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.
Our activities will be driven by our values, which are:
Trust - We prioritise safety, we act responsibly and with integrity.
Collaboration - We work as a team; we value diversity and expertise.
Challenge - We are curious and courageous in the way we think and act.
Care - We are thoughtful, inclusive and respectful of others.
Drive - We get things done and we make a difference.
If you have a disability and would prefer to apply in a different format or would like us to make reasonable adjustments to enable you to apply or attend an interview, please contact us at recruitment@greatbritishnuclear.uk and we will talk to you about how we can assist.
Role Description
The Head of Licensing, Permissions and Compliance leads the Licensing, Permissioning and Compliance function within the Safety, Licensing and Assurance Directorate of the GBE-N Small Modular Reactor (SMR) Integrated Project Team (IPT). The role is responsible for setting the strategy and framework for licensing activities and ensuring readiness, preparation, and approval of submissions for the Nuclear Site Licence (NSL) and other specified permissions. The postholder will establish and maintain arrangements to demonstrate compliance with the NSL and associated permits, working across the organisation to ensure regulatory expectations are understood and met in line with project timescales.
Key Responsibilities
• To build and lead the Licensing, Permissioning and Compliance team and associated arrangements to manage:
o Nuclear Site Licence application and related submissions
o Hold point strategy and approvals
o Compliance demonstration arrangements
o Coordination with regulators and internal stakeholders
• To act as the senior advisor on licensing and compliance matters within the SMR project;
• To develop and maintain the licensing strategy and framework, ensuring alignment with project milestones;
• To work collaboratively with project, technical, safety case, design authority and other relevant teams to deliver licensing submissions to a high standard;
• To establish arrangements for demonstrating compliance with NSL conditions, permits and other permissions;
• To manage engagement with regulatory bodies including the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR), Environment Agency (EA), and other relevant authorities;
• To oversee budgets, service provision fees and contractor performance for licensing and compliance activities;
• To develop and deliver training and familiarisation on licensing and compliance across the organisation and stakeholder community;
• To line manage the Licensing, Permissioning and Compliance team, fostering capability development and a collaborative culture.
Qualifications and Experience
• Degree in nuclear or a related discipline (Master’s or equivalent preferred);
• Chartered professional status and membership/fellowship of a relevant professional body;
• Extensive experience in the nuclear industry, including nuclear site licensing and permissioning;
• Proven experience in developing and implementing compliance arrangements;
• Previous experience in preparation and/or assessment of nuclear site licence applications (highly desirable);
• Strong understanding of the UK nuclear regulatory landscape, particularly ONR and EA requirements;
• Experience of leading licensing teams and managing supply chain partners;
• Exceptional communication skills for engaging technical and non-technical stakeholders;
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, multi-party environment and embrace change and uncertainty;
• Ability to achieve National Security Vetting Clearance at Security Check level.