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.
Please note, this is a hybrid role, with an expectation to work from our Warrington office three days per week.
The Independent Nuclear Assurance Lead is responsible for implementing, developing and managing the Independent Oversight (IO) and Independent Peer Review (IPR) functions within the Safety, Licensing and Assurance Directorate of GBE-N Small Modular Reactor (SMR) Project Team (PT). The role is responsible for building and leading the IO and IPR team to meet UK Nuclear Industry good practice and provide oversight of the SMR project from a safety, security, environment and safeguards perspective.
Working for the Head of Assurance, Regulation and Learning, you will provide an objective and independent view of the organisation’s performance to the leadership, executive and Board.
Accountabilities & Responsibilities:
- To build the Independent Oversight and Independent Peer Review capability for the SMR Project, reflecting UK Nuclear Industry Good Practice (e.g. the Safety Director’s Forum Publications - The UK Nuclear Industry Good Practice Guides To: Independent Oversight, Independent Peer Review);
- To coordinate, commission and carry out independent oversight concurrence activities and independent peer reviews of the Project Team’s activities, especially relating to safety, security, environment and safeguards including:
- Inspections
- Audits
- Task observation
- Documentation review - To provide independent, evidence-based and informed advice on safety, security, environment and safeguards to the business
- To be able to interpret information across a range of topics to develop a comprehensive view of the company’s safety, security, safeguards and environmental performance for the Executive and Senior Management
- Where necessary, provide clear, evidence-based advice to the Executive and Senior Management on occasion where it is necessary to take a course of action to secure safety, security and environmental compliance
- To be the process owner for Independent Oversight elements of the management system
- To support the Head of Assurance, Regulation and Learning host the secretariat of the (pre licensing) Nuclear Safety Committee.
- To line manage the Independent Oversight and Independent Peer Review teams and coordinate external experts / consultants to support specialist peer review activities as required.
- To support effective and constructive engagement with relevant regulators.
Knowledge, Skills and Experience required:
- Experience of nuclear reactor technology, with experience of pressurised water reactors (preferred)
- The ability to form an independent view on the adequacy and implementation of the company’s arrangements relating to nuclear and conventional safety, security, nuclear safeguards and environmental protection
- Experience of working with or within a UK Nuclear Site Licensee / Authorisee (for defence sites)
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Experience of delivering or overseeing major projects within the nuclear sector or another high-hazard industry.
- Experience and understanding of the role of a Nuclear Safety Committee (LC13)
- Able to demonstrate competence that meets or is working towards those outlined in 'Competence Model - Independent Oversight WANO GL 2018 -01'
Qualifications:
- Degree in an engineering or science discipline (or equivalent relevant professional experience)
- Membership of a relevant professional body with chartered membership preferred
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.