Conventional Island and Balance of Plant Lead
2 days ago
Warrington
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. We draw on deep nuclear expertise – our Executive Committee has over 100 years of nuclear experience at home and abroad. GBE-N will unlock billions of pounds of private and public investment from design to operation, helping to get sites ready for development, and working to grow manufacturing capacity and skills capability. Our activities will be driven by our values, which are: Trust - We prioritise safety, we act responsibly and with integrity. Collaboration - We work as a team; we value diversity and expertise. Challenge - We are curious and courageous in the way we think and act. Care - We are thoughtful, inclusive and respectful of others. Drive - We get things done and we make a difference. If you have a disability and would prefer to apply in a different format or would like us to make reasonable adjustments to enable you to apply or attend an interview, please contact us at and we will talk to you about how we can assist. Job Profile Your role is pivotal in overseeing and assuring the design of the Conventional Island (CI) and Balance of Plant (BOP). You will be part of the SMR Project Client Technical Team, reporting to the Engineering Lead, which is comprised of leads to cover the primary plant areas of the SMR Project. Key to the role will be ownership of the client’s specification and requirements, assessing change and overseeing deliverables. You will also provide a key point of interface between the Technology Provider and the client, including for the clients’ scope and deliverables. You will be supported in this role by an Owner’s Engineer. This role will form part of the Design Authority for the future Nuclear Site Licence Holder, Environmental Permit Holder and other related duties. You will form part of the establishment of a major programme. This will provide you with an opportunity to be part of a team that ensures successful delivery of a First of a Kind (FOAK) UK SMR Project. Whilst this is a fast-paced and exciting challenge, you will need to be comfortable with uncertainty, ambiguity and change. Responsibilities • Oversee and assure the delivery of the Conventional Island (CI) and Balance of Plant (BOP) designs., • Ensure GBN requirements are achieved and approve any deviations (following suitable due process)., • Provide engineering input and expert advice into technical risks, issues, challenges and other topics related to CI and BOP., • Ensure interfaces with other parts of the plant are correctly managed., • Be the client’s representative at Design Reviews, HAZOP / HAZID, Constructability Reviews etc. relevant to the CI-BOP systems, structures and components., • Liaise with the safety case manager to ensure that there is a strong connection between the design and safety, security and environmental cases, including provision of site-specific information to support the plant design., • Support the establishment of the necessary nuclear safety capability throughout the project organisation, with a view to being a future nuclear licensee., • Working with the Engineering Lead and regulatory authorities to ensure all CI and BOP activities comply with applicable regulations and standards., • Responsible for ensuring the seamless integration of all systems with the CI and BOP, adhering to the highest standards of safety, performance, and compliance., • Coordinate across the project team, including engineering and design management, safety case, permits, consents and licencing, requirements and assurance, along with cross-functional teams, including digital, commercial, and project management to ensure the seamless integration of CI and BOP systems with the nuclear island., • Support the establishment of necessary technical delivery strategies processes, systems, ways of working and ensure these are flowed into the project supply chain., • Ensure that all Conventional Island and BOP systems comply with relevant nuclear and conventional power regulations, codes, and safety, security and environmental standards., • Oversee the preparation and submission to regulators of technical documentation related to Conventional Island and BOP systems., • Implement and maintain rigorous safety protocols throughout the design, construction, and commissioning phases., • Support the Engineering Lead the on-site construction and commissioning efforts for the Conventional Island and BOP systems, ensuring all activities are completed on time and within budget., • Coordinate with contractors, suppliers, and vendors to ensure the timely delivery and installation of Conventional Island and BOP systems, structures and components., • Oversee the testing and validation of Conventional Island and BOP systems, ensuring they meet all performance and safety criteria., • Serve as the primary point of contact for Conventional Island and BOP-related matters, providing regular updates to senior management, project stakeholders, and regulatory bodies., • Promote continuous improvement initiatives within the Conventional Island and BOP team and other area leads, focusing on increasing efficiency, reducing costs, and improving safety., • Stay informed of the latest developments in nuclear technology and incorporate best practices into Conventional Island and BOP-related projects. Knowledge, Skills and Experience required: • Experience of design / construction / commissioning /operation of nuclear generating plants, • Experience of design processes and arrangements in nuclear / high hazard industries, • Experience of deployment of safety analysis techniques, • In-depth understanding of UK nuclear regulations, safety, security and environmental standards, and licensing processes., • Excellent problem-solving abilities, with a focus on identifying and mitigating risks in complex systems., • Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to effectively interact with technical and non-technical stakeholders., • Ability to foster a collaborative and supportive environment, whilst developing team members’ skills and capabilities., • To have the capability to embrace change and uncertainty and welcome the emergent aspect of the job., • Ability to lead in a collaborative, multi-party environment at pace., • Experience working within a start up or similar innovative environment, showcasing adaptability and comfort with uncertainty is desirable., • Proven track record of leading by example, demonstrating integrity, professionalism, and ethical behaviour. Qualifications • Chartered Engineer, • Degree in nuclear or mechanical engineering or in a related field.