SDA Acquisition Safety Manager (Ministry of Defence)

The Submarine Delivery Agency (SDA) is an Executive Agency of the Ministry of Defence responsible for the procurement, in service support and disposal of the UK’s nuclear submarines. Our work is of unparalleled strategic importance nationally and internationally, ensuring the security of the UK’s continuous at-sea nuclear deterrent, and delivering the most technically complex programmes in Defence. We employ over 2000 people and have an annual spend of c. £3.5 billion.

Job description

Are you passionate about the defence of the United Kingdom, with a good moral compass and a drive to protect people, whilst making positive contributions towards a safe and sustainable future? If so, we at the SDA, are actively looking for an experienced safety professional to champion safety and environmental protection & sustainability for our Armed Forces.

In this unique and challenging role, you’ll act as the Naval Reactor Plan Authorisee’s (NRPA) Safety team specialist, providing safety assurance for the design to be used by the Dreadnought and Astute class replacement. Working closely with both internal and external key stakeholders, you’ll assure that the work being undertaken is delivered to guidance.

Due to the nature of our work, we would welcome applications from those currently holding full membership from a safety / engineering society or institution, as well as those individuals who have the desire and motivation to achieve a safety / engineering professional membership status.

Due to security, this role requires applicants to be sole UK nationals.

Responsibilities

This role is pivotal in regulatory engagement and naval nuclear safety case delivery, and we are excited to offer the opportunity to utilise your existing skills and expertise within an environment where your aspirations for further development and training can be realised.

You’ll work in support of the most complex products on the planet, which include end-to-end lifecycle activities associated with nuclear submarines and the supporting infrastructure. Specific responsibilities would include, but not limited to one or more of the following:

• Safety case management and assessment
• Reviewing inputs from Technical Authorities
• Management of the regulatory interface between NRPA and the Defence Nuclear Safety Regulator

What you will be assessed against

To be successful with your application you must demonstrate that you meet the following essential criteria:

• Hold a relevant HNC (e.g., Level 4 or higher) qualification in a Science, Engineering or related subject, or equivalent experience in industry
• Demonstrable experience of providing safety advice and leading the delivery of successful outcomes in safety management whilst minimising environmental harm
• A good depth and breadth of safety experience within a regulated industry such as Maritime, Oil and Gas, Aerospace, Nuclear, Petrochemical, or similar

In addition to the responsibilities above, the following technical competencies and behaviours will be assessed at interview:

• Compliance with Policy
• Complies with Systems Safety requirements
• Leadership
• Communicating and influencing