Prefiguration Project Manager

NUWARD; Lyon; Hybrid; EUR 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

NUWARD in Lyon is seeking a project manager to lead the prefiguration phase of small modular nuclear reactor (SMR) projects. You will ensure that projects are product-consistent and adapted to the site requirements, applying strong project management practices.

The ideal candidate will have at least 10 years of experience in complex project management, with a proven track record in contract management within the nuclear or energy sectors. Strong leadership and fluency in English are required for this role.

You will engage in frequent travels to various NUWARD sites in France and abroad.

Qualifications

• 10 years of experience in early-phase project development or complex project management.
• Proven track record in contract and supplier management.
• Experience in pre-feasibility, concept studies or early project phases.

Responsibilities

• Lead the prefiguration phase of NUWARD SMR projects.
• Structure the strategy, scope of work, schedule and budget.
• Manage scope, planning, interfaces, deliverables and performance follow-up.

Skills

Project management

Contract management

Multi-disciplinary coordination

Risk management

Fluent in English

Job description

Join an international group, a leader in low‑carbon growth and committed to tackling climate change.

NUWARD, an EDF subsidiary, is dedicated to developing the Group’s small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs). NUWARD is designing a multi‑energy platform capable of delivering low‑carbon, competitive electricity and heat to meet the needs of industry and cities.

Our SMR, known as the “NUWARD_SMR”, features a simple, modular, and prefabricated design, drawing on the proven technologies and expertise of the existing nuclear fleet.

Our ambition: to deliver Europe’s first SMR during the 2030s. Do you want to help build a safe, low‑carbon, and competitive energy future for Europe? Join us on this journey!

YOUR MISSIONS

• You will lead the prefiguration phase of NUWARD SMR projects, ensuring the transition from opportunity to structured, product‑consistent and site‑adapted projects.
• Identifying gaps between generic product assumptions and site/client specifications.
• Structuring the strategy, scope of work, schedule and budget of prefiguration projects.
• Acting as project manager of the prefiguration phase: managing scope, planning, interfaces, deliverables and performance follow‑up.
• Applying robust contract and supplier management (SOW definition, procurement support, deliverable acceptance, change management, risk control).
• Defining, procuring and coordinating key studies, notably: plot plan adaptation, heat sink design, grid connection, environment and constructability.
• Piloting and coordinating, when required, owner’s support engineering activities (siting, investigations, layout adaptation, integration, etc.).
• Ensuring consistency between product standardisation and project‑specific adaptations.
• Delivering decision‑ready outputs (pre‑feasibility, risks, cost & schedule).

Location: Job based in Lyon with frequent trips to other NUWARD sites (Paris, Tours) and abroad.

You will report to the Head of Prefiguration & Product Line Office.

YOUR PROFILE

• You have 10 years of experience in early‑phase project development or complex project management, ideally in the nuclear or energy sector.
• Strong experience in project management (scope, planning, budget, interfaces, risk management) in multi‑stakeholder environments.
• Proven track record in contract and supplier management.
• Experience in pre‑feasibility, concept studies or early project phases.
• Ability to manage and coordinate multidisciplinary engineering activities (siting, investigations, layout, integration, utilities).
• Good understanding of industrial project constraints (site, environment, constructability, infrastructure).
• Capability to structure complex problems and drive decision‑oriented outputs.
• Knowledge of nuclear or international regulatory frameworks is a strong asset.
• Strong leadership, coordination and transversal influencing skills.
• Fluent in English required.

At the EDF Group, welcoming people with disabilities is part of our DNA. Our aim is to open our doors to all skills, energies and personalities without exclusion. The position we are offering is therefore open to everyone.