

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