Head of Quality - Nuclear Island Programme in Bristol

Head of Quality - Nuclear Island Programme in Bristol

Bristol Full-Time 80000 - 100000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Sizewell C

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead quality management for the Nuclear Island Programme, ensuring safety and compliance.
  • Company: Join Sizewell C, a key player in the UK's low-carbon energy future.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, executive bonuses, and generous leave.
  • Other info: Flexible working options and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on a national infrastructure project while developing your career.
  • Qualifications: Experience in quality management and leadership in complex environments.

The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.

Location: Bristol (2 days a week) with onwards travel to London, Europe and the Sizewell C site.

Contract: Permanent, full-time.

Salary: circa £80,000 - £100,000, dependant on experience.

Benefits include:

  • Executive bonus scheme and car allowance
  • 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays
  • Contributory pension (up to 7.5% employee / 15% employer)

Closing date: Sunday 29th March 2026

About Sizewell C

Sizewell C is one of the UK's most significant infrastructure projects, delivering low carbon energy for generations. Joining us means contributing to a project of national importance, supporting energy security, regional growth, and long-term skilled employment.

The Role

The Head of Quality Nuclear Island will ensure that project quality is delivered consistently (safely, efficiently and right first time) compliant with the current revision of ISO9001 and consistently uphold the highest levels of Nuclear Safety. The role includes the responsibility for identification and mitigation of quality risks, effective monitoring and reporting of quality performance and prompt mobilisation and timely resolution of emergent issues. You'll work in a matrix organisation and will functionally report to the PDO Quality Programme Director with oversight to ensure that the project remains compliance with Licence Conditions, with a focus on Licence Conditions 6 and 17, and the Sizewell C Quality Policy with associated IC arrangements.

As the Head of Quality Nuclear Island, you will lead and manage approximately 15-25 quality professionals to ensure the effective implementation of quality control processes within the defined work portfolios in accordance with the Sizewell C requirements. You will lead a team of Quality Delivery Managers (QDMs) responsible for quality of portfolios of mechanical, electrical and HVAC equipment delivery. The QDM's will manage teams of Quality Management Leads (QMLs) assigned to specific scopes, suppliers or contracts, with further support from Subject Matter Expertise and other quality support roles.

The Skills...

  • Operate effectively and with authority in a complex matrix organisation.
  • Lead and create the definition of the necessary Quality processes.
  • Influence key stakeholders including the Nuclear Island Director and functional leadership, IPs and its Supply Chain to achieve desired outcomes, with accountability for quality decisions.
  • Define the Quality requirements within individual functional areas including the mobilisation/procurement of external expertise where necessary.
  • Be a recognised expert/advisor to others in all areas of Quality.
  • Submitting regular performance reports indicating any deviations, corrective action taken and escalation of issues.
  • Provide a point of independent quality escalation for programme team members.
  • Responsible for managing third party suppliers to achieve the desired programme outcomes.
  • Supporting other functional areas in their associated deliverables e.g. quality input and evaluation of contracts and other associated scopes of work.
  • Establishing, hosting, supporting and chairing assurance and governance reviews at appropriate points during the programme.
  • Develop and mentor staff ensuring succession planning is in place.

Why Join Us?

  • Be part of one of the most important low-carbon energy projects in the UK.
  • Work in a mission-driven environment that values innovation, integrity, and long-term sustainability.
  • Competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for career development.
  • Flexible and hybrid working options.

Behavioural Competencies

  • Humility: Recognise the value brought from different cultures and experiences. Be open to other's points of view and ideas, be willing to debate and to compromise.
  • Positivity: Positively challenge poor quality and performance. Identify solutions at the lowest possible level. Encourage tier 1s and others to bring new ideas forward.
  • Respect: Value the rules and environment in which we operate. Give and receive feedback with respect. Embrace and engage with new people and ideas.
  • Solidarity: One team, working closely together and helping each other. Empowered teams always looking forward. Shared responsibility for delivering the project outcomes.
  • Clarity: Communicate clearly and consistently. Promote collaboration and team alignment. Clearer and faster decision making. Drive simplification at all levels.

Contextual Information

Sizewell C's business is to design, finance, construct, commission, operate, maintain and eventually decommission the nuclear power plant and related infrastructure at Sizewell C in Suffolk. Overall, whilst the Company is in the construction phase, the Boards' principal focus is on the development and construction of Sizewell C on time, on budget and to the highest quality and safety standards. The Company is maturing to meet all these requirements. Sizewell C is economically regulated by OFGEM under the RAB model similar to other UK electricity distribution networks and Thames Tideway. Sizewell C construction strategy is to replicate the design of Hinkley Point C, using the majority of the same supply chain, but innovating in the way it is delivered to achieve savings in time and cost of around 20%. The CCO will need to be guided by and incorporate lessons learned from the Hinkley Point C commercial delivery to achieve Sizewell C's ambition. Following Financial Completion and Revenue Commencement, Sizewell C is fully funded and is owned by; The Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero representing HM Government, La Caisse, Centrica, EDF and Amber Infrastructure.

If this sounds like the next step in your career, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today.

Head of Quality - Nuclear Island Programme in Bristol employer: Sizewell C

Join Sizewell C, a pivotal player in the UK's low-carbon energy landscape, where you will contribute to a project of national significance while enjoying a supportive and innovative work culture. With competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits including an executive bonus scheme, and flexible working options, we prioritise employee growth and development, ensuring you thrive in your role as Head of Quality within a collaborative team dedicated to excellence and safety.

Sizewell C

Contact Details:

Sizewell C Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Quality - Nuclear Island Programme in Bristol

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join relevant groups on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential colleagues or mentors. 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. Understand Sizewell C’s mission and values, and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. This will help you stand out and show that you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team.

Tip Number 3

Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or family to get comfortable with common questions. Focus on articulating your experience in quality management and how it relates to the role of Head of Quality at Sizewell C.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in leaving a positive impression. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Quality - Nuclear Island Programme in Bristol

ISO 9001
Quality Management
Nuclear Safety
Risk Identification and Mitigation
Quality Performance Monitoring
Stakeholder Influence
Quality Control Processes

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Quality role. Highlight your experience in quality management, especially in complex projects like nuclear energy. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've led quality initiatives and influenced stakeholders in previous positions. Let your passion for quality shine through!

Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a Head of Quality, you'll be leading a team. Use your application to demonstrate your leadership style and how you've successfully managed teams in the past. We love seeing candidates who can inspire and mentor others!

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 shows you’re keen on joining our team at Sizewell C!

How to prepare for a job interview at Sizewell C

Know Your Quality Standards

Make sure you’re well-versed in ISO9001 and the specific quality standards relevant to the Nuclear Island Programme. Brush up on how these standards apply to the role and be ready to discuss how you’ve implemented them in past projects.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills

As a Head of Quality, you’ll be leading a team of quality professionals. Prepare examples of how you’ve successfully managed teams, resolved conflicts, and influenced stakeholders in a matrix organisation. Highlight your ability to mentor and develop staff.

Prepare for Scenario Questions

Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and decision-making abilities. Think of specific scenarios where you identified quality risks or implemented corrective actions, and be ready to explain your thought process and outcomes.

Emphasise Collaboration and Communication

This role requires clear communication and collaboration with various stakeholders. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve fostered teamwork and ensured alignment across different functional areas. Share examples of how you’ve communicated complex quality issues effectively.