Director of Strategy and Corporate Affairs in Cheltenham

Location: Bootle, London, or Cheltenham, with hybrid working arrangements in place.

ONR's mission is to protect society by securing safe nuclear operations. The Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) is the UK's independent regulator for nuclear safety, security, safeguards, and conventional health and safety across 36 licensed nuclear sites. It ensures that the nuclear industry effectively controls hazards, maintains high standards, and continuously improves. ONR's work spans operating reactors, fuel cycle facilities, waste management, decommissioning, and new nuclear construction. It also regulates the transport of nuclear materials and oversees compliance with international safeguards. Transparency, accountability, and public confidence are central to ONR's regulatory approach.

As a key member of the ONR Senior Leadership Team (SLT), the role holder is responsible for a multi-site team of policy and communications professionals working closely with the ONR Board, to ensure the provision of effective policy advice and to influence internal stakeholders, government departments, other agencies and international regulatory bodies. They will also be responsible for driving forward our long-term organisational strategy, managing reputation, high quality external engagement with all stakeholders, brand development, media and crisis management and internal engagement and communications.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Attend and support the Board and its committees as required, ensuring good governance and strong strategic direction, which is informed by insight and knowledge of ONR's operating environment.
• Member of the SLT, supporting a one ONR culture which inspires all staff to be their best and deliver ONR's strategic objectives, role modelling ONR's values.
• Lead the drafting, consultation and delivery of ONR strategy updates as required.
• Lead the development of ONR's annual Corporate Plan with clear links to Strategy aims and objectives, clear priorities and measures for tracking progress and effectiveness.
• Work closely with the Chief Executive / Chief Nuclear Inspector to drive his agenda in order to maximise influence of the sector both nationally and internationally.
• Strategic lead for internal communications, media, crisis, and reputational management within ONR.
• Develop ONR's strategic communications and engagement approach, ensuring ONR is proactive, outward facing and collaborative.
• Lead on ONR's strategic policy communications, influence and translation with DWP, DESNZ, MOD and, as necessary, wider government departments.
• Accountable for effective delivery of policy advice and guidance, as well as delivery of statutory policy functions (including Freedom of Information, parliamentary questions etc).
• Lead ONR's international planning and strategy function ensuring well governed, targeted engagements that add value. Including oversight and maintenance of ONR's Strategic Framework for International Engagement (SFIE).

We are looking for an exceptional individual who has gained experience at a senior management level working within a similar role encompassing Strategy, Policy and engagement. Strong communication, integrity, and decision-making abilities are critical, as is a commitment to ONR's values: supportive, open-minded, fair, and accountable.

To apply, the Office for Nuclear Regulation welcomes applications for this opportunity from experienced professionals with the requisite experience at a senior management level. It is a very exciting time for the Office for Nuclear Regulation. If you would like to make a valuable contribution to the future of the organisation, we would like to hear from you.

To confidentially discuss the role in further detail or request additional information, please contact Laurence Wolahan or Wendi Wang at Hays Executive.

Closing Date: 22nd March 2026

First round of interviews: W/C 30th March 2026