Operations Director

An exciting role has emerged for an Operations Director to provide senior support to our expanding Decommissioning market. The role will lead and manage the operational delivery of our larger and more complex nuclear decommissioning projects, ensuring safety, quality, cost efficiency, timely delivery and compliance with regulatory standards. The role will drive operational excellence, resource optimisation, change management, continuous improvement and growth across our major decommissioning projects and operations.

Responsible to: Key Account Director, Sellafield

• Project/Operational Leadership: Provide strategic and day-to-day operational leadership in respect of our major decommissioning projects, ensuring delivery to time, budget, and to the highest safety and quality standards:
  • Direct project teams to define key deliverables, milestones, and performance indicators, using established project management methodologies.
  • Oversee, plan, direct, deliver, and close out multiple projects within large and complex decommissioning and remediation programmes, ensuring alignment with strategic goals.
  • Oversee and direct high-performing multi-disciplinary project teams, promoting collaboration, accountability, integrated design and delivery, and a continuous improvement, innovative and development culture.
• Project Delivery Oversight:
  • Oversee the planning, scheduling, and execution of large, complex decommissioning projects.
  • Develop and implement robust risk mitigation strategies, governance and compliance requirements, to ensure delivery success.
• Resource and Performance Management:
  • Monitor resource and performance metrics, and implement corrective actions to achieve operational and project targets.
• Financial and Commercial Accountability:
  • Manage budgets, control costs, and ensure financial performance of larger projects aligns with business focus areas.
  • Understand and operate commercial models for mutual and successful gain.
  • Oversee and manage project budgets and forecasts, ensuring cost efficiency without compromising safety or quality.
  • Submit comprehensive reports (monthly or as necessary) to internal and external stakeholders detailing financial and operational performance to stakeholders.
• Stakeholder Engagement:
  • Build strong relationships with clients, regulators, partners, suppliers and internal teams.
  • Act as the primary point of contact for operational matters in respect of larger projects and ensure client satisfaction, leading negotiations and taking appropriate improvement action, where appropriate.
  • Be highly proactive in stakeholder engagement and in enhancing the reputation of our business.
  • Advocate for business interests in industry forums, promoting best practices and innovation.
• Continuous Improvement:
  • Drive operational/project efficiency through process improvements, innovation in delivery methods, and lessons learned from completed projects.
• Team Development
  • Collaborate with other senior managers to contribute to workforce planning, succession planning, and development of early careers.
  • Sponsor comprehensive training and talent programmes, ensuring staff are proficient in nuclear decommissioning standards, safety protocols, and compliance.
  • Provide mentorship and succession planning to cultivate emerging leadership and project delivery talent.
  • Actively recognize and celebrate professional and team achievements to reward and motivate.
• Safety & Regulatory Compliance:
  • Foster a culture of safety, collaboration, and high performance.
  • Conduct adherence to industry safety standards and regulatory frameworks for nuclear decommissioning.
  • Conduct regular risk assessments, audits, and corrective action planning to minimize hazards.
  • Maintain direct engagement with client and regulatory bodies to facilitate inspections, audits, and approvals.
  • Proactively monitor and implement evolving regulations to ensure continuous compliance.
• Governance & Compliance:
  • Establish robust governance structures to enhance decision-making and risk management.
  • Ensure execution of proper documentation, reporting, and compliance with internal, JV and client requirements.
  • Facilitate senior governance meetings, providing insights on project status, risks, and improvement areas.
• Driving Growth, Sustainability & Innovation:
  • Foster and promote an operational and delivery culture of excellence, innovation and sustainability, encouraging the use of emerging technologies and methodologies to drive and achieve project optimisation, sustainable practices and growth, inspiring others and leading by example.
  • Secure follow-on programmes and projects as a result of strong delivery success.
  • Identify, pursue and oversee the delivery of value propositions and growth opportunities.

Essential

• Proven experience in operational/project management within the nuclear sector, preferably in decommissioning.
• Expertise in project & programme management methodologies; strong understanding of project delivery, scheduling, cost control, and regulatory compliance.
• Commercial acumen with a track record of resolving complex challenges and delivering projects successfully.
• Degree in engineering, project management, or equivalent experience.

Advantageous

• Experience in managing multi-disciplinary teams and large-scale projects.
• Familiarity with consultancy environments and client-facing roles.
• Technical knowledge of Engineering, Procurement and Construction and of NEC3 and NEC4 contract administration

Skills and Competencies

• Excellent leadership and organisational skills.
• Strong decision-making and problem-solving ability.
• Outstanding communication, stakeholder management, and governance skills.
• Ability to manage complex projects and competing priorities.

Business Expertise

• Deep understanding of the nuclear decommissioning sector and associated operational challenges.
• Ability to identify and develop cross-practice opportunities to enhance business performance.
• Strong understanding of business systems, regulatory frameworks, safety standards, project delivery, operational, financial, and commercial management.
• Familiarity with quality assurance and risk management processes.

Explore the rewards and benefits that help you thrive – at every stage of your life and your career. Enjoy competitive salaries, employee rewards and a brilliant range of benefits you can tailor to suit your own health, wellbeing, financial and lifestyle choices. Make the most of a myriad of opportunities for training and professional development to grow your skills and expertise. And combine our hybrid working culture and flexible holiday allowances to balance a great job and fulfilling personal life.

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We're AtkinsRéalis, a world-class engineering services and nuclear organization. We connect people, data and technology to transform the world's infrastructure and energy systems. Together, with our industry partners and clients, and our global team of consultants, designers, engineers and project managers, we can change the world. We're committed to leading our clients across our various end markets to engineer a better future for our planet and its people.

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Security clearance

This role may require security clearance and offers of employment will be dependent on obtaining the relevant level of clearance. If this is necessary, it will be discussed with you at interview. The vetting process is delivered by United Kingdom Security Vetting (UKSV) and may require candidates to provide proof of residency in the UK of 5 years or longer. If applying to this role please do not make reference to (in conversation) or include in your application or CV, details of any current or previously held security clearance.

We are committed to creating a culture where everyone feels that they belong - a place where we can all be ourselves, thrive and develop to be the best we can be. So, we offer a range of family friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements and employee resource groups to support all employees. As an Equal Opportunities Employer, we value applications from all backgrounds, cultures and ability.

At AtkinsRéalis, we seek to hire individuals with diverse characteristics, backgrounds and perspectives. We strongly believe that world-class talent makes no distinctions based on gender, ethnic or national origin, sexual identity and orientation, age, religion or disability, but enriches itself through these differences.