Digital Design and Construction Lead

Great British Nuclear (GBN) is a new government arms' length body supporting the delivery of Britain's energy security and net zero, making sure that we can power Britain from Britain sustainably. It has been set up to turn nuclear ambition into reality.

GBN's first step was to start the technology selection process for Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). SMRs have the potential to be quicker to deploy and less expensive to build than traditional nuclear power plants because they are smaller- use factory based modular manufacturing- and more flexible deployment options.

GBN is aiming to deliver fast, based on a supportive and collaborative culture which values equality and diversity and creates an inclusive workplace. It draws on deep nuclear expertise: its Executive Committee has over 100 years of nuclear experience in this country and abroad. And it can unlock billions of pounds of private and public investment from design to operation, helping to get sites ready for development, and working to grow manufacturing capacity and skills capability.

Our activities will be driven by our values, which are:

Trust - We prioritise safety, we act responsibly and with integrity.

Collaborative - We work as a team; we value diversity and expertise.

Challenge - We are curious and courageous in the way we think and act.

Care - We are thoughtful, inclusive and respectful of others.

Drive - We get things done and we make a difference.

If you have a disability and would prefer to apply in a different format or would like us to make reasonable adjustments to enable you to apply or attend an interview, please contact us at recruitment@gbnuclear.gov.uk and we will talk to you about how we can assist.

Job Profile:

The Project Digital Design & Construction Lead will be part of the Digital Delivery function within the SMR Project, reporting to the Digital Delivery Director. The team are responsible for ensuring that the SMR Project can take advantage of digital design, construction, safety, security, quality, and project controls technologies in a coherent and cost-effective manner.

This role will be the sponsor for the use of Digital Design and Construction tooling across the SMR Project and its supply chain, as well as providing input into related areas such as Project Controls and HSEQ. This will include ensuring the effective use and integration of solutions such as Building Information Modelling (BIM), Product Lifecycle Management (PLM), Configuration Management, Digital Rehearsal, the application of AR/VR to Construction, Construction Data Management, Geospatial Information Systems (GIS), and Common Data Environment(s) (CDE) across SMR Project and supply chain environments..

The role will be responsible for defining and managing the information exchanges and technology interfaces between design and construction within a complex enterprise. Their knowledge and experience will help to ensure that the SMR Project realise sustainable and cost-effective return on investment from digital construction technology, and aid in the delivery of these complex works

Crucially, they will help to define and assure the responsibilities for managing design information across the SMR Project, as well as setting requirements and leading discussions around modern methods of construction and alignment with the intent of the UK Government's Construction Playbook and the IPA's Transforming Infrastructure Performance white paper.

The successful candidate will form part of the establishment of a major programme. This is an opportunity to be part of the team ensuring successful delivery of a First of a Kind (FOAK) UK SMR Project, helping to implement digital transformation, whilst delivering cost-effective energy capacity. Whilst this is a fast-paced and exciting challenge, you will need to be comfortable with uncertainty, ambiguity and change, working to create shared vision and common purpose with a broad range of stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of a strategy for Digital Design and Construction with the SMR Project, aligning with regulatory requirements, industry standards, and project goals.
• Deliver improved safety and environmental outcomes though the use of technology with improved communication and decisions between project stakeholders.
• Oversee the integration of BIM Level 2+ compliance and transition to advanced BIM standards and GIS applications as the project evolves.
• Act as the primary BIM and GIS lead for the SMR Project, providing expert guidance to project teams on digital construction best practices and standards.
• Collaborate closely with engineering, commercial, safety, licensing and assurance, and project management teams to ensure seamless adoption of digital tools and methodologies.
• Support the integration of digital models across multidisciplinary teams to optimize data exchange, minimize rework, and enhance project efficiency.
• Act as a liaison with regulatory bodies to ensure that Digital Construction practices align with nuclear safety, compliance, and quality standards.
• Establish data management protocols, ensuring high-quality data standards across the project lifecycle.
• Implement robust quality control processes, conducting regular audits and reviews to maintain the accuracy and integrity of digital construction data.
• Define and enforce data security and governance practices, ensuring compliance with nuclear and governmental data protection requirements.
• Oversee the selection and deployment of Digital Design and Construction tooling, ensuring compatibility with project requirements and security standards.
• Build project capability for digital design and construction with a positive and inclusive team environment that aligns with GBN's cultural values.
• Contribute to maintaining a respectful and collaborative workplace, valuing diversity, and promoting teamwork.
• Make informed decisions and solve problems effectively, considering diverse perspectives and organizational goals.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience required:

• Significant experience in BIM, PLM, Configuration Management, and/or GIS management, preferably within large-scale infrastructure, nuclear, energy or highly regulated industries.
• Demonstrated experience leading digital construction initiatives, preferably in a major programme setting.
• Strong track record of collaborating with multidisciplinary teams on complex projects.
• Experience of applying BIM standards (e.g., BS 1192, ISO 19650).
• Knowledge of other related standards such as ISO 55001, ISO 9001, ISO 27001.
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to coordinate Digital Design/Construction activities across phases and ensure timely delivery of digital deliverables.
• Strong focus on data accuracy, quality control, and regulatory compliance in a high-stakes, safety-focused environment.
• Excellent problem-solving skills, with the ability to think critically and make informed decisions under pressure.
• Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to effectively interact with digital and non-digital stakeholders.
• Ability to foster a collaborative and supportive environment, whilst developing team members' skills and capabilities.
• Have the capability to embrace change and uncertainty and welcome the emergent and innovative aspects of the job.
• Ability to lead in a collaborative, multi-party environment at pace.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, Geospatial Science, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• Master's degree or relevant certifications (e.g., Autodesk Certified Professional, RICS, GISCI) is preferred but not essential.

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