At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the strategy and delivery of early civil works for Sizewell C, a major energy project.
- Company: Join a pioneering team at Sizewell C, shaping Britain's clean energy future.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, car allowance, bonus, and generous pension contributions.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth in a highly regulated environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a groundbreaking project that powers 6 million homes with low-carbon energy.
- Qualifications: Senior-level experience in large construction projects and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 110000 - 110000 £ per year.
Shape Britain’s Energy Future with Sizewell C
Location: Leiston, Suffolk (3 days on site)
Contract: Permanent, full-time.
Closing Date: Monday 30th March 2026
Why Join Us? We’re building the future. Sizewell C is a once-in-a-generation infrastructure project that will power Britain’s energy security and net-zero ambitions for decades to come. Following our recent Final Investment Decision, construction is fully greenlit. This is your chance to be part of the largest investment in homegrown clean energy in decades, delivering low-carbon electricity to 6 million homes for at least 60 years.
What’s in It for You
- Salary: £110,000 per annum, depending on experience
- Car Allowance: £6,900 per annum
- Bonus: 10% annual incentive
- Pension: Up to 7.5% employee / 15% employer contribution
Your Impact
As Programme Manager for Enabling & Earthworks, you will lead the strategy, planning and delivery oversight of the early civil works within the Civil Works Alliance (PAA). You will act as the Intelligent Client, ensuring that design, procurement, construction and commissioning activities are delivered safely, efficiently and in line with project requirements. Your remit covers the full lifecycle of the Enabling and Earthworks scope, including:
- SSSI Crossing
- Ground improvement
- Dewatering
- Diaphragm walls
- Bulk excavation and backfill for major structures
You will drive performance, assure the schedule and budget, manage risks, and work across multiple interfaces to ensure successful delivery.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Oversight
- Provide strong operational leadership to the Delivery Team, acting as the Intelligent Client.
- Ensure oversight, assurance and performance management of scope, schedule, cost and quality.
- Align Delivery Team activities with SZC milestones, the Integrated Work Schedule and Client requirements.
- Develop and maintain the delivery schedule and estimates for Enabling & Earthworks, incorporating replication from HPC and wider UK construction best practice.
- Manage release of internal and regulatory hold points.
- Coordinate interfaces with Site Delivery, MEH Alliance, CI‑BOP Programme, NI Programme and other SZC functions.
- Lead resolution of issues outside Delivery Team delegated authority.
- Own CDM Execution Plans and Principal Designer duties for this workstream.
Risk, Quality & Nuclear Safety
- Manage Client‑held risks and oversee Delivery Team risk processes.
- Support compliance with nuclear regulatory requirements and licence conditions.
- Champion a strong nuclear safety and quality culture across the programme.
Commercial & Stakeholder Management
- Set scope and budget for Enabling & Earthworks, including design activities with the Responsible Designer.
- Support governance, including review and acceptance of variations and adjustment events.
- Manage relationships across government, regulators, EDF, investors, alliance partners and local stakeholders.
Dimensions
- Key leadership role within the SZC Civil Works Programme.
- Accountable for execution strategy and successful delivery of Enabling & Earthworks.
- Ensures integration of lessons learned from Hinkley Point C.
- Holds delegated authority aligned to major-contract delivery.
- Works across multiple multinational teams in a highly regulated environment.
Skills, Knowledge & Experience
- Senior‑level experience delivering large, complex construction projects in a regulated environment (nuclear, infrastructure, defence, energy or similar).
- Proven ability to lead multi‑discipline EPCM projects through design, procurement and site execution.
- Strong commercial acumen: contract management, cost control, risk, schedule and change management.
- Proficiency with estimating, scheduling and earned value management tools.
- Experience influencing and managing contractors, consultants and partners.
- Excellent leadership, communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Practitioner-level knowledge of project and programme management.
- Degree and/or chartered status in engineering, construction or related discipline.
- Experience working within Alliances or Joint Venture structures.
- Understanding of nuclear quality requirements and the graded approach to quality.
- Strong knowledge of CDM Regulations.
- Experience managing full project lifecycle from concept to handover.
- Working knowledge of French (beneficial but not essential).
Behavioural Competences
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.
- One team, working closely together and helping each other.
- Empowered teams always looking forward.
- Shared responsibility for delivery the project outcomes.
Clarity
- Communicate clearly and consistently.
- Promote collaboration and team alignment.
- Drive simplification at all levels.
To be appointed to this role, you will need to meet the criteria for Security Vetting, which will, ordinarily, require you to have been a resident of the UK for at least three of the past five years. Please note that export control compliance requirements apply to this role.
Enabling & Earthworks Programme Manager employer: Sizewell C
Sizewell C is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in London where innovation meets infrastructure development. With a strong focus on employee growth, competitive benefits including a generous pension scheme and flexible working arrangements, we foster a culture of collaboration and excellence, ensuring that our team members are equipped to contribute to one of the UK's most significant energy projects. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking organisation that values diversity and empowers its employees to thrive.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Enabling & Earthworks Programme Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their values and how your experience aligns with their goals. This will help you stand out and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your answers to common interview questions, but keep it natural. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses and highlight your achievements effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A simple thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and shows your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it keeps you on their radar as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Enabling & Earthworks Programme Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in large, complex construction projects. We want to see how your skills align with the Enabling & Earthworks role, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a Programme Manager, strong leadership is key. Use your application to demonstrate your ability to lead teams and manage multiple interfaces. Share specific examples of how you've driven performance and ensured successful delivery in past roles.
Highlight Your Commercial Acumen:We’re looking for someone with a solid understanding of contract management, cost control, and risk management. Make sure to include any relevant experiences that showcase your commercial skills and how they’ve contributed to project success.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensure you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, it helps us keep everything organised!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sizewell C
✨Know Your Project Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into Sizewell C and its significance in Britain's energy future. Understand the project's scope, challenges, and how your role as Programme Manager fits into the bigger picture. This will show your genuine interest and help you answer questions more effectively.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Experience
Be ready to share specific examples of how you've led large, complex projects in regulated environments. Highlight your experience with multi-discipline teams and how you've managed risks and ensured quality. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Showcase Your Commercial Acumen
Prepare to discuss your understanding of contract management, cost control, and change management. Bring examples of how you've successfully managed budgets and schedules in previous roles. This is crucial for demonstrating that you can handle the financial aspects of the Enabling & Earthworks programme.
✨Engage with Stakeholder Management
Think about your past experiences managing relationships with various stakeholders, including government bodies and local communities. Be ready to discuss how you’ve navigated complex stakeholder landscapes and maintained positive relationships, as this will be key in your new role.
