Technical Governance Manager in Cheshire, Warrington

Great British Energy - Nuclear is an arm’s length body of the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, dedicated to supporting the development and deployment of new nuclear technologies in Great Britain. We play a crucial role in advancing nuclear new build, ensuring the UK’s energy security, and achieving net-zero carbon emissions. Great British Energy - Nuclear focuses on fostering innovation, facilitating investment, and coordinating efforts across the nuclear industry to build a resilient and sustainable energy future.

Great British Energy - Nuclear’s first step was to start the technology selection process for Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) in 2023. SMRs can potentially be quicker to deploy and less expensive to build than traditional nuclear power plants because they are smaller, have factory-based modular manufacturing, and more flexible deployment options. In June 2025, Great British Energy - Nuclear announced that Rolls-Royce SMR had been selected as the preferred bidder to build the UK’s first SMRs, following a technology selection process that began in 2023.

Great British Energy - Nuclear is aiming to deliver fast, based on a supportive and collaborative culture which values equality and diversity and creates an inclusive workplace. We draw on deep nuclear expertise – our Executive Committee has over 100 years of nuclear experience at home and abroad. GBN-E will unlock billions of pounds of private and public investment from design to operation, helping to get sites ready for development, and working to grow manufacturing capacity and skills capability.

If you have a disability and would prefer to apply in a different format or would like us to make reasonable adjustments to enable you to apply or attend an interview, please contact us at recruitment@greatbritishnuclear.file.

This is a hybrid role, combining remote working with office- and site-based activities. Occasional attendance will be required for site visits, design reviews, and client meetings, primarily within the Northwest England region.

In this role, you will provide technical governance and process ownership for the Technical Directorate, working in the Design Management Team. This role will also support and mentor junior team members and proactively challenge design solutions to deliver robust and value-led outcomes.

• Defining and implementing a technical governance framework for a First-of-a-Kind (FOAK) nuclear new build project.
• Assuring the end-to-end design process, ensuring that design teams are using the processes as intended, capturing OpEx from process application and developing process improvements.
• Work closely with the Digital team to develop digital tools to achieve enhanced processes.
• Review the current trends in digital safety case and develop a strategy for the increased use of digital tools to support the Safety, Security, Safeguards and Environment (SSSE) Case within GBE-N.
• Play a key role in design reviews, ensuring alignment with process objectives.
• Work closely with project management, engineering, safety and digital teams to ensure seamless integration of design activities across all projects.
• Support initiatives to improve design quality, reduce costs, and shorten project timelines.
• Work collaboratively with safety case, reactor physics, mechanical, piping, I&C, civil/layout, commissioning, operations, quality, procurement, and project controls teams to deliver integrated outcomes.

Experience in nuclear or another highly regulated industry, with substantial time in system design, equipment engineering, design authority, safety case, commissioning, or plant engineering is essential. Capability to assess the impact of design changes across safety, layout, manufacture, commissioning, and operations is required. Experience with safety case production, engineering substantiation and nuclear licensing is also necessary. A strong understanding of nuclear safety culture, conservative decision-making, and leadership is important. Familiarity with design reviews and the ability to challenge assumptions and resolve complex engineering issues is expected. Planning, prioritisation, and the ability to operate in a matrix project environment are crucial, along with coaching and mentoring capabilities.