At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide strategic leadership and oversight for complex nuclear infrastructure programmes.
- Company: Join the UK’s leading civil national laboratory for nuclear fission.
- Benefits: Influence national energy security and contribute to innovative projects.
- Other info: Diverse perspectives are welcomed to help evolve a modern, inclusive organisation.
- Why this job: Shape governance in a high-impact organisation and tackle complex challenges.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing major projects in regulated industries and strong stakeholder management skills.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 100000 £ per year.
UKNNL is the UK’s lead civil national laboratory for nuclear fission, delivering nuclear science to benefit society.
The UK’s ‘nuclear revival’ is moving at pace and is critical in the national mission to secure energy security, net-zero goals, and national resilience. UKNNL are the government's lead civil laboratory for nuclear fission, providing the science, technology and world-leading laboratories to support the country’s civil nuclear programmes, to support growth of the UK nuclear sector and ensure they are delivered safely and cost-effectively. We are pivotal in innovation on advanced nuclear fuels, waste reduction, recycling and SMRs. Our societal impact goes well beyond energy and includes medical isotopes for healthcare, national security capabilities and industrial and scientific advancement.
UKNNL drives innovation in nuclear science, ensuring the UK has the capabilities it needs – whether in physical infrastructure, or in the skills and knowledge of the sector workforce – to create and deploy the technologies of the future. Working in partnership with universities, they champion the best new ideas and concepts, nurturing upcoming scientists and researchers. And alongside partners in industry, UKNNL helps keep existing nuclear reactors running successfully, supports a strong and effective UK supply chain and ensures new technologies have a chance to become commercially viable.
The Secretary of State for the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero is seeking to appoint a new Non-Executive Director for the UKNNL board.
This is a very exciting time to join the UKNNL Board as a NED and provide strategic leadership and risk oversight in one of the most complex and tightly regulated sectors. This newly created NED – Projects and Programmes role will strengthen Board-level oversight of delivery across UKNNL’s most strategically important and complex infrastructure investment programmes. This role will provide the opportunity to influence an organisation of national importance and purpose and strategic influence at the science-policy interface.
This role offers:
- The chance to shape governance in a highly regulated, high-impact organisation
- Exposure to complex strategic issues at the intersection of science, policy and delivery
- A platform to grow your non-executive portfolio and committee leadership experience
Accountabilities:
The role will also support the Board’s enhanced focus on delivery management more generally, promoting the extension of best practice in a proportionate and appropriate manner across UKNNL’s technical delivery. It will provide expert challenge, assurance and insight on whether UKNNL’s projects are being delivered safely, on time, to cost and to the required quality standards.
You will:
- Provide Board level scrutiny and challenge across UKNNL’s infrastructure programmes portfolio, including schedule, cost, scope, risk and delivery confidence.
- Promote application of professional and proportionate delivery management practice across UKNNL’s operations and technical delivery portfolio.
- Support the Board in maintaining a clear view of which projects are on track, at risk or distressed.
- Support the Board in maintaining a clear view of operations.
- Contribute fully to Board discussions on strategy and performance.
What We’re Looking For:
Essential and Desirable Criteria:
Alongside a sense of inquisitiveness, tenacity, freshness and new thinking to the Board, we’re looking for candidates with the following experience:
Essential criteria:
- Significant experience running relevant infrastructure programmes or major projects / and programmes (in the Nuclear, energy, defence, or similarly regulated industry)
- Excellent inter-personal skills and demonstrable capability to manage complex stakeholder relationships, with the ability to challenge and advise constructively whilst holding executives’ leaders to account against delivery targets.
- A focus on on-time, high-quality delivery for the customer.
Desirable criteria:
- Previous experience as a committee chair in a comparable organisation.
- Experience leading transformation programmes.
- Established networks in relevant nuclear sector.
You may already have some non-executive experience - or be looking for a first significant Board role where your expertise can translate into wider impact.
Join us:
We are particularly interested in candidates who bring new and diverse perspectives - helping UKNNL continue to evolve as a modern, inclusive and purpose-driven organisation. If you are motivated by public value, excited by complex governance challenges, and ready to contribute at Board level - we encourage you to apply.
To apply:
This post is regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments – the independent regulator of Public Appointments. For more information, please refer to the Commissioner’s website.
To apply complete the following two steps:
- Register your details on the Public Appointments Website: Public Appointments Website
- Submit your application via the Hays application portal: Hays Application Portal
You will need to provide:
- Supporting Statement - Which should address your motivation in applying and the essential criteria in the Person Specification and demonstrate evidence of your suitability for the role against these criteria. Maximum length: 2 sides of A4.
- Curriculum Vitae - Maximum length: 4 sides of A4.
Please note: your application will not be considered without you completing both the Hays and Public Appointments elements including the equality and political declaration sections.
To confidentially discuss the role in further detail or request a copy of the Candidate Brief, please contact Andrew Timlin or Wendi Wang at Hays Executive.
Campaign dates:
- Closing date: 15th June 2026
- First round of interviews: W/C 22nd June 2026
- UKNNL/DESNZ/UKGI interviews: W/C 29th June 2026
The above dates are subject to change.
Non-Executive Director - Projects and Programmes employer: HAYS-2
UKNNL is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to influence the future of nuclear science and energy security in the UK. With a strong commitment to innovation and societal impact, employees benefit from a collaborative work culture that values diverse perspectives and fosters professional growth through strategic leadership roles. Located at the heart of the UK's nuclear revival, UKNNL provides a platform for meaningful contributions to critical infrastructure and governance in a highly regulated sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Non-Executive Director - Projects and Programmes
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the nuclear sector and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of UKNNL and its projects. Show them you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate your passion for nuclear science and how you can contribute to their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you note to express your appreciation and reiterate your interest in the role. It keeps you fresh in their minds!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for a smoother process! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you’ll be part of a community that values innovation and collaboration in the nuclear field.
We think you need these skills to ace Non-Executive Director - Projects and Programmes
Some tips for your application 🫡
Get to Know the Role:Before you start writing, take a good look at the job description. Understand what UKNNL is all about and what they’re looking for in a Non-Executive Director. This will help you tailor your application to show how you fit the bill.
Craft a Compelling Supporting Statement:Your supporting statement is your chance to shine! Make sure it clearly addresses your motivation for applying and highlights how your experience meets the essential criteria. Keep it concise but impactful – remember, two sides of A4 is your limit!
Polish Your CV:Your CV should be a reflection of your best self. Focus on relevant experience, especially in infrastructure programmes or major projects. Keep it to four sides of A4 and make sure it’s easy to read – bullet points can be your best friend here!
Follow the Application Process:Don’t forget to complete both parts of the application process! Register on the Public Appointments Website and submit your application via the Hays portal. Missing any step could mean your application doesn’t get considered, so double-check everything before hitting send!
How to prepare for a job interview at HAYS-2
✨Know Your Nuclear Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends and challenges in the nuclear sector. Understand UKNNL's role in energy security and net-zero goals, as well as their projects and programmes. This knowledge will help you engage in meaningful discussions during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Non-Executive Director, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to provide strategic oversight. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led complex projects or programmes, especially in regulated industries like nuclear or energy.
✨Master Stakeholder Management
UKNNL values excellent inter-personal skills. Think of instances where you've managed complex stakeholder relationships and how you navigated challenges. Be ready to discuss how you can hold executives accountable while fostering collaboration.
✨Prepare for Governance Discussions
Familiarise yourself with governance best practices, especially in high-impact organisations. Be prepared to discuss how you would promote effective delivery management across UKNNL’s operations and contribute to Board-level strategy discussions.
