As the world continues to shift towards sustainable energy solutions, the nuclear industry remains a vital component in achieving carbon reduction goals.
A key role within this sector is that of the Nuclear Safety Manager, a professional dedicated to ensuring the safe operation of nuclear facilities.
In this blog, Gemma Nixon, Senior Recruitment Partner within Astute’s Nuclear team, explores the responsibilities, qualifications, and skills required for this critical role, as well as the benefits of pursuing a career in this field.
The Nuclear Safety Manager role
Astute People’s Nuclear team is partnering with a leading company specialising in nuclear energy to recruit a Nuclear Safety Manager.
This role, based in Bristol, offers a competitive salary and benefits package, along with opportunities for career growth.
If you’re looking for a role that offers a significant impact on both the environment and the future of energy, this could be the perfect fit for you.
Responsibilities and duties
As a Nuclear Safety Manager, you will report to the Technical Directorate and be responsible for the overall coordination of safety activities within the Safety Team.
Your key responsibilities will include:
Operational management: Ensuring the operational management of the Safety Team to secure delivery of safety activities against the contract with the company, on time and right the first time.
Safety study replication: Securing the replication of safety studies from Hinkley Point C (HPC) to Sizewell C (SZC).
Schedule consistency: Ensuring that the safety activities schedule is consistent with project needs and that resources required are appropriately staffed.
Design changes and technical issues: Ensuring that possible design changes are suitably analyzed and technical issues are identified and resolved by the relevant safety technical expertise.
Stakeholder management: Managing the interfaces with stakeholders across the Responsible Designer and client organisations, particularly to secure replication justification activities.
Technical deliverables oversight: Overseeing the formal review of technical deliverables produced by the Safety Team and approving them.
Progress reporting: Reporting on Safety Team progress across multiple project forums and accounting for any gaps in hours/costs for Safety as required.
Essential qualifications, experience, and skills
To be considered for the role of Nuclear Safety Manager, candidates should possess the following qualifications:
Degree in engineering: A degree in an appropriate scientific or engineering discipline.
Nuclear safety knowledge: Strong knowledge of nuclear safety generally, and EPR or PWR designs in particular.
Relevant experience: Over 5 years of experience in a relevant position, preferably from a highly regulated industry.
Strategic view and communication: The ability to take a strategic view with good interpersonal skills and communicate effectively at all levels.
Motivation and discipline: Motivated and disciplined with the ability to work to deadlines and prioritize work across multiple work streams.
Technical document review: Able to review technical documents that present complex arguments.
Proactive management: Taking a proactive approach to the management and resolution of technical topics.
Organisational and communication skills: Strong organisational and communication skills, able to liaise between multiple stakeholders and maintain a clear overview of specific topics.
Leadership skills: Demonstrating effective leadership skills.
Fluent English: Proficiency in English is essential.
Desirable qualifications, experience, and skills
Additional desirable qualifications include:
Specific technical knowledge: Knowledge of specific technical topics within the safety scope, such as Safety Functional Requirements, Hazards, Fault Studies, Probabilistic Safety Analysis (PSA), Human Factors, Security, Structural Integrity, Environment, Decommissioning, Fire, and Radiation Protection.
Competitive salary and benefits
The Nuclear Safety Manager role offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the physical, emotional, and financial well-being of employees. Benefits include:
- Pension scheme: A market-leading company pension scheme.
- Paid holidays: A generous holiday allowance.
- Flexible benefits: Options such as a company incentive bonus plan, health cover, cycle-to-work scheme, discounts, and employee pricing.
- Flexible working arrangements: Opportunities to discuss flexible working arrangements to suit personal and professional needs.
The importance of Nuclear Safety Managers
Nuclear Safety Managers play a pivotal role in the nuclear industry, ensuring the safe and efficient operation of nuclear facilities.
Their work is crucial in preventing accidents, protecting public health, and maintaining environmental safety.
By rigorously assessing risks, implementing robust safety protocols, and ensuring compliance with stringent regulatory standards, Nuclear Safety Managers safeguard the integrity of nuclear power generation.
Their expertise not only mitigates potential hazards but also builds public trust in nuclear energy as a reliable and sustainable solution for meeting the world’s growing energy demands.
In this context, the role of Nuclear Safety Managers is indispensable for advancing the industry’s commitment to safe, clean, and efficient energy production.
Why pursue a career as a Nuclear Safety Manager?
Pursuing a career as a Nuclear Safety Manager offers numerous benefits, including:
Impactful work: Contributing to the safety and reliability of nuclear energy, which is crucial for achieving net-zero carbon emissions.
Job security: The nuclear energy sector is a stable and growing industry, offering strong job security and career stability.
Professional development: Opportunities to develop your skills and advance your career in a highly regulated and technically complex field.
Competitive compensation: Attractive salaries and benefits packages that reward your expertise and commitment.
The role of a Nuclear Safety Manager is both challenging and rewarding, offering the opportunity to make a significant impact on the future of energy.
With the right qualifications, skills, and a passion for safety and sustainability, you can thrive in this critical field and help drive the transition to a cleaner, greener future.
If you’re a Nuclear Safety Manager looking to work for an organisation that offers growth opportunities and the chance to be part of a transformative industry, submit your CV to Astute People’s Nuclear team today.
For more information on nuclear energy careers and opportunities, connect with Gemma Nixon on LinkedIn.
