Head of Design Contracts - Eng & Tech

Project Overview
Following on from the success of Hinkley Point C (HPC), the Sizewell C Project is a nuclear new build project in Suffolk, which has obtained planning approval and Government financing support. The project has started construction and is now seeking private investment. When completed, it will provide dependable electricity to 6 million homes for 60 years, which along with renewables, will support Britain to achieve Net Zero by 2050.
Come and join our expanding Sizewell C (SZC) team and work on one of the most exciting and largest megaprojects in the UK, whilst being at the forefront of the UK's climate change agenda and energy policy.
Contextual Information
Unlike Hinkley Point C (HPC), which is equity funded, SZC will require a new model of funding that brings the down the overall risk for investors to construct, operate and decommission to a level that will attract investment at regulated asset rates of return. This role will be critical in ensuring that SZC can deliver and implement its civil engineering design within the agreed scope, budget and programme requirements.
The Engineering & Technical (E&T) function within the Civil Works Programme (CWP) is an integral part of the SZC project, responsible for the:
• Definition of the civil works design, engineering, and technical requirements,
• Leadership of the delivery of all civil works design activities including civil infrastructure (enabling works, marine and tunnelling, ancillary buildings and permanent roads and networks) and civil assets (Nuclear Island, Conventional Island and Balance of Plant),
• Management of the E&T budget, programme and resources, including supply chain organisations contracted to SZC
• Supporting the integration of constructability requirements into the design
Job Purpose
The Head of Design Contracts reports directly to the Head of Engineering & Technical within CWP and is responsible for leading the CWP E&T project manager, to successfully deliver the CWP E&T Design Supply Contracts to Budget and Schedule requirements.

Dimensions

This is a key role within the SZC project organisation, reporting to the Civil Works Programme Head of Engineering and Technical, ensuring the programme meets budget and programme requirements.

The role holder will contribute to the development and implementation of the organisation, operating model and project strategy.

The role-holder will manage a team of up to 20 project management professionals within the CWP and also provide project delivery guidance to the multi-disciplinary technical team as needed to achieve the project's objectives.

The role-holder will lead by example with respect to the project's behaviours setting the standard for their team to follow.

Principal Accountabilities
• Responsible for the leadership and management of the CWP E&T project managers, enabling and supporting staff engagement, development and performance.
• Accountable for successful delivery of the CWP E&T Design Supply Contracts to Budget and Schedule requirements, by providing robust commercial leadership and governance.
• Hold a comprehensive view of Project Management across the SZC delivery functions, ensuring alignment with strategic project objectives and adherence to project management processes.
• Lead engagement with the Head of Civil Programme Engineering and other senior stakeholders to ensure budget, schedule and technical needs are aligned to facilitate effective and on-time design delivery.
• Lead CWP E&T engagement with SZC Commercial teams to support procurement of L3 Design Supply Contracts.
• Accountable for the effective management of CWP E&T Design Supply Chain Contracts following Signature of Contract including the use of CEMAR for managing early warnings and variations.
• Ensure CWP E&T project teams are resourced with functional support to deliver their project commitments
• Ensure CWP E&T project teams are coordinated and aligned with design delivery programme and milestones
• Ensure the CWP E&T team can access necessary support from SZC Project Management Office (PMO).
• Ensure that CWP E&T teams provide appropriate input to the SZC Risk management process and complete technical reviews and surveillance activities in accordance with SZC governance requirements
• Lead engagement with SZC Information Management and PMO functions to ensure that appropriate data and information management systems and processes are in place to facilitate effective delivery and reporting of the CWP E&T Design Supply Contracts
• Supports the Technical Directorate with implementation of replication principles across the programme and is responsible for the resolution of all relevant issues related to their scope to achieve on budget, on-time delivery of the design.

Nuclear Safety Accountabilities

This Post may have nuclear safety responsibilities which could have an impact on nuclear safety through the activities that they?perform. These will be detailed in the Nuclear Baseline accordingly.


Knowledge, Skills, Qualifications & Experience:
• Proven experience of successfully leading large teams in major infrastructure projects
• Degree and Chartered status in Project management, Construction, Civil engineering, or other relevant discipline.
• Excellent understanding of project management approaches and processes, and proven success in managing and driving teams to meet deadlines
• Track record of leading delivery of major infrastructure projects within a complex and dynamic environment, particularly in managing interfaces between scope areas
• Proven experience of maintaining high levels of safety, security and environmental responsibility
• Track record of successful delivery to budget and programme constraints, with effective cost control and management of change control processes.
• Proven experience of successfully managing groups of internal and external stakeholders, with both technical and commercial interests
• Excellent communication, presentation and organisational skills, able to develop relationships and maintain effective networks at all levels
• Degree and chartered status in an engineering, construction, project management or other related field
• Track record of successful delivery within a Design & Build contract is beneficial
• Familiarity with NEC suite of contracts
• Prior experience working in the nuclear sector is beneficial


Key Competencies:
Leadership
• Decisive and confident decision-making in high-pressure situations
• Capability to foster a collaborative and inclusive team environment
• Promotes innovation and continuous improvement within the team
Inspiration
• Clear decision-making ability with the ability to judge complex situations and assess when to escalate issues
• Ability to balance conflicting and changing demands through prioritisation and a pragmatic approach
• Enthusiasm, energy, passion and conviction
Integrity
• Comfortable performing in a technically complex and fast-changing environment, and to respond calmly and rationally to changing aspirations in a deadline-driven situation
• Respecting confidentiality
Impact
• Strong planning and organising skills including the ability to manage several work streams simultaneously
• Determination and focus to drive projects through to implementation.
Involvement
• Good influencing and persuasion skills with the ability to inspire multidisciplinary teams and build successful relationships at all levels.
• Good team player, self motivated and able to work on own initiative.