Defence Nuclear Organisation - Nuclear Fuels Programme – Radioactive Material Packaging Project Manager

Job summary

The Defence Nuclear Organisation (DNO) is responsible for the provision of the nuclear deterrent, encompassing our submarines and nuclear warheads, while also advising on UK nuclear planning and fostering international co-operation on nuclear matters. With a multidisciplinary team of over 700 professionals, the DNO brings together expertise in science, engineering, finance, policy, programme delivery, and more. We work in partnership with the Royal Navy, the Submarine Delivery Agency and the Atomic Weapons Establishment as the Defence Nuclear Enterprise (DNE).

Here at DNO we strongly believe that diversity and inclusion is not only the right thing to do but is also essential for a thriving and successful organisation. We have a culture where differences are celebrated, and our people feel supported, included and empowered. Join us and be part of an organisation that truly values diversity and inclusion and makes a positive impact on the world.

The Nuclear Fuels Programme (NFP) sits within the newly established 3* area within the DNO. The programme’s purpose is to re-establish a nuclear fuel cycle for reactor fuel for defence purposes, underpinning the UK’s nuclear deterrent. The programme operates as a blended team of MOD civil servants, UKGI, and external specialists, working across multiple locations and in partnership with industry, regulators and international stakeholders. This role sits within a high-profile, sensitive and strategically important programme, delivered within a complex and highly regulated environment.

The NFP Radioactive Material Packaging Project Manager will lead the planning, acquisition and through-life management of specialist transport packaging required to support the safe and compliant movement of materials. The role will bring together project delivery, logistics and regulatory considerations, translating complex technical requirements into practical delivery plans.

This is an opportunity to take ownership of a specialist and strategically important area of delivery, influence emerging plans and help establish an enduring capability within a growing programme.

This post is advertised at 37 hours per week.

Job description

As the Radioactive Material Packaging Project Manager, you will lead the development and delivery of the programme’s approach to specialist transport packaging for a range of uranium products across the nuclear fuel cycle. You will act as the programme’s focal point for packaging requirements, bringing together technical, regulatory, commercial and delivery considerations to ensure that suitable solutions are available when needed.

You will work with internal and external specialists to evaluate packaging options, plan future demand and manage the acquisition, certification, testing and through-life management of packaging. You will also provide clear reporting and advice to senior leaders, supporting informed decisions and effective management of delivery risks, issues and dependencies.

Key responsibilities include:

• Managing the through-life stewardship of transport packaging, including maintenance, reuse, inventory management, refurbishment, disposal and end-of-life disposition.
• Developing and maintaining the programme’s transport packaging strategy, covering both on-site and off-site movements.
• Defining, managing and maintaining packaging requirements across the programme lifecycle.
• Assessing material characteristics and operational requirements to identify suitable, compliant packaging solutions.
• Developing the packaging demand forecast, including package quantities, availability and inventory management.
• Leading the acquisition and delivery of specialist transport packaging, working with commercial colleagues, suppliers and technical specialists.
• Managing packaging certification, testing and regulatory approval arrangements.
• Integrating packaging activity with wider programme schedules, delivery plans and dependencies.
• Identifying and managing packaging-related risks, issues, assumptions and dependencies.
• Engaging with regulators, assurance bodies, international authorities and logistics providers to support approvals and delivery.
• Auditing and assuring supplier capability against relevant regulatory and programme requirements.
• Producing and coordinating transport plans, regulatory submissions, risk assessments and logistics procedures.
• Providing timely reporting, analysis, advice and decision support to senior programme leadership.
• Advising programme teams and stakeholders on packaging requirements, regulatory responsibilities and through-life management considerations.
• Maintaining awareness of relevant legislation, policy and regulation and assessing how changes may affect programme delivery.

NFP is a growing area operating within a dynamic and evolving environment. As the organisation develops, new priorities and responsibilities may emerge, and the post holder may be required to work flexibly across the area to support successful programme delivery.

Due to the pace of delivery and requirement for regular workplace attendance this role is not suitable for part-time or job share candidates.

Hybrid and flexible working can be considered for this post but will need regular workplace attendance due to security constraints. Candidates are encouraged to discuss options with the recruiting line manager before submitting an application.

This post is on the MOD Civilian Nuclear Post Control List (PCL) and may attract the Nuclear Recruitment and Retention Allowance (RRA). This is a discretionary allowance. The post being listed on the PCL does not mean that the post holder will have an automatic entitlement to receive the RRA. The NSQEP RRA is not a contractual allowance and can be amended or withdrawn without notice in line with MOD Main and Submarine Delivery Agency policy.

As the post holder will have access to very sensitive information, there are limitations on travelling to a small number of countries and we will undertake additional security checks as part of the recruitment process. Applications from candidates with close connections to certain countries may take considerably longer to process, or in some cases result in a withdrawal of an offer of employment. Further details will be provided at the conditional offer stage.

Person specification

We are looking for an organised and proactive project delivery professional who can bring structure and momentum to a technically complex area. You will be comfortable working across organisational boundaries, managing competing priorities and translating specialist information into clear plans, recommendations and decisions.

You do not need to be an expert in every aspect of the role from the outset. However, you will need relevant experience of delivering projects involving regulated, hazardous or technically complex activities, together with the ability to build effective relationships with technical specialists, suppliers and regulatory stakeholders.

Essential Skills: Experience of delivering projects involving radioactive material, hazardous materials or another comparably regulated and technically complex environment.

• Demonstrable project delivery experience, including managing scope, schedule, cost, risk and dependencies.
• Experience of working with technical specialists, suppliers, regulators or assurance bodies to deliver agreed outcomes.
• Strong planning and organisational skills, with the ability to coordinate multiple activities and maintain delivery momentum.
• The ability to analyse complex technical or regulatory information and turn it into clear recommendations, plans and decision-support material.
• Strong stakeholder management and communi