Safety, Security, Safeguards and Environment Case Lead

Great British Energy - Nuclear; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Great British Energy - Nuclear is seeking a Safety, Security, Safeguards and Environment (SSSE) Case Lead to develop and own the SSSE cases for the UK SMR programme. You will work with the Head of Design Authority to shape strategy, manage risk, and ensure compliance with ONR and EA requirements.

The role demands leadership, robust communication with multi-disciplinary teams, and the ability to adapt in a fast-paced environment as the FOAK UK SMR project progresses.

Qualifications

• Experience in nuclear safety case, site security, or environmental protection within the nuclear energy sectors.
• Experience in leading SSSE case development activities for complex projects or regulated industries.
• Knowledge of UK nuclear regulations (ONR, EA).
• Excellent communication with technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Develop the project SSSE strategy in collaboration with the HoDA and maintain SSSE case development plans.
• Lead creation of SSSE top-tier reports and plans (e.g. PCSR, SJR, SCM).
• Coordinate with the technical team, partner, and Owner's Engineer to gather required SSSE information.
• Ensure SSSE documentation meets regulatory requirements and is submitted on time.

Skills

SSSE case development

Regulatory liaison

Stakeholder comms

Leadership

Education

STEM degree

Chartered status (Desirable)

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 Safety, Security, Safeguards and Environment (SSSE) Case Lead will be part of the Technical function, reporting to the Head of Design Authority (HoDA), who is responsible for all aspects of nuclear safety and assurance interface management requirements.

The SSSE Case Lead will be responsible for development of the requisite SSSE cases to support successful deployment of the SMR project, ensuring relevant regulations and relevant good practice are met. They will work closely with the Head of Design Authority to develop and implement the project SSSE strategy, and subsequently be responsible for their development.

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, helping to ensure that it minimises its environmental impact whilst delivering cost-effective energy capacity. This is a fast-paced and evolving environment, requiring the ability to adapt effectively to uncertainty, ambiguity and change.

Accountabilities & Responsibilities:

• Development of the project SSSE strategy, in close collaboration with the Head of Design Authority. Develop, implement and maintain a clear strategy for the ongoing management of the project SSSE cases in line with the relevant process arrangements.
• Lead development of required SSSE top tier reports and plans (e.g. SSSE Case Development Plan, Nuclear Safety Strategy, Pre-Construction Safety Report (PCSR), Site Justification Report (SJR), Safety Case Manual (SCM), SSSE Head Document, External Hazards and Site Characterisation, Pre-Commissioning Safety Report (PCmSR), Pre-Operational Safety Report (POSR), Operating Safety Report (OSR)) in accordance with the SSSE strategy.
• Work with the wider technical team, Technology Partner and Owner's Engineer to ensure delivery of the required information to underpin the SSSE reports (i.e. the SSSE case), ensuring integrity of the golden thread and completeness of information.
• Ensure all SSSE documentation is prepared in line with national and international nuclear regulations and adequately addresses all technical, operational, and environmental risks associated with the SMR Project.
• Work with the relevant permissions and licensing leads to ensure SSSE reports and underpinning documentation are delivered as required to support permitting, licensing and consenting activities.
• Ensure required SSSE documentation is submitted to regulatory bodies on the agreed timescales. Serve as a key contact for regulatory bodies (e.g. ONR, EA) concerning SSSE submissions and enquiries.
• Collaborate with technical, digital, project management, and commercial teams to ensure seamless integration of SSSE requirements within the broader project scope.
• Ensure any changes to regulatory frameworks or emerging best practices are considered and reflected in the SSSE strategy and plans updated in response.
• Foster a positive and inclusive team environment that aligns with cultural values.
• Contribute to maintaining a respectful and collaborative workplace, valuing diversity, and promoting teamwork.
• Make informed decisions and solve problems effectively, considering diverse perspectives and organizational goals.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience required:

• Experience in nuclear safety case, site security, or environmental protection within the nuclear energy sectors.
• Experience in leading SSSE case development activities, ideally for complex nuclear projects or other highly regulated industries.
• A good understanding of the relevant regulatory requirements, in particular those relevant to nuclear new build in the UK (i.e. ONR, EA).
• Effective communication skills, with the ability to effectively interact and explain complex processes with technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• The capability to adapt effectively to change and uncertainty and welcome the emergent aspect of the job.
• Ability to foster a collaborative and supportive environment, whilst developing team members' skills and capabilities.
• Ability to work in a collaborative, multi-party environment at pace.

Qualifications

• A bachelor's or Master's degree in a STEM discipline or equivalent relevant experience.
• Chartered status with a recognised engineering or regulatory institute (e.g Chartered Engineer, Chartered Environmentalist) (Desirable)

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. If your experience is not an exact match but you believe you have the skills, knowledge and potential to succeed in the role, we encourage you to apply.

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.