Great British Nuclear | SMR Master Planning and Layout Lead

Great British Nuclear (GBN) is a new government arm’s length body supporting the delivery of Britain’s energy security and net zero, making sure that we can power Britain from Britain sustainably. It has been set up to turn nuclear ambition into reality.

GBN’s first step was to start the technology selection process for Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) in July 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.

GBN is aiming to deliver fast, based on a supportive and collaborative culture which values equality and diversity and creates an inclusive workplace. It draws on deep nuclear expertise – its Executive Committee has over 100 years of nuclear experience in this country and abroad. And it can 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.

Collaborative – 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 at recruitment@gbnuclear.gov.uk and we will talk to you about how we can assist.

Job Profile

The Master Planning and Layout Lead is responsible for the comprehensive site planning, layout design, and spatial organisation of the SMR Project. They will collaborate closely with engineering, safety, construction, and regulatory teams to deliver an integrated and compliant site layout that supports the successful deployment of the SMR project.

You will be part of the SMR Project Client Technical Team, reporting to the Engineering Lead.

You will form part of the establishment of a major programme. This will provide you with an opportunity to be part of a team that ensures successful delivery of a First of a Kind (FOAK) UK SMR Project. Whilst this is a fast-paced and exciting challenge, you will need to be comfortable with uncertainty, ambiguity and change.

Responsibilities

• Develop sitewide masterplan (based on Technology Partner plant design) for planning and consents, ensuring that all components of the facility, including reactors, support buildings, utilities, and transportation links, are efficiently and safely arranged.
• Develop sitewide strategies aligned to operational & maintenance requirements and aligned to planning and consents requirements
• Ensure the site layout strategy optimises land use, minimises environmental impact, and meets operational needs, while adhering to safety, security, safeguards, and environmental constraints, including guidance from the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) and Environment Agency (EA).
• Work closely with safety and regulatory teams to integrate safety zones, radiation protection measures, and emergency response routes into site layouts.
• Collaborate with internal teams including engineering, procurement, construction, and operations to ensure that the SMR site layout aligns with project requirements and operational efficiency.
• Engage with external stakeholders, including local authorities, utility providers, transport agencies, and environmental bodies, to ensure the SMR site plan accounts for utility connections, access routes, and environmental protections.
• Facilitate the integration of relevant design disciplines (i.e., civil, mechanical, electrical etc.) into the master plan, ensuring alignment with the overall SMR project objectives.
• Manage and update project schedules related to site planning and layout development, ensuring alignment with the overall SMR project timeline.
• Identify risks related to site design, such as land use conflicts, environmental sensitivities, or construction challenges, and develop mitigation strategies.
• Implement a robust risk management framework to ensure site layouts comply with safety and environmental regulations, cost considerations, and project timelines.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience required

• Experience in site master planning, layout design, or infrastructure planning, ideally within the nuclear, energy, or large-scale industrial sectors.
• Strong background in developing and managing complex site plans for regulated industries and/or large-scale infrastructure projects, with a proven track record of delivering integrated and compliant designs.
• In-depth understanding of UK nuclear regulations, safety standards, and licensing processes.
• Excellent problem-solving abilities, with a focus on identifying and mitigating risks in complex systems.
• Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to effectively interact with technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Ability to foster a collaborative and supportive environment, whilst developing team members’ skills and capabilities.
• To have the capability to embrace change and uncertainty and welcome the emergent aspect of the job.
• Ability to lead in a collaborative, multi-party environment at pace.
• Experience working within a startup or similar innovative environment, showcasing adaptability and comfort with uncertainty.
• Proven track record of leading by example, demonstrating integrity, professionalism, and ethical behaviour.

Qualifications

• Chartered Engineer.
• Degree in Civil Engineering, Urban Planning, Architecture, Nuclear Engineering, or a related field.