Head of Pre-Operations

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. GBE-N 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.

Our activities will be driven by our values, which are:

• Trust – We prioritise safety, we act responsibly and with integrity.
• Collaboration – We work as a team; we value diversity and expertise.
• Challenge – We are curious and courageous in the way we think and act.
• Care – We are thoughtful, inclusive and respectful of others.
• Drive – We get things done and we make a difference.

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 and we will talk to you about how we can assist.

Role Responsibilities

The role is a senior position leading a cross functional team on the development of the Operator Capability within Great British Energy Nuclear, specifying, reviewing and accepting the capability required to support project delivery and demonstrate client maturity at key stages of the project. The role will require leadership of cross functional teams alongside the requirement to demonstrate integration of pre-operations capability at key stages of the project lifecycle.

The incumbent is responsible for integrating and implementing the pre-operations capability needed to enable the Wylfa project to successfully turnover to Wylfa plant control and ultimately the capability will lead to the safe operation of a fleet of Small Modular Reactors in the UK. This role therefore involves setting strategy and implementing and assuring (LOD1) end-to-end operational readiness, including capability planning, training frameworks, support to design reviews and safety cases, asset management strategies, digital infrastructure and procurements.

The role will also require the role holder to build and embed a strong Nuclear Safety and Security Culture, setting and upholding internationally recognised standards and best practices. The role holder has the significant task of developing the organisation to being ready for operating and maintaining the Wylfa Power Station from First Fuel Load.

Key responsibilities include:

• Accountable for designing and implementing the Operational Capability Development.
• Act as a client integrator of operational readiness into lifecycle decision-making, design assurance, and stage-gate progression.
• Development and implementation of the operational strategies for all lifecycle phases: commissioning, operations, maintenance, and decommissioning.
• Responsible for ensuring that vendor design submissions meet operational feasibility, maintainability, and compliance with UK nuclear safety standards.
• Development of staffing models, competency frameworks and robust pipelines in accordance with ONR guidance and nuclear baseline requirements.
• Development of Training Organisation that can ensure that staff have the appropriate levels of knowledge and experience in support of safe reliable generation.
• Responsible for ensuring that digital system requirements for plant configuration control, work management, and operational decision support safer reliable operation.
• Supporting the development of site documentation, including operating instructions, maintenance procedures, and safety case inputs as examples.
• Advising on commissioning plans and readiness assessments to ensure safe transition to operational status.
• Engaging with cross-functional stakeholders including engineering, operations, regulatory affairs, and supply chain to ensure integrated delivery.
• Develop the operating principles, commissioning and maintenance programme strategies and plans.
• Lead the implementation and embedding of strong nuclear safety culture.
• Be the organisational interface with the World Association of Nuclear Operators (WANO).
• Establishment of the Site Emergency Preparedness arrangements.
• Development and embedding of a strong nuclear safety culture and continuous performance improvement culture.
• Collaborate with the Corporate and IPT HR/L&D team to work with local schools, colleges and universities to increase awareness of the nuclear industry and inspire students to work towards entering the industry.
• Ability to work autonomously, take a broad view on information available, and make risk informed decisions in a fast-moving environment.
• Establish and maintain relevant strategic relationships that help facilitate the creation of Operator Capability for the DevCo, including regulatory bodies.

Qualifications & Experience

Essential Qualifications

• Degree-level education in Engineering, Nuclear Science, or a related technical discipline. For experienced candidates a recognised qualification with institute accreditation will be considered.

Desirable Qualifications

• Project Management Certification (PRINCE2, APM, PMP) or equivalent qualification to support cross-functional coordination (preferable).
• Chartered engineer or equivalent.

Essential Experience

• Demonstrable experience on a Commercial Nuclear Utility.
• Proven Leadership experience in commissioning, operations, outage and maintenance of nuclear systems. This should include but not limited to project management, change management and project controls.
• Demonstrable experience in leading cross functional, high performing teams.
• Demonstrable experience in the organisational requirements needed to establish safe and reliable Nuclear Power Plant Operator.
• Leadership experience acting as an intelligent customer/client.
• Experience of working within and continually developing a nuclear safety culture.
• Experience with UK nuclear regulatory frameworks.
• Experience in standing up organisations and building systems, processes and governance.

Desirable Experience

• Experience in fleet deployment or operational planning within the energy or infrastructure sector.
• Participation in safety case development, including input to operating instructions and maintenance procedures.
• Exposure to asset management strategies and lifecycle planning for nuclear infrastructure.
• Experience with digital twin technologies, simulation platforms, or AI-driven operational support tool.
• Knowledge of decommissioning beneficial.
• Application of Systematic Approach to Training (SAT).
• Previous experience in nuclear new build projects.