Quality & Auditing Lead

Great British Energy - Nuclear; Warrington; On-site; GBP 84,000 - 103,000; Full time

Job summary

Great British Energy - Nuclear is seeking a Quality Assurance and Audit Lead to develop and manage the quality programme for the SMR programme. You will lead internal and supplier audits, ensure compliance with ISO standards, and drive CAPA.

The role requires independent oversight, reporting, and coaching the team. You will work with Project Teams and governance forums to enhance safety, performance, and reliability. Candidates may require National Security Vetting.

Qualifications

• Quality Assurance and Audit strategy ownership and independent assurance over IMS.
• Plan, lead and assure internal and supply chain audit programmes.
• Non-conformance management, corrective actions and continual improvement.
• Provide senior leadership with evidence-based assurance findings and risks.
• Develop and implement CAPA for GBE-N across IPT and corporate functions.

Responsibilities

• Own and deliver QA and Audit strategy aligned with regulatory and standards requirements.
• Plan, lead and assure internal and supplier audits with competent auditors.
• Provide oversight of performance, non-conformances, CAPA and continual improvement.
• Advise senior leadership with evidence-based insights for regulatory confidence.
• Develop and implement management review processes and annual reporting.

Skills

Quality management

Audit leadership

CAPA management

Regulatory compliance

Quality metrics reporting

Management reviews

Digital quality systems

Education

Engineering or sciences degree

CQI member or qualification

Tools

Quality management software

ISO software tools

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 Quality & Audit Lead plays a vital role in leading the development of both the Quality programme and management system assurance approach for GBE-N as the developer of a small modular reactor (SMR) power station. You will work closely with Project Teams, and internal functions and teams to ensure that the quality programme and strategy are embedded effectively and the audit programme is established This role will develop and manage the Corrective and Preventive Action (CAPA) Programme for GBE-N . Your work will directly contribute to improving safety, performance, and reliability across the SMR programme.

Accountabilities & Responsibilities

• Own and deliver the Quality Assurance and Audit strategy, ensuring it provides independent, risk based assurance over the effectiveness of the Integrated Management System and compliance with regulatory, contractual, and standards requirements.
• Plan, lead, and assure the internal and supply chain audit programme, including auditor competence, graded audit coverage, and escalation of significant findings to senior governance forums.
• Provide independent oversight of management system performance, including non conformance management, corrective actions, and continual improvement, to ensure issues are addressed at pace and to root cause. Advise senior leadership on assurance findings and emerging risks, presenting clear, evidence based insights to support informed decision making and regulatory confidence.
• Maintain professional independence and assurance credibility, ensuring separation from delivery while working collaboratively with delivery, safety, and supply chain teams to strengthen quality culture and outcomes.
• Develop and implement the GBE-N Corrective and preventive action process and programme covering the IPT and corporate functions and activities, develop action tracking and reporting processes.
• Develop and Implement the Management Review process for GBE-N, manage the periodic management review meetings and prepare the annual review report for senior leadership.
• Lead the development and implementation of the Continuous Improvement Process and Strategy for GBE-N.
• Develop and implement quality training programmes and materials and deliver training to GBE-N and supply chain partners on GBE-N Quality.
• Manage the Quality & Audit team within GBE-N accountable for their performance and the team development.
• Demonstrable experience of developing a Quality programme within a Nuclear site licence environment.
• Knowledge of developing and auditing management systems to ISO 9001,14001,45001 and 27001.
• Strong knowledge of developing Non-conformance and corrective action systems, preferably within a digital environment.
• Demonstrable experience of developing continuous improvement strategies and plans.
• Proven experience of developing and implementing reporting systems and quality metrics.
• Experience of developing management review materials and leading management reviews.

Desirable

• Knowledge of Nuclear Site Licencing process and licence conditions.
• Substantial practical experience in quality management in a relevant business environment.
• Experience of building a quality management framework & KPI measurement.
• Can deliver reports orally and written in an objective and persuasive manner.
• Understanding of digital approach to Quality and the use of digital systems to manage Quality data and reporting., Degree in Appropriate Engineering or Science Subject.
• Qualifications in Quality Management, Diploma or MSc in Quality Management (Desirable)
• Lead Auditor certification to ISO 9001 and preferably 14001 and/or 45001/ISO19443
• Member of the Chartered Quality Institute (CQI)

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

We recognise that candidates may not meet every requirement listed.

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 , and we will be happy to provide assistance.

Salary: Up to £93400 per annum.