Operations Manager

Join NRS Dounreay as an Operations Manager and lead the safe delivery of complex nuclear decommissioning activities at one of the UK’s most critical sites. This is a unique opportunity to take ownership of facility operations, drive high-impact projects, and play a key role in protecting the environment and advancing nuclear safety—while developing your leadership in a highly regulated, purpose-driven organisation.

NRS Dounreay is a critical site within the UK’s Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) estate, responsible for safely delivering one of the most complex nuclear clean-up and decommissioning programmes in Europe. The site plays a vital role in reducing environmental hazards, supporting the local economy, and advancing the UK’s long-term nuclear safety and sustainability objectives.

To safely lead and manage operational facilities and projects across their full lifecycle, ensuring compliance with regulatory, safety, and environmental standards.

As an Operations Manager, you will take ownership of facility performance, safety case delivery, and project execution, supporting the Senior Operations Manager in achieving key site objectives. The Job Holder must hold as a minimum the deputy of ATO Holder Cat 1 and Cat 2 plants (DAP Authorisation).

• Lead safe delivery of facility operations and projects in line with site baselines
• Support programme planning, risk management, and strategic delivery
• Ensure compliance with nuclear safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements
• Monitor performance across safety, cost, schedule, and quality, implementing improvements
• Manage and maintain the facility safety case and Authority to Operate
• Oversee contractors and ensure equivalent safety and security standards
• Lead incident reporting, investigation, and corrective actions
• Drive workforce capability through line management and succession planning
• Control work activities within agreed safety cases and operating envelopes
• Support emergency preparedness and site response arrangements

• Experienced in operations management within a regulated or high-hazard industry
• Strong understanding of safety cases, compliance, and governance frameworks
• Proven leadership and stakeholder management skills

• Play a key role in one of the UK’s most important and high-profile decommissioning programmes
• Lead meaningful work that directly contributes to environmental protection and nuclear safety
• Develop your leadership and technical expertise in a unique, regulated setting
• Be part of an organisation committed to safety, innovation, and continuous improvement
• Benefits such as 13.5% employer pension contribution, 28 days annual leave + bank holiday, Company bonus scheme, Flexible working, Relocation assistance, Excellent flexible benefits & healthcare options

All successful candidates who do not already hold security clearance will need to provide proof of identity, eligibility to work in the UK, and employment/education history (typically covering the last 3–5 years) in line with NRS Baseline Security requirements. Some roles may also require full Security Clearance, which involves additional checks. For details, please refer to the Defence Business Services National Security Vetting (DBS NSV) guidance.