Operations Team Leader in Thurso

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Fuel Cycle Area Operations Manager to lead and manage the FCA operations team. You will be responsible for workforce planning, resource allocation, capability development and operational support, ensuring the right people are in the right place to safely deliver operational and project objectives across the Fuel Cycle Area. NRS Dounreay is delivering one of the UK's most important nuclear decommissioning programmes, and effective operational resource management is critical to its success. The Fuel Cycle Area (FCA) is at the heart of these activities, requiring strong leadership to ensure the right people, skills and resources are in place to safely deliver operational and project commitments.

As Operations Team Leader, you will lead the FCA operations team, overseeing workforce planning, capability development and resource allocation across a complex and dynamic operational environment. This is a fantastic opportunity to influence operational performance, develop teams and play a key role in supporting Dounreay's mission. Are you ready to lead a team that helps deliver work of national importance?

What You'll Be Doing

• Be responsible for balancing workloads and capabilities across the team to meet operational, safety, compliance, and project delivery requirements.
• Be responsible for allocating personnel and resources across the FCA in response to resource requests, project plans, directorate priorities, and emergent work.
• Provide resource to support the maintenance and estate teams and engineering in the day-to-day delivery of tasks and problem solving.
• Manage the training and development of the FCA operations team.
• Identify skills gaps and coordinate necessary training or upskilling activities thus ensuring that tasks are carried out by competent personnel in line with the requirements defined.
• Maintain awareness of output from work scope and hazard reviews, work scheduling and interactions to plan for resources required.

What You'll Bring

• HNC Science/Engineering or equivalent qualification plus relevant experience.
• Experience leading operational teams within a complex industrial, engineering, manufacturing, defence, energy or highly regulated environment.
• Strong resource planning and people management skills, with the ability to balance competing priorities and deploy resources effectively.
• A proven ability to develop teams, identify capability gaps and support workforce development through coaching, mentoring and training.
• Excellent organisational, communication and stakeholder management skills, with a strong commitment to safety, compliance and operational excellence.

Why Join Us?

This is an opportunity to take on a highly influential leadership role within a nationally significant programme. You'll work alongside experienced professionals, contribute to the successful delivery of critical operations, and help shape the future capability of the FCA workforce while developing your own career within a unique environment. In addition, you will be entitled to benefits such as; 13.5% employer pension contribution, 28 days annual leave + bank holiday, Company bonus scheme, Flexible working, Relocation assistance, Excellent flexible benefits & healthcare options.

Interviews are expected week commencing Monday 2026. Please note we may close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications. If you require any adjustments during the recruitment process, please contact: careers@dounreay.nrservices.uk

Some Reasons We Think You'll Love It Here

Please note: All successful candidates who do not already hold security clearance will need to provide proof of identity, eligibility to work in the UK, and employment/education history (typically covering the last 3–5 years) in line with NRS Baseline Security requirements. Some roles may also require full Security Clearance, which involves additional checks. For details, please refer to the Defence Business Services National Security Vetting (DBS NSV) guidance.