Head of Quality and Management Systems - Warrington, England, United Kingdom

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 Quality and Management Systems will set the professional standards for Quality and coordinate the Integrated Management System within the SMR project. Reporting to the SLA Director, they will lead the design, development and delivery of the quality function and IMS through the various project phases, setting standards, providing advice and carrying out oversight of the quality delivery.

The Head of Quality and Management Systems 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 Quality culture.

Please note, Warrington will be the primary base location; however, due to the nature of the role, there will be an expectation of occasional travel to and on-site work at Wylfa. The role operates on a hybrid working basis.

Accountabilities & Responsibilities:

• Leading, managing and developing the Quality and Integrated Management System (IMS) team.
• Lead the development of the SMR project Quality Strategy.
• Setting professional standards for Quality within the SMR project providing advice and guidance on Quality matters.
• Establishing, promulgating and coordinating the Integrated Management System to meet the expectations of UK Nuclear industry regulations, regulatory guidance and appropriate good practice.
• Lead and coordinate the SMR project certification to ISO 9001, 14001 and 45001.
• Lead the development of the SMR project management system audit programme and leading and conducting audits and reviews to ensure compliance and conformance.
• Overseeing quality matters in the SMR project, including the supply chain.
• Lead the establishment of a supply chain quality programme for the SMR project.
• Setting the strategy for, ensuring delivery of, and overseeing compliance with relevant quality expectations, including management of Counterfeit, Suspicious or Fraudulent Items (CSFI).
• Lead root cause analysis for major incidents and ensure that lessons learned are incorporated into the project’s quality procedures.
• Develop and deliver quality and IMS training programmes to ensure that all employees and contractors are aware of their responsibilities and have the necessary skills to operate effectively.
• Act as a member of boards or committees to represent quality interests as required by the SMR project.
• Develop quality improvement plans as required in response to regulatory requirements or reducing quality performance.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience required:

• Experience in quality management, including experience in the nuclear, energy, or other high-hazard industries.
• Good knowledge of quality legislation and standards relevant to the nuclear sector, or previous experience within the client/licensee is strongly preferred.
• Proven experience leading quality teams and programs for large-scale engineering or construction projects.
• Experience with regulatory and other bodies, particularly ONR, EA etc.
• Good understanding of quality management systems, certification requirements and compliance frameworks.
• Experience of supply chgain quality and CFSI prevention programmes.
• Experience of establishing and managing quality control programmes with experience of using third party inspection bodies and conducting factory and site inspection tests.
• Experience of information management, document control and knowledge management systems and process to aid organisational and process improvement.
• Good 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.
• Ability to work in a collaborative, multi-party environment at pace.

Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in a science or engineering subject and a recognised Professional qualification in quality management or equivalent relevant professional experience.
• Charted membership of the Chartered Quality Institute (CQI)
• Lead Assessors Qualification, IRCA Certified in ISO 9001 and preferably ISO14001 & 45001.

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.