Strategic Pursuits and Programme Director

Assystem GmbH; Blackburn; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Strategic Pursuits and Programme Director to lead their Fusion and Modular Nuclear business unit. This pivotal role involves driving strategic programmes, enhancing client relationships, and ensuring profitable delivery within the nuclear sector. The ideal candidate will possess a strong track record in regulated environments, showcasing their ability to transform strategic opportunities into tangible value. With a focus on collaboration and innovation, this position offers the chance to shape the future of low-carbon energy solutions while working in a supportive and dynamic environment. Join a team dedicated to making a significant impact in the energy transition.

Benefits

Continuous Professional Development

Access to Innovative Projects

Collaborative Company Culture

Attractive Reward and Recognition

Flexibility and Work-Life Balance

Qualifications

• Degree-qualified in engineering or project management.
• Extensive experience in regulated sectors like nuclear or infrastructure.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic pursuits and bids across the FMN portfolio.
• Oversee execution of strategic programmes with P&L responsibility.

Skills

Strategic Leadership

Commercial Insight

Programme Leadership

Client Relationship Management

P&L Accountability

Team Building

Communication Skills

Education

Degree in Engineering

Project Management Qualification

Tools

NEC Contracts

Project Management Software

Job description

Strategic Pursuits and Programme Director

Finding solutions to climate change is the priority of the 21st century and means switching to low-carbon energy. At Assystem, our mission is to accelerate the energy transition worldwide. To achieve this, our 7,500 Switchers combine their historical engineering expertise and project management with digital technologies.

In our 12 countries (Europe, Middle East, Asia) of operation, we are working on the production and distribution of low-carbon electricity, through the development of nuclear and renewable energies. We are also supporting the modernization and development of energy grids, managing the setup and siting for new transmission and distribution networks, and using hydrogen to decarbonize the transport and industry sectors.

Our Fusion and Modular Nuclear (FMN) business is pioneering next-generation energy solutions, from Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and Advanced Modular Reactors (AMRs) to groundbreaking fusion projects. We blend deep engineering expertise, advanced digital capabilities, and creative thinking to deliver the technologies that support global net-zero targets.

Job Description

We are seeking a commercially minded, client-focused Strategic Pursuits and Programme Director to join our growing Fusion and Modular Nuclear business unit.

Reporting directly to Martin, our Business Unit Director, you will lead the pursuit, winning and delivery of strategic programmes, driving Assystem’s continued growth and impact within the nuclear sector.

As a senior leader within the FMN and wider New Build (NB) teams, your leadership will shape pursuit strategies, programme delivery, profitability, and client relationships. You’ll represent Assystem both independently and within consortia, steering outcomes that align with our business goals and strategic vision.

Key Responsibilities

1. Lead strategic pursuits and bids across the FMN portfolio.
2. Oversee the successful execution of strategic programmes, including P&L responsibility.
3. Define pursuit and delivery strategies for new build projects (e.g. Owners Engineer services for SMRs and AMRs).
4. Build and evolve teams to meet programme demands.
5. Drive performance, profitability, capability development, and resource optimisation.
6. Foster and grow collaborative relationships with clients, partners, and supply chain stakeholders.
7. Contribute to the strategic development of the FMN business unit.
8. Represent Assystem in Joint Ventures, client consortiums, and industry-facing initiatives.

My profile

You are a strategic and delivery-focused leader with a strong track record in complex, regulated environments. With a combination of technical credibility, commercial insight, and programme leadership, you know how to turn strategic opportunities into value — for clients, partners, and your teams.

What You Bring

1. Degree-qualified (or equivalent) in engineering, project management, or a relevant technical field.
2. Extensive experience in regulated sectors such as nuclear, infrastructure, or defence — ideally with exposure to capital project delivery.
3. Strong understanding of the UK Fusion and Modular Nuclear market, including its key players, challenges, and opportunities.
4. Proven track record in leading major bids and strategic programmes, with direct P&L accountability and delivery oversight.
5. Familiarity with NEC contracts, including Time & Materials, Target Cost, and Fixed Price models.
6. A clear understanding of the Owner’s Engineer and Architect Engineer roles within complex new build projects.
7. Demonstrated ability to build and lead high-performing teams, across engineering, digital, project management, and safety disciplines.
8. Confident communicator, experienced in engaging with senior stakeholders, clients, and partners at strategic level.
9. Experience working within or leading Joint Ventures or integrated project teams is highly valued.
10. Professional certifications such as APMP or MSP Practitioner are a plus.

What We Offer

1. Continuous professional development – Join a learning-driven organisation that values long-term growth and invests in your development throughout your career.
2. Access to innovative projects – Take part in exciting, forward-thinking initiatives that challenge and inspire.
3. A collaborative and supportive company culture – Be part of a positive, team-oriented environment where mutual support and shared success are central.
4. Attractive reward and recognition – Benefit from a competitive reward structure designed to recognise and celebrate both individual and team contributions.
5. Flexibility and work-life balance – Enjoy flexible working policies and wellbeing programmes that help you maintain a healthy balance between your personal and professional life.

We are committed to equal treatment of candidates and promote, as well as foster all forms of diversity within our company. We believe that bringing together people with different backgrounds and perspectives is essential for creating innovative and impactful solutions. Skills, talent, and our people’s ability to dare are the only things that matter! Bring your unique contributions and help us shape the future.