Deputy Chief Nuclear Inspector

Office for Nuclear Regulation.; Liverpool City Region; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading nuclear regulatory body is seeking a Deputy Chief Nuclear Inspector to ensure effective regulatory delivery and enforcement within the UK nuclear sector. The role involves strategic leadership, stakeholder engagement, and oversight of regulatory functions against a backdrop of evolving nuclear challenges. Ideal candidates will have substantial experience in nuclear or regulatory industries and possess strong leadership qualities as well as excellent communication skills. This is a unique opportunity for a professional looking to influence the future of nuclear regulation.

Benefits

Excellent benefits

Hybrid working arrangements

Qualifications

• Substantial experience in the UK nuclear, related or regulatory industries.
• Exceptional strategic leadership skills.
• Ability to engage with senior stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead ONR’s Regulatory Directorates and set strategic regulatory objectives.
• Oversee ONR’s regulatory approach amidst nuclear landscape changes.
• Conduct resource planning, governance, risk management, and assurance.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Change management

Stakeholder engagement

Strong communication

Decision-making abilities

Job description

Deputy Chief Nuclear Inspector

Office for Nuclear Regulation

Location: Bootle, London, or Cheltenham, with hybrid working arrangements in place

Salary: £Competitive + excellent benefits

Our mission is to protect society by securing safe nuclear operations.

Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) is the UK’s independent regulator for nuclear safety, security, safeguards, and conventional health and safety across 36 licensed nuclear sites. It ensures that the nuclear industry effectively controls hazards, maintains high standards, and continuously improves. ONR’s work spans operating reactors, fuel cycle facilities, waste management, decommissioning, and new nuclear construction. It also regulates the transport of nuclear materials and oversees compliance with international safeguards. Transparency, accountability, and public confidence are central to ONR’s regulatory approach.

The Deputy Chief Nuclear Inspector (DCNI) is a senior executive role reporting directly to the Chief Executive/Chief Nuclear Inspector and deputising for him when required. The DCNI collaborates with the Director of Strategy and Corporate Affairs to engage with senior stakeholders domestically and internationally, supporting ONR’s strategic goals. They contribute to strategy development, change management, and performance reporting, including the Annual Report and Accounts, the Chief Nuclear Inspector’s report and Review of Regulation reports.

Key responsibilities

• Leading ONR’s Regulatory Directorates, setting strategic regulatory objectives and ensuring effective delivery and enforcement
• Oversight of ONR’s regulatory approach, particularly in response to changes in the nuclear landscape.
• Undertaking resource planning, governance, risk management, and assurance across regulatory divisions.
• Act as line manager to the Directors of Regulation.

We are looking for an exceptional individual who has gained substantial experience in the UK nuclear, related or regulatory industries, strategic leadership, change management, and stakeholder engagement. Strong communication, integrity, and decision‑making abilities are critical, as is a commitment to ONR’s values: supportive, open‑minded, fair, and accountable.

To apply

Please do not apply directly to the Office for Nuclear Regulation but instead, through our retained recruitment partner, Hays Executive.

The Office for Nuclear Regulation welcomes applications for this opportunity from experienced professionals from the nuclear, related or regulatory industries. Your background is not important to us. You will have the requisite demonstrable experience, skills and resilience, as well as the relationship building and inspirational leadership capabilities to undertake this challenging strategic regulatory leadership role in the nuclear arena and deliver it successfully.

It’s a very exciting time for the Office for Nuclear Regulation. If you would like to make a valuable contribution to the future of the organisation, we would like to hear from you.

To confidentially discuss the role in further detail or request a copy of the Candidate Brief, please contact Laurence Wolahan or Hisham Khan at Hays Executive on M 07985 443 826 or T 0333 010 3858 respectively.

Campaign dates

• Closing date: 8th February 2026
• First round of interviews: W/C 16th February 2026
• Shortlist assessment: W/C 23rd February 2026
• ONR interviews: W/C 2nd March 2026
• The above dates are subject to change.