Environment and Sustainability Lead

Job description

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.

The Environment and Sustainability Lead will lead the development, implementation and continual improvement of environmental and sustainability arrangements across the SMR programme, ensuring robust environmental governance, compliance and sustainable delivery principles are embedded across programme development, design, delivery planning and future site activities. The role will provide visible leadership and specialist advice in support of a first-of-a-kind UK SMR project.

Working across programme, technical, commercial, delivery and assurance teams, the postholder will ensure environmental protection, sustainability requirements and net zero considerations are integrated into governance, decision-making, contractor management and programme controls. The role will support the Head of Health, Safety, Environment and Sustainability in driving a proactive environmental culture, maintaining compliance with legislation and standards, and promoting practical, proportionate and innovative solutions.

Please note, this role will require travel to the Warrington Office 3 days a week.

Accountabilities & Responsibilities:
Environmental Strategy & Programme Integration

• Lead the development and implementation of environmental and sustainability strategy and arrangements for the SMR programme, ensuring alignment with organisational objectives, regulatory expectations and wider environmental commitments. Embed environmental and sustainability considerations across design, development, delivery planning and future operational arrangements.

Environmental Compliance & Assurance

• Provide specialist leadership on compliance with relevant environmental legislation, permit requirements, regulatory expectations and internal governance standards. Support the development and implementation of environmental management processes, audits, inspections, assurance activities and reporting arrangements to ensure risks are identified, controlled and reviewed appropriately.

Sustainability, Carbon & Resource Efficiency

• Lead and support initiatives relating to sustainability, carbon reduction, climate considerations, waste minimisation, biodiversity, resource efficiency and broader environmental performance improvement. Help translate strategic commitments into practical plans, KPIs and delivery actions across the programme and supply chain.

Design, Delivery & Supply Chain Support

• Work closely with technical, commercial and delivery teams to ensure environmental and sustainability requirements are integrated into design decisions, procurement activities, contractor management and programme delivery. Promote best practice and support supply chain capability in the application of environmental and sustainability expectations.

Risk Management, Incident Response & Continuous Improvement

• Support the management of environmental risks, incidents, non-conformances and corrective actions, ensuring learning is captured and improvements are embedded. Maintain a focus on strengthening environmental processes, management information, assurance arrangements and programme capability.

Stakeholder Engagement & Leadership

• Provide visible leadership and practical advice to internal teams, consultants, suppliers and other stakeholders on environmental and sustainability matters. Build strong relationships to support effective governance, sound decision-making and the consistent application of environmental expectations across the programme.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience required:

• Experience in environmental management, sustainability, ESG or a related discipline within nuclear, energy, major infrastructure, construction or another highly regulated environment.
• Good understanding of relevant UK environmental legislation, standards and best practice, including environmental risk management and management systems.
• Experience supporting complex projects or programmes through the development of environmental strategies, sustainability frameworks, compliance arrangements and performance reporting.
• Knowledge of carbon reduction, resource efficiency, waste, environmental permitting, sustainability reporting and continuous improvement approaches.
• Ability to analyse environmental risks and opportunities, interpret complex information and provide practical, proportionate recommendations.
• Experience of ISO 14001 or equivalent environmental management systems would be advantageous.

Desirable skills:

• Experience supporting nuclear new build, decommissioning, major infrastructure or complex construction programmes.
• Familiarity with environmental permitting, regulatory engagement, sustainability in projects, PAS 2080 or related carbon and sustainability frameworks.
• Experience working with supply chains, technical advisers and senior stakeholders to improve environmental performance and embed sustainable delivery practices.
• Awareness of first-of-a-kind programme challenges and the integration of environmental and sustainability considerations into programme decision-making.

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent qualification in environmental management, sustainability, engineering, science, geography or another relevant discipline, or equivalent professional experience.
• Professional membership, or working towards membership, of IEMA or another relevant institution would be advantageous.
• Relevant environmental, sustainability or carbon management qualifications. (Desirable)

Please note, this role may require candidates to obtain and maintain the appropriate level of National Security Vetting.

We recognise that candidates may not meet every requirement listed. If your experience is not an exact match but you believe you have the skills, knowledge and potential to succeed in the role, we encourage you to apply.

Please complete our short application form to apply for this role. If shortlisted, one of our Talent Attraction Leads will be in touch to discuss the position in more detail. Good luck with your application!

At GBE-N, we are committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive. We value diversity and encourage applications from all backgrounds, including underrepresented groups. If you require any support or adjustments to help you with your application, please contact us at , and we will be happy to provide assistance.