Enabling Works Engineering Lead

Great British Energy - Nuclear; England; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Great British Energy - Nuclear is seeking an Enabling Works Engineering Lead to oversee and assure the development of pre-construction activities for the SMR project. You will define and deliver early works, including site clearance, earthworks, temporary infrastructure, utilities and welfare, from a technical perspective.

Reporting to the Pre-Construction Engineering Lead, you will be part of establishing a major programme and a FOAK UK SMR project.

Qualifications

• Experience scoping construction planning for high-value, complex programmes.
• Strong problem-solving to mitigate nuclear construction risks.
• Familiar with NEC3/4 contracts, CDM, and alliancing delivery models.

Responsibilities

• Plan pre-construction activities in line with nuclear safety standards.
• Develop EWPs and task orders aligned to design maturity targets.
• Coordinate with geotechnical, utility, and environmental studies.
• Oversee site clearance, earthworks, and temporary infrastructure.
• Support site logistics, 4D modelling, and NEC contract administration.
• Foster collaboration across delivery partners and regulatory compliance.

Skills

Construction planning

Risk mitigation

Stakeholder communication

Adaptive to change

Team development

Education

Engineering degree or equivalent

Tools

NEC3/4 contracts

Job description

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.

The role is pivotal in overseeing and assuring the development of engineering activities for the construction enabling works of the SMR project, and defining and delivering early works including site clearance, earthworks, temporary infrastructure, roads & networks, utilities and welfare from a technical perspective.

The Enabling Works Engineering Lead is fundamental in transforming the site from its existing state to a construction-ready platform, ensuring all enabling activities are executed safely, efficiently, and in compliance with regulatory and environmental standards. You will be part of the SMR Project Client Technical Team, reporting to the Pre-Construction Engineering Lead.

You will form part of the establishment of a major programme. This will provide you with an opportunity to be part of a team that ensures successful delivery of a First of a Kind (FOAK) UK SMR Project. This is a fast-paced and evolving environment, requiring the ability to adapt effectively to uncertainty, ambiguity and change.

Accountabilities & Responsibilities:

• Deliver the planning of all pre-construction activities, in compliance with all relevant nuclear regulatory requirements and GBE-N's governance frameworks and safety standards.
• Develop and manage Engineering Work Packages (EWPs) and Task Orders aligned to Concept Design maturity targets, and ensuring alignment with programme objectives.
• Instructing Engineering supply chain partners to perform design studies.
• Coordinate with geotechnical, topographical, utility, archaeological and other studies.
• Oversee vegetation removal, demolition, and site clearance, and manage bulk earthworks, ground improvement, and flood protection measures.
• Coordinate installation of temporary haul roads, fencing, hoarding, and controlled access systems.
• Lead provision of temporary utilities, facilities, and environmental mitigation measures.
• Technically support the site logistic strategy, including 4D sequencing with digital modelling.
• Support the administration of NEC3/4 contracts, including change control, early warnings, and performance monitoring.
• Contribute to alliancing and collaborative delivery models, fostering strong working relationships across delivery partners.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience required:

• Experience in the scoping of construction planning requirements for high-value and complex projects/programmes.
• Effective problem-solving abilities, with a focus on identifying and mitigating risks associated with nuclear construction projects.
• Familiarity with NEC3/4 contract forms, CDM, and alliancing delivery models.
• Effective communication skills, with the ability to effectively interact with technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Ability to foster a collaborative and supportive environment, whilst developing team members' skills and capabilities.
• Ability to adapt effectively to embrace change & uncertainty and welcome the emergent aspect of the job.
• Multi-sector project experience, with the ability to adapt to different delivery contexts.
• Experience working within a startup or similarly evolving environment, showcasing adaptability and comfort with uncertainty.
• Experience of leading by example, demonstrating integrity, professionalism, and ethical behaviour.
• Familiarity of UK nuclear regulations, safety standards, and licensing processes is ideal.
• Experience of working on projects within a highly regulated environment and/or with safety critical assets is beneficial.

Qualifications

• Degree in Engineering, Construction or a related discipline, or equivalent relevant experience.

Please note, this role may require candidates to obtain and maintain the appropriate level of National Security Vetting.

At GBE-N, we are committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive. We value diversity and encourage applications from all backgrounds, including underrepresented groups. If you require any support or adjustments to help you with your application, please contact us at [e-mail], and we will be happy to provide assistance.