At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead nuclear regulation and strategy, shaping policy and overseeing a multidisciplinary team.
- Company: Join the Environment Agency, a key player in environmental protection and sustainable development.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, impactful work, and the chance to influence national energy resilience.
- Other info: Opportunity to shape critical areas of environmental regulation and support sustainable growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in nuclear safety and environmental regulation during a transformative period.
- Qualifications: Experience in nuclear sector or regulated industries, strong leadership and strategic judgement required.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 117800 € per year.
The Environment Agency plays a central role in protecting and enhancing the environment, working to create better places for people and wildlife while supporting sustainable development. Established in 1996, we regulate major industry, manage water resources and flood risk, protect land and biodiversity, and work with partners across government, business and communities to address the environmental challenges facing England. Regulation sits at the heart of our mission.
As a regulator of national significance, the Environment Agency safeguards people, communities and the environment while enabling sustainable economic growth. Nowhere is this responsibility more critical, complex or high‑profile than in nuclear and radioactive substances regulation. The Environment Agency is the independent environmental regulator for the nuclear industry in England, playing a vital role in protecting people and the environment while supporting the UK’s energy resilience, sustainable growth and net zero ambitions.
Working with partners including the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR), the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ), the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) and Great British Energy - Nuclear (GBE-N), we regulate the full lifecycle of nuclear activity - from new nuclear development and reactor operation to radioactive waste management and decommissioning.
As the UK nuclear sector undergoes significant expansion and reform, including through the Nuclear Regulatory Taskforce (NRTF) and wider Nuclear Regulation Review, the Environment Agency is helping to shape a more modern, proportionate and effective regulatory framework for the future.
We are now seeking to appoint two senior leaders to join our Chief Regulators Group as Deputy Director for Nuclear Regulation and Deputy Director for Nuclear and Radioactive Substances Regulation (RSR) Strategy. These are highly influential roles, operating at the forefront of a rapidly evolving sector and during a period of transformation and growth for both the nuclear industry and the Environment Agency, and the UK as a whole.
The Deputy Director for Nuclear and RSR Strategy will lead the strategic direction of the Environment Agency’s regulation of the nuclear sector and wider uses of radioactive substances, including healthcare, academia and industry. Reporting to the Chief Regulator and sitting on the Chief Regulators Group Leadership Team, you will shape policy, strategy, regulatory reform and technical leadership, ensuring regulation remains resilient, proportionate and future‑focused. You will lead a multidisciplinary team of around 30 specialists, manage significant programmes and resources, and work closely with senior stakeholders across government, industry, regulators and international partners.
The Deputy Director for Nuclear Regulation is a senior operational leadership role with direct national impact. You will lead the delivery of the Environment Agency’s nuclear regulatory programme, ensuring it is effective, proportionate and responsive to a changing landscape, while protecting people and the environment. Also reporting to the Chief Regulator and a member of the Chief Regulators Group Leadership Team, you will provide strategic and operational oversight of a large, specialist workforce of around 100 staff, with accountability for substantial budgets and performance.
Both roles operate at senior national level, requiring confident engagement with ministers, Parliament, industry leaders, regulators and the media. You will provide visible leadership, translate strategy into delivery, and ensure the Environment Agency’s nuclear and radioactive substances regulation supports sustainable growth, national resilience, energy security and public confidence.
Across both posts, we are looking for leaders with demonstrable experience of the nuclear sector, radioactive substances regulation, or other major hazard, safety‑critical or highly regulated industries. You will bring strong strategic judgement, the ability to lead complex organisations through change, and a calm, authoritative approach to decision making in high‑pressure environments. We are particularly interested in candidates who can lead confidently through a period of significant regulatory transformation, while demonstrating inclusive leadership, resilience and a strong sense of public service.
These appointments offer a rare opportunity to shape one of the most safety‑critical and strategically important areas of environmental regulation in England. By joining the Environment Agency at this level, you will play a vital role in protecting people and the environment while helping to enable a safe, secure and sustainable nuclear future.
Deputy Director, Nuclear Regulation (OBRZL) & Deputy Director, Nuclear & RSR Strategy (OBRZM) employer: Nuclearinst
The Environment Agency is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a collaborative and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee development and well-being. With a focus on meaningful impact, employees are empowered to lead significant regulatory transformations in the nuclear sector, supported by comprehensive training and growth opportunities. Located at the heart of environmental regulation in England, the agency offers a unique chance to contribute to sustainable development while ensuring public safety and environmental protection.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Director, Nuclear Regulation (OBRZL) & Deputy Director, Nuclear & RSR Strategy (OBRZM)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the nuclear sector, attend industry events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors that you didn’t even know existed.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the Environment Agency’s recent projects and initiatives. Show us that you’re not just interested in the role, but also passionate about our mission to protect the environment and support sustainable growth.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! We want to hear about your experiences leading teams through change or tackling complex challenges. Be ready to share specific examples that highlight your strategic judgement and decision-making skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team at the Environment Agency.
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Director, Nuclear Regulation (OBRZL) & Deputy Director, Nuclear & RSR Strategy (OBRZM)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Deputy Director roles. Highlight your experience in nuclear regulation and how it aligns with the Environment Agency's mission to protect people and the environment.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Both roles require strong leadership capabilities, so don’t hold back! Share examples of how you've successfully led teams through change, especially in high-pressure environments. We want to see your ability to inspire and guide others.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, clarity is key. Use straightforward language and get straight to the point. This will help us quickly understand your qualifications and how you can contribute to our goals.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for these exciting opportunities. Don’t miss out!
How to prepare for a job interview at Nuclearinst
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid understanding of the nuclear sector and radioactive substances regulation. Brush up on recent developments, key policies, and the Environment Agency's role in shaping the regulatory landscape. This will help you demonstrate your expertise and show that you're genuinely interested in the position.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Both roles require strong leadership abilities, so be prepared to discuss your experience in leading teams through change. Think of specific examples where you've successfully managed complex projects or navigated high-pressure situations. Highlight your inclusive leadership style and how it has positively impacted your team.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Since these positions involve working closely with various stakeholders, be ready to talk about your experience in engaging with government, industry leaders, and regulators. Share examples of how you've built relationships and collaborated effectively to achieve common goals, as this will be crucial for success in these roles.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
The ability to shape policy and strategy is key for these roles. Prepare to discuss your approach to strategic judgement and decision-making. Think about how you've led initiatives that required a forward-focused mindset and how you've adapted to changing environments while ensuring regulatory effectiveness.
