Defence Nuclear Organisation - Nuclear Fuels Programme Materials and Nuclear Liabilities Assistant Head

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.

As the programme's lead specialist for nuclear liabilities and nuclear material management, the Materials and Nuclear Liabilities assistant head will provide expert technical advice across a broad portfolio including nuclear materials stewardship, waste management, environmental compliance, nuclear accountancy and inventory management. You will work with a diverse range of stakeholders across government, regulators, industry partners, internationally and the wider Defence Nuclear Enterprise to develop and implement strategies that support safe, compliant and effective programme delivery.

The role offers the opportunity to influence policy, shape future programme requirements, lead complex technical workstreams and contribute to nationally significant activities in a highly regulated environment.

This post is advertised at 37 hours per week.

As the Materials and Nuclear Liabilities Assistant Head, you will provide technical leadership for the management of nuclear materials, liabilities and associated regulatory requirements across a strategically important defence programme.

Key responsibilities include:

• Lead the development and maintenance of strategies relating to nuclear liabilities, decommissioning, waste management and nuclear material stewardship.
• Provide specialist technical advice and assurance to programme teams, senior leaders and external stakeholders.
• Ensure programme activities remain aligned with relevant legislative, regulatory and industry good practice requirements.
• Develop and maintain arrangements for nuclear material accountancy, control and inventory management in line with the requirements set by DNOs Nominal Owner of Accountable Nuclear Material.
• Work with internal and external partners to maintain robust assurance processes and governance arrangements.
• Engagement with regulatory, assurance and technical stakeholders on matters relating to nuclear material management and nuclear liabilities.
• Develop plans and strategies for the management of nuclear materials, liabilities and associated by-products throughout their lifecycle.
• Coordinate technical inputs across multidisciplinary teams to support programme delivery.
• Identify, assess and manage risks, issues, dependencies and opportunities relating to the role's areas of responsibility.
• Facilitate, support and enable audits, reviews, inventory checks and assurance activities to ensure compliance with regulatory and technical requirements.
• Provide subject matter expertise to support the development of national and international policy, regulation and legislation.
• Contribute to programme planning, requirements management and future capability development.
• Maintain oversight of nuclear material inventories and provide technical assurance of associated data, plans and reporting.

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 support a broader range of activities 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.

Essential Skills: Significant experience operating within a highly regulated technical, engineering, nuclear, environmental, scientific or industrial environment.

• Experience developing and implementing technical strategies, material throughput models, policies, governance frameworks or assurance arrangements.
• Experience providing specialist technical advice to senior stakeholders and influencing decision-making regarding nuclear material management and inventories.
• Strong understanding of risk management, regulatory compliance and assurance processes.
• Experience managing complex stakeholder relationships across multiple organisations.
• Ability to interpret, analyse and communicate complex technical information to both specialist and non-specialist audiences.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary teams or coordinating delivery across diverse stakeholder group.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Degree (Level 6 or equivalent) in a relevant scientific, engineering, environmental, nuclear, physics, chemistry, materials, or technical discipline, or equivalent professional experience.
• Professional training or qualifications relating to nuclear safety, environmental management, radioactive waste management or programme management.

Desirable Skills:

• Experience of nuclear material accountancy, inventory management or nuclear materials stewardship.
• Experience of radioactive waste management, environmental permitting or decommissioning activities.
• Knowledge of UK nuclear regulatory frameworks and associated good practice.
• Experience working with government, regulators, international partners or the wider nuclear sector.
• Experience contributing to policy, regulatory or legislative development.
• Experience supporting major programmes, complex infrastructure projects or nationally significant capabilities.