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- Tasks: Lead regulatory objectives and ensure effective delivery in the nuclear sector.
- Company: Join the Office for Nuclear Regulation, the UK's independent nuclear safety regulator.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive salary, and a chance to shape nuclear safety.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on nuclear safety and engage with key stakeholders.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in nuclear or regulatory industries and strong leadership skills.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity for strategic leaders to drive change in a vital sector.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
Location: Bootle, London, or Cheltenham, with hybrid working arrangements in place.
Our 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.
The Deputy Chief Nuclear Inspector (DCNI) is a senior executive role reporting directly to the Chief Executive/Chief Nuclear Inspector and deputising for him when required. The DCNI collaborates with the Director of Strategy and Corporate Affairs to engage with senior stakeholders domestically and internationally, supporting ONR's strategic goals. They contribute to strategy development, change management, and performance reporting, including the Annual Report and Accounts, the Chief Nuclear Inspector's report and Review of Regulation reports.
Responsibilities:
- Leading ONR's Regulatory Directorates, setting strategic regulatory objectives and ensuring effective delivery and enforcement.
- Oversight of ONR's regulatory approach, particularly in response to changes in the nuclear landscape.
- Undertaking resource planning, governance, risk management, and assurance across regulatory divisions.
- Act as line manager to the Directors of Regulation.
Requirements:
We are looking for an exceptional individual who has gained substantial experience in the UK nuclear, related or regulatory industries, strategic leadership, change management, and stakeholder engagement. Strong communication, integrity, and decision-making abilities are critical, as is a commitment to ONR's values: supportive, open-minded, fair, and accountable.
How to apply:
Please do not apply directly to the Office for Nuclear Regulation but instead, through our retained recruitment partner, Hays Executive. The Office for Nuclear Regulation welcomes applications for this opportunity from experienced professionals from the nuclear, related or regulatory industries. Your background is not important to us. You will have the requisite demonstrable experience, skills and resilience, as well as the relationship building and inspirational leadership capabilities to undertake this challenging strategic regulatory leadership role in the nuclear arena and deliver it successfully.
It's 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 a copy of the Candidate Brief, please contact Laurence Wolahan or Hisham Khan at Hays Executive on M 07985 443 826 or T 0333 010 3858 respectively.
Closing date: 8th February 2026
First round of interviews: W/C 16th February 2026
Shortlist assessment: W/C 23rd February 2026
Deputy Chief Nuclear Inspector employer: Office for Nuclear Regulation
Contact Detail:
Office for Nuclear Regulation Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Chief Nuclear Inspector
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the nuclear industry or related fields. Attend events, join forums, and connect on LinkedIn. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Deputy Chief Nuclear Inspector role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research ONR's recent projects and challenges in the nuclear landscape. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their strategic goals and how you can contribute to their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Think of examples from your past where you've led teams or managed change effectively. Highlight your ability to engage stakeholders and drive performance – that's what they're looking for!
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re here to support you every step of the way in your journey to becoming the next Deputy Chief Nuclear Inspector.
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Chief Nuclear Inspector
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in the nuclear or regulatory industries. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Deputy Chief Nuclear Inspector, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a senior executive role, we’re looking for strong leadership qualities. Use your application to demonstrate your strategic leadership experience and how you've successfully managed teams or projects in the past. This is your chance to shine!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured documents that are easy to read. Avoid jargon unless it’s necessary, and make sure your key points stand out!
Apply Through Our Website: Remember, we want you to apply through our recruitment partner, Hays Executive. Make sure you follow the application instructions carefully to ensure your application gets to us without any hiccups. Good luck!
How to prepare for a job interview at Office for Nuclear Regulation
✨Know Your Nuclear Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest developments in the nuclear industry. Understand ONR's role and how it fits into the broader regulatory landscape. Being able to discuss current challenges and innovations will show your passion and expertise.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Deputy Chief Nuclear Inspector, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership capabilities. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past, particularly in strategic settings. Highlight your experience in change management and stakeholder engagement.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Strong communication is key for this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Consider doing mock interviews with a friend or mentor to refine your delivery and ensure you can convey complex ideas simply.
✨Align with ONR's Values
Familiarise yourself with ONR's values: supportive, open-minded, fair, and accountable. Think about how your personal values align with these and be ready to discuss specific instances where you've embodied these principles in your work.
