Senior Manager – Balance of Plant Systems Design
Location: Hybrid working with one of the following locations as primary: Derby, Warrington or Manchester
Our mission
Our mission is to deliver clean, affordable energy for all. Our Small Modular Reactor (SMR) provides a British solution to a global energy challenge. We are in pole position to become a world leader in SMRs and the UK’s premier green export technology.
The team
The Conventional Island Engineering directorate defines, owns and governs critical non‑nuclear plant systems that underpin safe and efficient SMR operation. The team provides technical authority, integration leadership and design assurance across the full lifecycle, from generic product definition through to site‑specific deployment.
Role summary
We are seeking a Senior Manager – Balance of Plant Systems Design, reporting to the Conventional Island Chief Design Engineer. Leading a team of approximately 15 engineers, this role owns the generic Balance of Plant product and provides senior technical authority, governance and systems leadership to enable robust site‑specific delivery across the SMR programme.
Key deliverables / duties
We’ll need you to:
Owning and governing the generic Balance of Plant (BOP) systems design, ensuring it remains robust, standardised, configuration‑controlled and aligned to programme objectives
Providing senior technical authority across defined BOP scopes, including chemical and gas supply systems, sampling and monitoring, auxiliary steam and selected plant support systems
Directing and assuring the development of site‑specific BOP variants, ensuring design intent is maintained and system‑level issues are resolved effectively
Leading the delivery of all design outputs, analyses, definition documentation and supporting safety justification for BOP systems
Defining and managing lifecycle engineering activities, requirements and verification & validation (V&V) plans across the BOP portfolio
Implementing and overseeing engineering governance, chairing or supporting technical reviews, and securing approval at appropriate programme gates
Maintaining cost estimates, risk and opportunity registers, technical attributes and performance metrics for BOP systems
Exercising delegated signing and approval authority from the Chief Design Engineer for defined BOP scopes
Leading, developing and mentoring the BOP Systems Engineering team, while managing supplier contracts and associated work packages
Supporting capability and supply‑chain strategies to ensure resilient delivery and future technical capability
Ensuring full compliance with E3S obligations (environment, safety, security and safeguards) across all activities
This is a senior, influential leadership role requiring strong system engineering judgement, governance expertise and the credibility to act as technical authority within a complex, regulated delivery environment.
Skills, knowledge and experience
Chartered Engineer (CEng) or equivalent, with a relevant engineering degree or demonstrable industry experience
Strong understanding of process, utility and auxiliary systems typical of large power generation facilities
Proven experience in systems engineering, system integration and safety‑critical decision‑making
Deep knowledge of UK regulatory expectations, including ALARP and BAT, and experience engaging with regulators or technical assurance bodies
We’ll ask about your experience leading large teams and contractor‑delivered design programmes
Location
This role offers flexible and hybrid working arrangements. Regular attendance at a UK office will be expected, aligned to programme delivery needs, governance activities and stakeholder engagement.
What’s in it for me?
Salary and Package
We anticipate paying £68,000 – £90,000 depending on skills and experience
28 days’ leave, a 12% employer pension contribution, BUPA cover and more. You'll join an innovative organisation offering development, progression and a culture of openness and inclusion.Bonus - Performance related target opportunity 12.5%
Benefits Allowance – £2,200 per annum, enabling you to create a bespoke package
Pension - 12% employer and 6% employee contributions.
Holidays - 28 days holiday (+ public holidays) and the ability to buy or sell up to 4 days.
Private Medical Insurance - BUPA single cover health care
Life Assurance - 6x pensionable pay
£250 - One-off payment for new starters for home office purchases
Selection process & screening
The selection process will include an initial conversation with Talent Acquisition, followed by two interview stages.
Due to the nuclear environment, offers are subject to BPSS clearance, a DBS check and basic financial probity screening.
Our commitments
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds. As a Disability Confident organisation, we are committed to inclusive, fair recruitment practices and will make reasonable workplace adjustments where required.
Confidence can sometimes hold people back. There’s no such thing as a “perfect” candidate — if you meet around 75% of the requirements, we would love to hear from you. We also welcome applications from those bringing transferable skills or considering a sector move.
Why Join Us?
You’ll be joining a forward-thinking organisation that values transparency, fairness, and innovation. We offer:
A flexible, inclusive, and supportive working environment.- Opportunities for career growth in a rapidly scaling business.
- A culture that values diversity, innovation, and continuous learning.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds. Inclusivity is important to us, and as a Disability Confident organisation, we are committed to fair, supportive, and continually improving recruitment practices that ensure everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Confidence can sometimes hold us back from applying for a job. But we'll let you in on a secret: there's no such thing as a 'perfect' candidate. If you feel you meet 75% of the requirements for this role, we would love to hear from you.
Also, if you are considering a career move or a sector-jump, please get in touch – we welcome applications from people with transferable skills.
Our Application Process
Due to the safety regulations within the nuclear industry, applicants will be required to participate in additional screening. These are:
Obtaining Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) clearance- Satisfactory completion of a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check
- Satisfactory completion of a basic financial probity check
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