At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic planning and delivery for a major nuclear decommissioning programme.
- Company: Join a leading organisation in the nuclear sector with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive hourly rate, hybrid working, and opportunity to influence national projects.
- Other info: 12-month contract with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape the future of complex decommissioning challenges and work with industry experts.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in decommissioning, strong strategic planning, and project management skills.
The predicted salary is between 59 - 59 € per hour.
Are you an experienced decommissioning leader with a track record of shaping strategy on complex nuclear or highly regulated infrastructure programmes? We're supporting a major UK programme at UKAEA Culham that is entering a critical new phase of strategic planning and programme delivery - and we're looking for a Senior Decommissioning Manager to help drive it forward.
This is a high-impact role sitting at the heart of a nationally significant decommissioning programme, supporting senior leadership with strategic decision-making, delivery planning, commercial strategy, and long-term hazard reduction objectives. You'll play a key role in helping shape how one of the UK's most complex decommissioning challenges is approached over the coming years.
The Opportunity
The programme is transitioning from concept strategy into tranche-based delivery planning and optioneering, tackling major strategic questions around:
- Tokamak decommissioning strategy
- Asset repurposing
- ILW treatment and storage approaches
- Waste facility planning
- Commercial delivery models
- Long-term site and infrastructure decisions
Working closely with programme leadership and the Engineering Integration Manager, you'll provide expert insight, challenge assumptions, evaluate delivery strategies, and help ensure the programme remains commercially sound, regulatorily compliant, and strategically aligned.
What You'll Be Doing
- Reviewing and critiquing programme delivery strategies, risks, assumptions, and dependencies
- Supporting development of integrated decommissioning and commercial strategies
- Advising on delivery models, contract packaging, and procurement approaches
- Helping shape tranche-based programme plans and future decision points
- Providing expert guidance on complex strategic and technical challenges
- Supporting programme governance, escalation routes, and strategic artefacts
- Advising on compliance, CDM delivery, SHE culture, and industry best practice
- Bringing lessons learned from major decommissioning and infrastructure programmes
What We're Looking For
We're keen to speak with professionals who have:
- Extensive experience in large-scale decommissioning, nuclear, infrastructure, or complex engineering programmes
- Strong strategic planning and programme leadership capability
- Experience with delivery model assessments and Public Procurement Act considerations
- Knowledge of CDM regulations and regulated site delivery
- Strong commercial awareness and project financial management experience
- Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills
- A background in project management, engineering, construction, or programme leadership
Desirable:
- Nuclear decommissioning programme experience
- Procurement and contract management expertise
- Experience within UK regulated environments
Requirements
- Degree qualified in Engineering, Project Management, Construction Management, or similar experience
- Professional Project Management qualification (APM, PMP or equivalent)
Contract Details
- Location: Culham / Abingdon
- Hybrid: 2-3 days per week on site
- Rate: £56-61/hour (Inside IR35)
- Duration: 12 months+
- Start: Late June / ASAP
This is an outstanding opportunity to influence the future direction of a nationally important programme while working alongside some of the industry's leading specialists in decommissioning and programme strategy. Interested? Apply now or get in touch for a confidential discussion.
Senior Decommissioning Manager in Abingdon employer: Highfield Professional Solutions Ltd
As a Senior Decommissioning Manager at UKAEA in Culham, you will be part of a pioneering team dedicated to tackling one of the UK's most significant decommissioning challenges. The company fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture, offering hybrid working arrangements that promote work-life balance, alongside competitive pay and opportunities for professional growth within a nationally important programme. Join us to make a meaningful impact while working with industry leaders in a supportive environment that values your expertise and contributions.
Contact Detail:
Highfield Professional Solutions Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Decommissioning Manager in Abingdon
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the nuclear and decommissioning sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Familiarise yourself with their recent achievements and challenges in decommissioning. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your expertise! Bring examples of your past work in decommissioning or project management to the table. Use specific metrics or outcomes to demonstrate how you've successfully tackled similar challenges in the past.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our platform.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Decommissioning Manager in Abingdon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Decommissioning Manager role. Highlight your experience in decommissioning, strategic planning, and any relevant projects you've led. We want to see how your background aligns with the job description!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention specific experiences that relate to the key responsibilities and skills outlined in the job description. Let us know what excites you about this opportunity!
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, focus on your achievements rather than just listing duties. Use metrics or examples to demonstrate how you've successfully managed complex projects or improved processes in previous roles. We love seeing results!
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about StudySmarter and what we stand for!
How to prepare for a job interview at Highfield Professional Solutions Ltd
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of decommissioning strategies, especially in the nuclear sector. Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges and regulations mentioned in the job description, like CDM regulations and Public Procurement Act considerations. This will show that you're not just a fit for the role, but that you’re genuinely interested in the complexities of the programme.
✨Prepare Your Success Stories
Think of specific examples from your past experience that highlight your strategic planning and leadership skills. Be ready to discuss how you've tackled complex engineering programmes or shaped delivery models. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and make them impactful.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Since this role involves excellent stakeholder engagement, prepare to discuss how you've successfully communicated and collaborated with various stakeholders in previous roles. Think about how you can demonstrate your ability to build relationships and influence decision-making processes.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t shy away from asking questions that show your interest in the programme's future direction. Inquire about the current challenges they face in the transition to tranche-based delivery planning or how they measure success in their decommissioning strategies. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also your strategic mindset.
