Defence Nuclear Organisation - Nuclear Fuels Programme Supply Project Manager

The Defence Nuclear Organisation (DNO) is responsible for the provision of the nuclear deterrent, encompassing our submarines and nuclear warheads, while also advising on UK nuclear planning and fostering international co-operation on nuclear matters. With a multidisciplinary team of over 700 professionals, the DNO brings together expertise in science, engineering, finance, policy, programme delivery, and more. We work in partnership with the Royal Navy, the Submarine Delivery Agency and the Atomic Weapons Establishment as the Defence Nuclear Enterprise (DNE).

Here at DNO we strongly believe that diversity and inclusion is not only the right thing to do but is also essential for a thriving and successful organisation. We have a culture where differences are celebrated, and our people feel supported, included and empowered. Join us and be part of an organisation that truly values diversity and inclusion and makes a positive impact on the world.

The Nuclear Fuels Programme (NFP) sits within the newly established 3* area within the DNO. The programmes purpose is to re-establish a nuclear fuel cycle for reactor fuel for defence purposes, underpinning the UKs nuclear deterrent. The programme operates as a blended team of MOD civil servants, UKGI, and external specialists, working across multiple locations and in partnership with industry, regulators and international stakeholders. This role sits within a high-profile, sensitive and strategically important programme, delivered within a complex and highly regulated environment.

The NFP Supply Project Manager will play a critical role in the acquisition and management of uranium related fuel products. This will operate within a set of complex, nationally important projects, working across multiple disciplines to deliver lasting capability and strategic outcomes.

This post is advertised at 37 hours per week.

As Project Manager, you will play a key role in the delivery of the Supply workstream within the Nuclear Fuels Programme. Working across a complex stakeholder landscape, you will lead the planning, coordination and delivery of strategically important projects that support long-term Defence Nuclear requirements. Key responsibilities include:

Ensuring the NFP Supply team can provide the materials required to support the fuels cycle in a timely manner, coordinating activity across multiple workstreams to ensure delivery remains aligned with wider programme objectives.

Delivering complex and strategically important projects that represent critical programme milestones.

Supporting the long-term strategy for securing critical materials and maintaining resilient supply arrangements.

Supporting the development of national and international policy, regulatory and legislative frameworks relating to the acquisition and management of critical materials.

Developing integrated plans, requirements and work packages to deliver programme objectives.

Supporting engagement with delivery partners, government stakeholders and specialist teams to coordinate complex activities.

Building and maintaining effective relationships with domestic and international partners.

Working across commercial, technical, logistics and programme disciplines to ensure procurement, transport and processing activities are effectively integrated.

Providing expert advice, analysis and recommendations to support decision-making across NFP and the wider Defence Nuclear Enterprise.

Leading supplier assurance activities and ensuring appropriate governance, compliance and risk management arrangements are embedded throughout delivery.

Managing project risks, issues, assumptions, dependencies and delivery plans to sup-port successful outcomes.

NFP is a growing area operating within a dynamic and evolving environment. As the organisation develops, new priorities and responsibilities may emerge, and the post holder may be required to work flexibly across the area to ensure successful programme delivery.

Due to the pace of delivery and requirement for regular workplace attendance this role is not suitable for part-time or job share candidates.

Hybrid and flexible working can be considered for this post but will need regular workplace attendance due to security constraints. Candidates are encouraged to discuss options with the recruiting line manager before submitting an application.

This post is on the MOD Civilian Nuclear Post Control List (PCL) and may attract the Nuclear Recruitment and Retention Allowance (RRA). This is a discretionary allowance. The post being listed on the PCL does not mean that the post holder will have an automatic entitlement to receive the RRA. The NSQEP RRA is not a contractual allowance and can be amended or withdrawn without notice in line with MOD Main and Submarine Delivery Agency policy.

As the post holder will have access to very sensitive information, there are limitations on travelling to a small number of countries and we will undertake additional security checks as part of the recruitment process. Applications from candidates with close connections to certain countries may take considerably longer to process, or in some cases result in a withdrawal of an offer of employment. Further details will be provided at the conditional offer stage.

We are looking for an experienced and proactive project delivery professional who can bring structure and pace to a complex and strategically important area. You will be confident managing competing priorities, coordinating multiple workstreams and working with senior stakeholders, technical specialists, regulators and industry partners to deliver successful programme outcomes.

Essential Skills:

• Experience delivering complex projects, using effective control of scope, schedule, cost, risk & quality
• Strong stakeholder management skills, with experience working across government and with technical specialists, regulators and industry partners
• Ability to make evidence-based decisions, communicate complex information clearly and influence senior and specialist stakeholders
• Experience of identifying and managing risks, issues, assumptions, dependencies and delivery uncertainty
• Ability to develop integrated plans and coordinate multiple enabling functions to achieve programme outcomes.

Desirable Skills:

• Ability to manage supply chains and logistics in regulated environments
• Experience working in highly regulated or security-sensitive environments
• Understanding of international policy, treaties or regulation relating to nuclear materials
• Experience working with international partners regarding the transport, storage and containerisation of nuclear materials.
• Experience in complex, multi-stakeholder programme delivery