Nuclear Island Engineering & Delivery Programme Director

Sizewell C’s business is to design, finance, construct, commission, operate, maintain and eventually decommission the nuclear power plant and related infrastructure in Suffolk. While the Company is in the construction phase, the Board’s principal focus is on the development and construction of Sizewell C on time, on budget and to the highest quality and safety standards. The Company is maturing to meet all these requirements. Sizewell C is economically regulated by OFGEM under the RAB model, similar to other UK electricity distribution networks and Thames Tideway.

Following financial completion and revenue commencement, Sizewell C is fully funded and is owned by the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, La Caisse, Centrica, EDF and Amber Infrastructure.

Salary & Benefits

• Salary: c.£180,000 (dependent on experience)
• Benefits Package:

• Executive bonus scheme and car allowance
• Family private medical insurance
• 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Contributory pension (up to 7.5% employee / 15% employer)

Role

Lead one of the most significant nuclear programmes in Europe. Sizewell C is building a new nuclear power station on the Suffolk coast that will provide low‑carbon electricity to around six million homes for at least 60 years. The Nuclear Island Programme Director will take full accountability for the end‑to‑end delivery of the Nuclear Island for both Sizewell C units, a career‑defining leadership role responsible for a capital programme in excess of £10 bn.

What you will be accountable for

• End‑to‑end delivery of the Nuclear Island programme within agreed scope, safety, quality, time and cost baselines
• Defining and maintaining a clear Programme Execution Document, setting out how the programme is organised, governed and delivered
• Building and leading a capable programme team with clear roles, accountabilities and performance expectations
• Driving safe, on‑time and on‑budget delivery across all Engineering, Procurement, Construction and Commissioning activities
• Proactive management of risk, issues, change, cost and schedule, with clear escalation where required
• Ownership of integrated programme schedules aligned to overall project Level 1 and Level 2 plans
• Effective interface management with other Sizewell C programmes to ensure coherent, integrated delivery
• Strong, constructive relationships with key suppliers and alliance partners to enable efficient and safe delivery
• Regular, clear reporting to senior stakeholders on progress, risks and performance

Nuclear safety

This role holds formal nuclear safety accountabilities, with activities that can directly impact nuclear safety. Responsibilities are defined within the Nuclear Baseline and require a strong safety culture, sound judgement and disciplined execution at all times.

The environment you will be operating in

Sizewell C is being delivered with technical replication of Hinkley Point C, drawing on the established nuclear capability of EDF and a global supply chain. Key stakeholders include the UK Government and its departments, regulators, financial investors, major alliance partners and the local community. The programme operates under intense regulatory, public and investor scrutiny, demanding exceptional leadership, transparency and control.

What we are looking for

• Deep experience of nuclear new build projects and strong understanding of CDM Regulations
• Proven programme leadership across complex, regulated EPCC environments
• Strong grounding in recognised project and programme management methodologies (APM, MSP, PRINCE2 or equivalent)
• Demonstrable experience managing the full project lifecycle from concept through to handover
• Detailed understanding of quality management and assurance in nuclear or similarly regulated environments
• Strong command of cost, risk, schedule and change control, including Earned Value techniques
• Experience leading large, multi‑disciplinary teams and managing complex supply chains and contracts
• Credible technical understanding of Nuclear Steam Supply Systems and nuclear I&C systems
• Excellent influencing, communication and stakeholder management skills

Qualifications and experience

• Degree and chartered status in engineering, construction, physics or a related discipline
• Extensive experience managing contractors, consultants and advisors on major construction programmes
• Strong working knowledge of NEC and or FIDIC forms of contract
• A proven track record of operating successfully under regulatory, safety and public scrutiny

Why this role matters

This is not a delivery support role. It is one of the most senior and consequential positions in the Sizewell C organisation. The Nuclear Island Programme Director will shape how the heart of the power station is delivered, influencing outcomes that will matter for decades. If you are looking for a role with genuine scale, responsibility and national significance, this is a rare opportunity to lead at the highest level of UK infrastructure delivery.

Behavioural Competences

• Humility – recognise the value brought from different cultures and experiences; be open to others’ points of view and ideas, be willing to debate and to compromise
• Positivity – positively challenge poor quality and performance; identify solutions at the lowest possible level; encourage tier 1s and others to bring new ideas forward
• Respect – value the rules and environment in which we operate; give and receive feedback with respect; embrace and engage with new people and ideas
• Solidarity – one team, working closely together and helping each other; empowered teams always looking forward; shared responsibility for delivery of the project outcomes
• Clarity – communicate clearly and consistently; promote collaboration and team alignment; clearer and faster decision making; drive simplification at all levels