Principal Safety & Risk Consultant in Devon, Exeter

A leading international engineering and technical consultancy is seeking an experienced Principal Safety & Risk Consultant to support major defence infrastructure and nuclear programmes in Devon. This is an excellent opportunity for a high-calibre safety professional to take a senior technical role within complex, highly regulated environments, contributing to nationally significant projects while influencing safety strategy, assurance and delivery.

The successful candidate will join a well-established Safety & Risk function supporting critical infrastructure programmes across the UK.

The Opportunity

Working at Principal level, you will provide leadership and technical oversight across nuclear safety activities throughout the project lifecycle, from design and construction through to commissioning and operational readiness. You will act as a technical authority and Intelligent Customer, ensuring that safety cases are robust, proportionate and compliant with relevant regulatory expectations. The role will involve close collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, clients and senior stakeholders to ensure safety risks are effectively identified, assessed and managed. Alongside project delivery responsibilities, you will also contribute to capability development, mentoring colleagues and supporting continuous improvement initiatives across the wider business.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and support the development and assurance of nuclear safety cases
• Provide Intelligent Customer oversight and technical challenge across complex programmes
• Ensure safety strategies and hazard analyses are clear, coherent and defensible
• Support projects through design, construction and commissioning phases
• Advise on compliance with UK nuclear regulatory frameworks and standards
• Engage with multidisciplinary teams and senior stakeholders to influence key decisions
• Ensure risks are reduced so far as reasonably practicable (SFAIRP/ALARP principles)
• Mentor and support the development of junior and mid-level consultants
• Contribute to continuous improvement of safety processes, methodologies and best practice

Candidate Profile

Applicants should possess strong experience in nuclear safety case development and assurance within defence, nuclear or other highly regulated industries. You will be technically credible, commercially aware and confident operating within complex stakeholder environments where safety and regulatory compliance are critical.

Key requirements include:

• Proven experience in Safety Case development and assurance
• Background within nuclear, defence or other high-hazard sectors
• Strong understanding of hazard analysis and safety justification methodologies
• Knowledge of UK regulatory frameworks including ONR and DNSR
• Ability to provide technical leadership and constructive challenge
• Experience operating at Senior or Principal Consultant level
• Intelligent Customer or assurance experience would be advantageous
• Degree-qualified in a relevant science or engineering discipline
• Professional registration desirable

Package

• Highly competitive salary
• 25 days holiday
• Buy and Sell holiday scheme
• Contributory pension
• Volunteer days
• Employee support line
• Opportunity to work on nationally important defence and nuclear programmes

Diversity & Inclusion

Our client is committed to building an inclusive and diverse workforce where different perspectives, backgrounds and experiences are valued. Applications are welcomed from all suitably qualified candidates.

Company information

At First Recruitment Group we understand just how important it is to secure the right people. That is why our Recruitment Consultants always take the time to understand requirements in detail and offer sound advice to both clients and candidates. We actively recruit at all levels and this is a superb opportunity for Safety and Risk Professionals looking for new employment. As part of putting people first, we strive to be an equal opportunities employer and we are always looking to increase the diversity of our workforce, working closely with our clients to ensure everyone is included.