At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead nuclear safety development and assurance for high-hazard defence projects.
- Company: Join a leading consultancy in the nuclear and defence infrastructure sector.
- Benefits: Remote work flexibility, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Mentorship opportunities and a dynamic environment focused on continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on national safety while working on complex engineering challenges.
- Qualifications: Experience in safety case development and strong understanding of UK regulatory frameworks.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 € per year.
Location: Plymouth (Mainly remote, 1 day per week onsite)
IR35: Inside
Duration: 12 Month Contract (likely renewable)
Industry: Nuclear & Defence Infrastructure | Safety & Risk Consultancy
About the Role
We are seeking a Principal Safety & Risk Consultant to lead the development, assessment and assurance of nuclear safety across complex, high-hazard defence infrastructure programmes. In this senior technical role, you will act as both a subject matter expert and an Intelligent Customer, providing independent oversight, challenge and direction to ensure safety cases are robust, proportionate and fully aligned with UK regulatory expectations. You will operate across the full lifecycle of major projects—from early design through to construction and commissioning—ensuring that safety strategies, hazard analyses and supporting evidence are clear, coherent and defensible.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the development, review and assurance of nuclear safety cases and associated documentation
- Provide technical authority and independent challenge on safety arguments and hazard analyses
- Guide multidisciplinary teams in the development of robust safety strategies and risk reduction measures
- Ensure compliance with relevant UK regulatory frameworks, including ONR and DNSR expectations
- Support decision-making by providing clear, evidence-based safety advice to senior stakeholders
- Contribute to Intelligent Customer capability across safety and engineering functions
- Mentor and support the development of junior and mid-level consultants
- Drive continuous improvement in safety case development processes and assurance practices
About You
You will bring strong experience in safety case development and assurance within nuclear, defence or other high-hazard industries, and be confident operating at Senior or Principal level.
Essential skills and experience:
- Proven background in safety case development, assessment or assurance
- Strong understanding of hazard analysis and nuclear safety justification principles
- Knowledge of UK regulatory frameworks (ONR and/or DNSR)
- Experience working in complex, highly regulated engineering environments
- Ability to challenge constructively and influence senior stakeholders
- Strong communication skills with the ability to explain complex technical issues clearly
Desirable
- Experience in an assurance or Intelligent Customer role
- Chartered or professionally registered status (or working towards)
- Degree in a relevant science or engineering discipline
What You’ll Bring
A proactive, analytical mindset and the confidence to operate as a trusted technical authority, helping ensure that safety risks are reduced so far as is reasonably practicable while enabling successful delivery of critical national infrastructure.
Principal Safety & Risk Consultant employer: First Recruitment Group
As a Principal Safety & Risk Consultant with us, you'll join a forward-thinking team in Plymouth that values innovation and safety in the nuclear and defence sectors. We offer a flexible working environment with mainly remote options, competitive remuneration, and opportunities for professional growth through mentorship and continuous improvement initiatives. Our collaborative culture encourages you to challenge the status quo while ensuring compliance with UK regulatory standards, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and impactful work.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Safety & Risk Consultant
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the nuclear and defence sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and safety case development skills. We recommend practising common interview questions related to hazard analysis and UK regulatory frameworks. The more confident you are, the better you’ll perform!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your expertise! Create a portfolio of your previous work in safety case development and assurance. This can really set you apart from other candidates. We love seeing tangible evidence of your skills and experience!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always on the lookout for passionate individuals who can contribute to our mission in the nuclear and defence sectors.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Safety & Risk Consultant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Principal Safety & Risk Consultant role. Highlight your experience in safety case development and your understanding of UK regulatory frameworks. We want to see how your background aligns with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention specific projects or experiences that showcase your ability to lead safety strategies and challenge stakeholders effectively.
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:In your application, don’t shy away from showcasing your technical skills. Discuss your experience with hazard analyses and safety justification principles. We’re looking for someone who can confidently operate as a trusted technical authority!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you get all the updates directly from us. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at First Recruitment Group
✨Know Your Safety Cases
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of safety case development and assurance. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your past experience, especially in nuclear or high-hazard environments. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the concepts but have practical expertise.
✨Understand Regulatory Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with UK regulatory frameworks like ONR and DNSR. During the interview, demonstrate your understanding of how these regulations impact safety strategies and hazard analyses. This will highlight your ability to navigate complex compliance landscapes.
✨Prepare for Technical Challenges
Expect to face questions that challenge your technical authority. Prepare to explain how you would approach safety arguments and hazard analyses. Use clear, evidence-based reasoning to showcase your analytical mindset and problem-solving skills.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since strong communication is key in this role, practice explaining complex technical issues in simple terms. Think about how you can convey your ideas clearly to senior stakeholders, as this will be crucial in supporting decision-making processes.
