Job Description

The Safe Systems of Work Controller coordinates the work release on behalf of the authorising authority based upon its degree of complexity and risk/categorisation. They are responsible for centrally controlling and maintaining oversight of work activities within the facility, building or plant area, releasing work in line with the integrated schedule.

Principal Accountabilities

• Promote nuclear, conventional, radiological, environmental and security safety against work activities ensuring standards are upheld.
• Maintain oversight, co-ordination, and release of authorised centrally controlled work within a facility, building or plant area for the work period, including an understanding of the plant status and integrated plan.
• Understand and ensure any pre-requisite plant controls are in place for safe and effective delivery.
• Coordinate and manage isolations, performing independent verification of those placed under an Isolation & Test Certificate.
• Perform a workface check of high hazard/complex work to ensure work is being co-ordinated in a safe manner, the conditions of the Safe Systems of Work (SSOW) are being complied with.
• Effectively discharge duties to ensure accountabilities are handed over effectively, confirming plant has been left in an agreed and acceptable condition.
• Undertake self-assessment and assurance activities to confirm standards for central release/control meet the requirements of Sellafield processes and practices.
• In addition to the above, role holders are expected to fulfil other duties and tasks that are commensurate with their grade assigned to them by management to ensure efficient operations and the success of the team/organisation.

Authorities and Dimensions

Authorities:
• The Safe System of Work Controller is authorised to request suspension of any activity which appears unsafe or not in accordance with approved programmes or procedures.
• The Safe System of Work Controller has the authority to refuse the release of work or pause work if the plant conditions and/or interactions detrimentally impact the safety of the task.

Dimensions:
• Requires experience in/or supporting operations as well as an understanding of site standards and procedures.
• Requires experience of permit to work systems. Understanding of Operations, Maintenance and Project deliverables.
• Acts as a role model and coaches/mentors team members in the facility/facilities.
• Manage office control to support effective work release and maintain oversight of plant configuration control, ensuring minimal impact to the integrated schedule.
• Supports delivery within facilities of various complexities.
• Communication primarily involves engaging with key stakeholders in the facility/facilities.
• Occasionally engages with external stakeholders.
• Majority of the challenges encountered are routinely guided by existing procedures.
• May be required to interpret data and solve problems.
• Make decisions within the bounds of their accountabilities.

Knowledge & Experience

• Experience within or supporting Operations, Maintenance or Projects.
• Understanding the “permit to work” systems.
• Ability to maintain positive working relationships with a range of internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to control work to allow work to progress safely.

Essential Skills

• Demonstrate understanding and application of Nuclear Safety in work planning and oversight.
• Demonstrable knowledge of the work planning cycle from the initial concept and prioritisation of the work through the planning/preparation stages to the execution and close out of work.
• Working knowledge of Disciplined Operations standards and Operations Delivery topic area.
• Proven ability of working with stakeholders with respect to operational planning or delivery.
• Evidence of good communication skills and the ability to influence at all levels of the organisation.
• Demonstrable experience driving improvements.
• Ability to apply integrity and resilience in the face of operational pressures, with due diligence to Safety of People, Plant and the Environment.

Desirable Skills

• Ability to positively influence others.
• Ability to balance own workload.
• Detailed understanding of HSG250
• Working knowledge of the site practices for managing isolations.

Additional Information

• Open VN
• Number of Vacancies: 3
• Contact/s: Robert Dartnall

The interviews for this vacancy are currently scheduled for 30th & 31st March, however they are subject to change.

ASW’s may have the right to apply for internal Sellafield Ltd vacancies. Please note if you are an Agency Supplied Worker you are required to attach evidence of all qualifications obtained to support your application. We require a minimum of A*-C (9-4) GCSE in English Language, Maths & Science/IT or equivalent / higher qualification.

If you choose to apply for this role and your application is shortlisted by the hiring manager, you will be invited to a competency based interview. In the interview, you will be assessed against the below competencies:

Behavioural:
1.1 Commitment to Nuclear Safety and Security
1.5 Commitment to Standards
3.1 Drive for Results
3.4 Leading by Example

Technical:
31.1 Knowledge of Sellafield
39.2 Improving Plant Performance

Please see link to the competency framework for further information: https://slportal.ssa-intra.net/pub/SC001/00027/Competency%20Framework/Forms/AllItems.aspx

If your technical competency is not in the above framework, please refer to the profession’s share point page for further information.

Sellafield Ltd are recognised as a Disability Confident Employer (Level 3). Disability Confident employers offer an interview to disabled applicants that meet the minimum criteria for a vacancy. Sellafield Ltd define the minimum criteria as the ‘essential skills’ which are listed on the vacancy notice. Whilst completing your application form, you will be able to indicate if you wish to be considered under the disability confident scheme. If you would prefer to discuss this directly with us, please contact the GBS Recruitment team on recruitment@sellafieldcloud.co.uk

Please ensure that you save a copy of this advert for future reference if you make an application for this role.

The closing date for this vacancy is 8th March 2026