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.
Job profile
GBE-N are seeking a Trade Controls Manager, a role that is critical to the delivery of the UK’s first SMRs. This role represents a unique and exciting opportunity to shape the trade controls strategy and approach within GBE-N and make a lasting impact.
We are seeking a dynamic self-starter with trade and export control expertise, who can work collaboratively with senior stakeholders within GBE-N, wider government and the supply chain.
The Trade Controls Manager role is pivotal in ensuring GBE-N’s export control activities are conducted in a robustly compliant and effective manner aligned with GBE-N’s strategic objectives and in accordance with all relevant national and international legislation, licensing requirements and guidance.
You will leverage your in-depth knowledge of export controls to develop and implement an export controls function that operates in compliance with all relevant UK, EU, US and other applicable laws and licensing requirements ensuring that all elements of the business are (through presentation and training) aware of the responsibilities such laws place upon the business.
Your focus will be to ensure that the systems, processes and procedures you set up will ensure that GBE-N navigates the complex export control legislation and you will need to work with a range of personnel across GBE-N to ensure that the business adequately understands export controls required for hardware, software, processes and information. You will also manage on an ongoing basis the relevant systems and governance around applicable import/export controls and licensing for the business.
The successful candidate will hold a detailed knowledge of UK export control legislation and its application backed by experience with the SPIRE system. A good knowledge of the nuclear industry and an understanding of the key issues with the nuclear industry and relevant regulatory bodies together with previous liaison with the Export Control Joint Unit is highly desirable.
A strong and credible communicator, you will foster collaborative working relationships with GBE-N and with external stakeholders, you will be experienced at bringing stakeholders along a journey, managing their expectations and briefing senior leaders.
Responsibilities:
Initial:
* Design, develop and implement a robust export controls function, this will include;
* End to end process design,
* Development, publication and implementation of all required import, export and licensing standards, policies, procedures, and best practices,
* Identification and specification of required systems,
* Design and conduct initial compliance and training awareness for personnel throughout the business at all levels to ensure compliance requirements are disseminated, implemented and understood within the business,
* Establish a published audit programme/process to ensure ongoing compliance,
* Establish a regular risk assessment programme for the export controls function.
Ongoing:
* Conduct ongoing compliance and training awareness for personnel throughout the business to ensure compliance requirements are disseminated, implemented and understood within the business,
* Participate in assessments of contract/procurement documentation to ensure all relevant import/export control/licensing requirements are correctly defined,
* Ensure business compliance to all HMRC requirements for import/export and license control ensuring all documentation is managed and maintained to meet legislative requirements,
* Ensure all statutory required reporting to relevant authorities is submitted accurately and in a timely manner,
* Monitor and react (and implement where required) ongoing developments within the customs and legislative framework ensuring any changes are implemented and communicated to the business,
* Track the status of existing import/export licenses and ensure timely renewals and/or amendments where required,
* Prepare and submit export license applications where needed to Export Control Licensing Unit and other appropriate government authorities,
* In conjunction with the procurement team, manage and measure supplier performance related to their import/export control responsibilities,
* Undertake investigations into any compliance breaches/violations making recommendations and implementing corrective actions as appropriate,
* Undertake a programmed audit to ensure ongoing compliance,
* Undertake a programmed risk assessment for the export controls function.
Knowledge, Skills and Experience required:
* Minimum 5 years export controls and licensing experience at a senior level,
* Experience of working within a highly regulated industry,
* Knowledge of UK (OGELs/SIELs/F680, EU (dual use) and US (ITAR/EAR) Part 810/110 Export Laws and Regulations,
* Detailed understanding of HMRC rules and regulations in appropriate areas,
* Experience using SPIRE export licencing system,
* IATA, IMDG and ADR knowledge,
* Tariff classification competency,
* Knowledge of the latest export controls policies, and best practices, with the ability to demonstrate their implementation,
* Ability to explain complex trade compliance requirements to all levels of the organisation in a meaningful way,
* Strong communication and interpersonal skills to build relationships with internal and external stakeholders,
* Strong accountability for achieving goals and objectives.
Qualifications
* Relevant Degree or equivalent qualifications,
* Completion of ECO Training in export license application,
* Membership of MCIEx or other appropriate professional body.