We are seeking an experienced Programme Manager to take overall responsibility for the leadership, coordination, and delivery of a major nuclear and civils programme based in Whitehaven. The role has accountability across multiple projects and workstreams, ensuring safe, compliant, and efficient delivery in line with nuclear regulatory requirements, client objectives, and long‑term programme outcomes.
The Programme Manager will provide strategic oversight across design, construction, commercial, planning, risk, and stakeholder functions, acting as a senior leader within a highly regulated, safety‑critical environment.
Key Responsibilities
Programme Leadership & Governance
Lead the end‑to‑end delivery of the nuclear and civils programme, ensuring alignment with client, regulatory, and organisational objectives
Establish and maintain robust programme governance, controls, and reporting structures
Provide visible leadership across the programme, promoting a strong safety, quality, and compliance culture
Delivery & Performance Management
Oversee multiple projects and packages, ensuring delivery to agreed scope, cost, quality, and schedule
Monitor programme performance, identifying and addressing risks, issues, and interdependencies
Ensure effective integration between design, construction, logistics, commissioning, and handover activities
Nuclear Safety, Compliance & Assurance
Ensure programme activities comply with nuclear site licence conditions, UK legislation, and client standards
Support nuclear safety case delivery and assurance processes
Lead engagement with audits, assurance reviews, and regulatory scrutiny at programme level
Commercial, Risk & Controls
Provide strategic oversight of programme budgets, forecasting, and commercial performance
Ensure effective risk and opportunity management across the programme
Support change control and decision‑making at programme and senior leadership level
Stakeholder & Client Management
Act as a senior interface with the client, regulators, and key stakeholders
Build and maintain effective relationships with internal and external partners
Provide clear, accurate programme updates to senior leadership and client representatives
Team Leadership & Development
Lead and develop multi‑disciplinary teams across project and programme functions
Support succession planning and capability development within the programme team
Foster a collaborative, high‑performance working environment
Skills & Experience
Essential
Proven experience as a Programme Manager or Senior Project Manager on major infrastructure or civils programmes
Experience working in highly regulated environments, ideally nuclear or equivalent safety‑critical sectors
Strong understanding of programme governance, controls, and reporting
Experience managing complex interfaces across multiple projects and stakeholders
Excellent leadership, communication, and decision‑making skills
Eligible for UK security clearance
Desirable
Previous experience on nuclear‑licensed sites or nuclear infrastructure programmes
Experience managing programmes delivered under NEC or similar contracts
Strong background in civils, infrastructure, or engineering‑led delivery
Qualifications
Essential
Degree or equivalent experience in engineering, construction, or project management
Desirable
APM, PRINCE2, or equivalent programme/project management qualification
Chartered status or working towards chartership
Personal Attributes
Strategic thinker with strong delivery focus
Credible and confident at senior leadership and client level
Calm and decisive under pressure
Committed to safety, quality, and long‑term programme succe
Secutiry clearance will be required