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
The Competency Lead will lead the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of GBE-N’s Competency Management Framework. This role is pivotal in ensuring that GBE-N’s workforce, including GBE-N DevCos, possesses the right skills, knowledge, and behaviours to deliver on organisational objectives, regulatory requirements, and future ambitions. The Competency Lead will work collaboratively across all functions, engaging with stakeholders at all levels to embed a culture of continuous professional development, inclusivity, and excellence, while informing GBE-N’s skills and development needs in collaboration with the Talent Development and Skills Team.
Accountabilities & Responsibilities
* Lead the roll-out of GBE-N’s current competency audit process across all functions to ensure compliance.
* Engage in relevant audits and demonstrate compliance in relation to competency assurance for GBE-N’s systems, e.g. ISO 9001 audits of the Quality Management System.
* Analysis of data from the competency audit process to ensure insights are shared with the Talent Development Lead and Subject Matter Experts such that targeted learning and development interventions can be developed.
* Develop, implement and maintain a comprehensive Competency Management Framework, ensuring the framework is future-proofed for evolving business and regulatory needs, and is regularly reviewed and updated.
* Facilitate workshops, briefings, and feedback sessions to ensure staff can effectively engage with the competency process and that the framework meets the needs of all stakeholders.
* Monitor, evaluate, and refine the competency management process, incorporating feedback and lessons learned.
* Lead on the development of dashboards, reporting, and communications to support adoption, impact measurement and transparency.
* Support the selection, implementation, and optimisation of digital tools (e.g., Learning Management System/Competency Management Tool) to streamline administration and reporting.
* Work closely with the Talent Attraction Team to ensure alignment between competency frameworks and talent strategies, to enable effective succession planning.
* Champion change management activities to embed new frameworks and processes, supporting staff through transitions.
* Identify, assess, and mitigate risks associated with competency management, with a focus on compliance and sector-specific requirements.
* Ensure all competency-related activities are accessible and adhere to industry standards and best practices.
Knowledge, Skills and Experience Required
* Experience in designing and implementing competency management frameworks or similar organisational development initiatives, ideally in a regulated or technical environment.
* Strong understanding of competency-based assessment, workforce planning, and professional development, including methods for measuring skill levels and tracking progress.
* Knowledge of relevant standards and legislation in reference to competency assurance (e.g., ISO 9001).
* Knowledge of nuclear sector regulations and site licence conditions in reference to competency assurance (e.g. LC 10, 12 and 36).
* Excellent stakeholder engagement and facilitation skills, with the ability to build trust and influence at all levels.
* Strong analytical and organisational skills, with experience in managing complex, cross-functional projects and using data to demonstrate impact.
* Strong communication skills, with the ability to develop clear, inclusive documentation and guidance.
* Commitment to continuous improvement, inclusivity, and organisational learning.
* Experience with digital learning or competency management systems (desirable).
* Experience working with professional bodies or in a public sector context, including the use of government competency frameworks (desirable).
* Experience in change management and risk monitoring, particularly in compliance-driven environments (desirable).
Qualifications
* Degree or equivalent experience in Human Resources, Learning & Development, or a related field.
* Membership of a relevant professional body (e.g., CIPD) is desirable.