Nuclear Decommissioning Authority

NDA Group Chief Executive Officer; Manchester; On-site; GBP 150,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

A UK government body seeks a new CEO to lead the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority. The successful candidate will have substantial leadership experience at a comparable level, demonstrate exceptional financial and strategic acumen, and engage effectively with diverse stakeholders. As a key representative of the organization, the CEO will oversee critical decommissioning processes while ensuring accountability to Parliament. Applications close on 30 November 2025.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership at the CEO level or equivalent.
• Strong background in financial management as Accounting Officer.
• Experience in nuclear or similar industrial sectors.
• Demonstrated strategic vision and execution.
• Exceptional communication skills for high-profile interactions.
• Experience in change management and organisational improvement.
• Understanding of significant capital projects management.
• UK national eligible for Developed Vetting clearance.

Responsibilities

• Deliver on government priorities and commitments.
• Ensure safe and secure decommissioning operations.
• Accountable to Parliament for public funds usage.
• Represent NDA at regional, national, and international levels.

Skills

Leadership at CEO or equivalent level

Financial literacy and analytical capability

Experience in safety-critical, multidivisional businesses

Strategic thinking and execution

Strong communication skills

Organisational development experience

Commercial mindset for capital investment projects

Ability to work with diverse stakeholders

Job description

Nuclear Decommissioning Authority

NDA Group Chief Executive Officer

United Kingdom

2508-039L

The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) is a Non-Departmental Public Body sponsored by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ). Established under the Energy Act (2004), the NDA lead one of the most complex and nationally significant environmental programmes in the world. For over twenty years, the NDA has been responsible for the safe, secure and cost-effective decommissioning of the UK’s 17 earliest nuclear sites and associated facilities.

The NDA Group Chief Executive Officer is responsible for delivering on the priorities and commitments of government as our shareholder, ensuring that the NDA delivers on the key mission, including the deliverables specified in the Energy Act 2004 and the NDA Strategy. The Group CEO will ensure the organisation maintains the capacity and capability to deliver the mission safely and securely, ensuring value for money for the UK taxpayer. In addition, as Accounting Officer (AO), the CEO is directly accountable to Parliament, with accountability for the handling and use of public funds. Additionally, the CEO represents the NDA group, His Majesty’s Government, and the UK nuclear sector on a regional, national and international stage to build trust and inspire confidence in the NDA and the UK’s global leading expertise in nuclear decommissioning. This is especially the case with key international partners, including the United States, Japan and France.

The essential criteria the successful applicant will need to demonstrate are as follows:

• Leadership at CEO, MD or equivalent level of an organisation / business unit of comparative scale and complexity.
• Financial literacy, analytical capability and acumen to fulfil the Accounting Officer role.
• Background in safety-critical, multidivisional industrial businesses or organisations.
• A demonstrable track record of developing an inspiring vision and executing it. An ability to think strategically and to lead a sizeable workforce safely, efficiently and effectively, whilst driving a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.
• A strong communicator, comfortable working in a highprofile position, with an ability to engage strongly and convincingly both internally throughout the organisation and externally with multiple stakeholders including Ministers, supply chain, international partners and communities.
• Experience of organisational development whilst driving cultural improvement, change and transformation. Development of workforces and senior leaders is equally key. Evidenced belief and success across driving diversity and sustainability within organisations.
• A commercial mindset with an understanding of the requirements needed to deliver significant capital investment projects and programmes - on time and to budget.
• UK based and a British national with an ability to obtain Developed Vetting security clearance.

The NDA is committed to the value that diversity brings to the Board and to the organisation as a whole. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds who match the essential requirements of the role.

The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority has retained Russell Reynolds Associates to advise on this appointment. For further information about the position and how to apply, please review the position specification below.

The closing date for applications is no later than midnight on 30 November 2025.