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. We draw on deep nuclear expertise – our Executive Committee has over 100 years of nuclear experience at home and abroad. GBE-N will unlock billions of pounds of private and public investment from design to operation, helping to get sites ready for development, and working to grow manufacturing capacity and skills capability.
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
To support the development of environmental permit applications for early site-based activities and the major construction water discharges and operational permit requirements. Initial activities will include supporting the development of plans for permissions application development. The post holder will be expected to have experience in managing a supply chain as well as acting as a subject matter expert in the field of environmental permitting.
The permitting specialist will work as part of a small permissions team, reporting to the Permitting Manager, and will support the overall programme of major permissions applications.
Responsibilities:
* Work with the Permitting Manager in developing and delivering the strategy and plans for environmental permitting activities.
* Act as technical lead for permitting activities allocated to them by the Permitting Manager.
* Project management of environmental permitting projects to secure permits, including managing supply chain inputs.
* Ensure alignment between permitting assumptions and the baseline project scope and ensure close coordination between permitting, project development/ design activities, land use planning and coordinate with related licencing and organisational capability development work.
* Ensure best practice is implemented in relation to creation of evidence and management of documents and records.
* Engaging with external stakeholders (including in particular the Environment Agency and Natural Resources Wales) in relation to environmental permitting.
* Actively engage in communications/ consultation activities associated with both the Planning Consents and Permits team and wider project.
* Managing overall delivery to cost, time, quality and to meet defined objectives.
Knowledge, Skills and Experience required:
* A proven track record in the management and delivery of similar scopes of work.
* A qualification in a relevant discipline such as environmental science or engineering, membership of a relevant professional institution.
* Demonstrable technical knowledge and experience of the legal and regulatory requirements for projects at all stages of the permitting process.
* Track record of delivering similar projects on time and on budget.
* Understanding the needs of quality and how quality is assured and controlled in their area of expertise.
* Good presentation, influencing and facilitation skills. Excellent communication and organisational skills, able to develop relationships and maintain effective networks.
* Experience of successfully engaging and communicating with internal and external stakeholders.
Qualifications
* Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Science, or a related technical field.