Project Manager - Nuclear Fabrication and Modular Construction

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. GBN-E 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 [email protected] and we will talk to you about how we can assist.

Role Purpose

The Project Manager is responsible for the planning, delivery, governance and successful execution of complex nuclear manufacturing and module assembly projects. The role focuses on the fabrication, assembly, testing, quality assurance and delivery of safety-class and non-safety-class modular components for nuclear power facilities, including Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), Advanced Modular Reactors (AMRs), and large-scale nuclear infrastructure projects.

The Project Manager will lead multidisciplinary teams comprising engineering, manufacturing, quality, procurement, logistics and construction personnel to ensure modules are delivered safely, to specification, on schedule and within budget while maintaining compliance with nuclear regulatory requirements, quality standards and fabrication codes.

Key Responsibilities

Project Delivery

• Lead the end-to-end delivery of module fabrication projects from design freeze through manufacturing, assembly, testing and site handover.
• Develop and maintain integrated project execution plans, schedules and budgets.
• Manage project performance against approved baselines.
• Monitor and report progress using Earned Value Management (EVM) and project controls systems.
• Identify, manage and mitigate project risks and opportunities.
• Coordinate interfaces between engineering, manufacturing, quality, supply chain and site construction teams.
• Manage subcontractors and fabrication partners to ensure contractual compliance.
• Ensure module delivery aligns with nuclear programme milestones and regulatory requirements.

Fabrication & Manufacturing Oversight

• Oversee fabrication activities covering:
• Structural steelwork
• Pressure boundary fabrication
• Pipework assemblies
• Mechanical equipment modules
• Electrical and instrumentation modules
• Skid-mounted systems
• Pre-assembled nuclear island modules
• Ensure manufacturing readiness reviews are completed.
• Monitor fabrication productivity, weld performance and manufacturing quality metrics.
• Support implementation of lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Ensure materials traceability is maintained throughout the production lifecycle.

Assembly & Integration

• Manage module assembly activities within manufacturing facilities and final site integration.
• Coordinate Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and Integrated System Testing.
• Ensure assembly sequencing aligns with project construction strategy.
• Manage logistics and transportation planning for large modular components.
• Lead readiness reviews for module shipment and installation.

Quality Management

• Ensure implementation of a Nuclear Quality Assurance Programme.
• Monitor quality performance indicators and non-conformance trends.
• Manage corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
• Lead quality surveillance, audits and inspections.
• Ensure manufacturing records and quality dossiers are complete and auditable.
• Ensure traceability of:
• Materials
• Weld procedures
• Welder qualifications
• Inspection records
• Testing documentation

Stakeholder Management

• Act as primary interface with clients, regulators, fabrication partners and supply chain organisations.
• Present project status to senior leadership and governance boards.
• Manage customer inspections and regulatory visits.
• Support engagement with:
• Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR)
• Environment Agency
• Independent Nuclear Assurance organisations
• Third-party inspection agencies

Key Accountabilities

The role holder will be accountable for:

• Delivery of scope within approved budget.
• Achievement of manufacturing milestones.
• Health, Safety, Security and Environmental performance.
• Compliance with quality requirements.
• Nuclear safety culture and behavioural expectations.
• Supply chain performance.
• Regulatory compliance.
• Timely production and delivery of modules.

Essential Qualifications

• Degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Construction Management or similar technical discipline.
• Project Management qualification such as:
• APM PMQ
• PMP
• PRINCE2 Practitioner

Desirable:

• APM Chartered Project Professional (ChPP)
• NEBOSH Certificate
• Lean Manufacturing qualification
• Welding or fabrication inspection certification

Essential Experience

• Experience delivering major manufacturing, nuclear, energy or infrastructure projects.
• Proven experience managing large-scale steel fabrication projects.
• Experience delivering modular construction or off-site manufacturing programmes.
• Experience managing fabrication subcontractors and supply chains.
• Experience working within highly regulated industries.
• Demonstrable understanding of nuclear quality assurance requirements.

Desirable:

• SMR programme experience.
• Nuclear new build experience.
• Experience working with British Standards, RCC-M or ASME nuclear codes.
• Factory acceptance testing and commissioning experience.

Technical Knowledge Requirements

Nuclear Industry Standards

Knowledge of:

• IAEA Safety Standards
• ONR Safety Assessment Principles
• UK Nuclear Site Licence Conditions
• ISO 19443 Nuclear Quality Management Systems
• ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems
• ISO 45001 Occupational Health and Safety
• ISO 14001 Environmental Management Systems

Nuclear Quality Standards

Working knowledge of:

• NQA-1 Nuclear Quality Assurance
• ISO 19443
• Nuclear Safety Culture Principles
• Graded Approach to Quality
• Lifetime Quality Records Management
• Configuration Management

Steel Fabrication Standards

Strong understanding of:

Structural Steel

• EN 1090-1 Execution of Steel Structures
• EN 1090-2 Technical Requirements for Steel Structures
• BS 5950 Structural Steelwork
• UKCA / CE Marking Requirements

Welding Standards

• BS EN ISO 3834 Quality Requirements for Welding
• BS EN ISO 9606 Welder Qualification Testing
• BS EN ISO 15614 Welding Procedure Qualification
• BS EN ISO 5817 Weld Acceptance Standards
• BS EN ISO 14731 Welding Coordination

Inspection & NDT

• ISO 9712 NDT Personnel Qualification
• BS EN ISO 17635 NDT of Welds
• Ultrasonic Testing (UT)
• Radiographic Testing (RT)
• Magnetic Particle Inspection (MPI)
• Dye Penetrant Inspection (DPI)

Nuclear Fabrication Codes

Knowledge of one or more of:

• RCC-M
• ASME Section III
• ASME B31.1
• ASME B31.3
• PD5500
• BS EN 13480 Metallic Industrial Piping
• BS EN 13445 Unfired Pressure Vessels

Key Competencies

Leadership

• Safety leadership
• Team development
• Influencing and negotiation
• Contractor management
• Decision making under pressure

Project Management

• Planning and scheduling
• Risk management
• Cost control
• Change management
• Contract management
• Governance and reporting

Manufacturing Excellence

• Manufacturing readiness
• Production planning
• Module assembly sequencing
• Quality assurance
• Supply chain integration
• Continuous improvement