Originally named, Great British Nuclear, Great British Energy - Nuclear is an arm’s length body of the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, dedicated to supporting the development and deployment of new nuclear technologies in Great Britain. We play a crucial role in advancing nuclear new build, ensuring the UK’s energy security and achieving net-zero carbon emissions. Great British Energy - Nuclear focuses on fostering innovation, facilitating investment, and coordinating efforts across the nuclear industry to build a resilient and sustainable energy future.

Great British Energy - Nuclear’s first step was to start the technology selection process for Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) in 2023. SMRs can potentially be quicker to deploy and less expensive to build than traditional nuclear power plants because they are smaller, have factory based modular manufacturing and more flexible deployment options. In June 2025, Great British Energy - Nuclear announced that Rolls-Royce SMR had been selected as the preferred bidder to build the UK’s first SMRs, following a technology selection process that began in 2023.

Great British Energy - Nuclear is aiming to deliver fast, based on a supportive and collaborative culture which values equality and diversity and creates an inclusive workplace.

The Head of Health Safety and Environment will set the professional standards for HSE (including sustainability). Reporting to the SLA Director, they will lead the design, development and delivery of the HSES function through the various project phases, setting standards, providing advice and carrying out oversight of the HSES delivery within the SMR project.

The Head of HSES will be part of the leadership of the SLA Directorate and is expected to be able to exert influence within the delivery parts of the project ensuring that expectations are clear and contributing to the development of a robust HSES culture.

Accountabilities & Responsibilities:

• Leading, managing and developing the HSE team
• Setting professional standards for HSES within the SMR project providing advice and guidance on HSES matters.
• Establishing, promulgating and maintaining the HSES elements of the Integrated Management System to meet ISO14001 and 45001
• Overseeing professional standards and development of HSES professionals within the SMR Project.
• Ensuring compliance with environmental permits and other relevant permissions granted to the SMR project.
• Leading and conducting audits and reviews to ensure compliance and conformance.
• Providing management information and reporting on HSES matters.
• Overseeing standards of HSES across the broader SMR project team, including the supply chain.
• Provision of a Radiation Protection Advisor (RPA) Service to the SMR Project.
• Provision of a Radioactive Waste Advisor (RWA) Service to the SMR Project.
• Delivery of an approved Funded Decommissioning Plan for the SMR Project.
• Develop and deliver HSES training programmes to ensure that all employees and contractors are aware of their responsibilities and have the necessary skills to operate safely.
• Being accountable for Budgets and delivery, including service provision fees and contractor oversight.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience required:

• Proven experience in HSES management, including significant experience in the nuclear, energy, or other high-hazard industries.
• Good knowledge of safety and environmental legislation and standards relevant to the nuclear sector.
• Proven experience leading HSES teams and managing complex HSES programs for large-scaleengineering or construction projects.
• Experience with regulatory bodies, particularly ONR, EA / NRW.
• Strong understanding of environmental management systems and compliance frameworks (e.g. ISO 14001, 45001).
• Effective communication skills, with the ability to effectively interact and explain complex processes with technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• The capability to embrace change and uncertainty and welcome the emergent aspect of the job.
• Ability to foster a collaborative and supportive environment, whilst developing team members’ skills and capabilities.
• Ability to work in a collaborative, multi-party environment at pace.

Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree in occupational health and safety, environmental science, engineering, or a related discipline. A master’s degree or equivalent qualification is preferred.
• Charted membership of a relevant professional body.
• Lead Auditor certification in safety management systems (e.g. ISO 45001) or environmental management systems (ISO 14001).

Please note, this role may require candidates to obtain and maintain the appropriate level of National Security Vetting.

We recognise that candidates may not meet every requirement listed. If your experience is not an exact match but you believe you have the skills, knowledge and potential to succeed in the role, we encourage you to apply.

Please complete our short application form to apply for this role. If shortlisted, one of our Talent Attraction Leads will be in touch to discuss the position in more detail. Good luck with your application!

At GBE-N, we are committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive. We value diversity and encourage applications from all backgrounds, including underrepresented groups. If you require any support or adjustments to help you with your application, please contact us at recruitment@greatbritishnuclear.uk, and we will be happy to provide assistance.