James Nott
Head of Projects & Programme Management
"Nuclear offered me the opportunity to continue developing professionally and personally, all while working in an industry with long-term prospects"
James’ journey from manufacturing to nuclear
James’ journey into nuclear wasn’t entirely planned. Starting with a career outside the sector, he shows how mid-career switchers can transfer their skills to a successful career in the industry.
We talk through James’ journey to becoming Head of Projects & Programme Management at Nuclear Transport Solutions (NTS), what he thinks makes nuclear a great sector to grow your career, and his advice for future nuclear talent.
A sector of limitless possibilities
Working in manufacturing, James began to recognise the scale of opportunities available within nuclear.
The importance of nuclear to the UK, combined with the growing recognition by successive governments, made the sector attractive from both a professional development and long-term career perspective.
But what particularly appealed to James was the number of possibilities that a career in nuclear presented. Looking for work that would challenge him and provide career stability, he found that nuclear offered him the opportunity to continue developing professionally and personally, all while working in an industry with long-term prospects.
James believes that while experience in a regulated industry can provide an excellent foundation for moving to nuclear, knowledge isn’t the only thing that matters: Adaptability and strong interpersonal skills are a big part of the role.
Project and programme managers rarely work in isolation, engaging regularly with teams and external stakeholders. Being able to communicate effectively, build relationships and adapt to different situations is as important as formal project management expertise.
A multidisciplinary career path
James's own career illustrates just how much professional development the sector can offer, providing continual opportunities to learn, broaden your knowledge, and apply existing professional skills to new environments.
Rather than being confined to one specialism, working in nuclear has allowed James to explore different industries, technologies, and types of projects, while continuing to build his project and programme management expertise.
Having the opportunity to work across several areas, including radiological safety cases, construction, and transport solutions, James has developed his broader knowledge of the industry and made his career highly adaptable.
Not only that, but for James, the sector's diversity creates a distinctive culture of collaboration. With colleagues from a wide range of specialisms, the sector encourages teams to work together to solve complex problems and deliver projects safely and effectively.
That combination of advanced technology, specialist knowledge and interdisciplinary teamwork is one of the characteristics that make working in nuclear particularly rewarding.
A career with impact
When asked to summarise a career in three words, James chose:
- Scale: Reflecting the enormous breadth of the sector and the size and complexity of many of the programmes being delivered.
- Community: Representing the strong sense of connection and collaboration between the people and organisations within the sector.
- Security: Describing the long-term stability and career prospects that James believes the industry can provide.
Together, those three qualities capture much of what has made nuclear an attractive and rewarding sector for him.
To learn more about what makes nuclear a career with real impact, visit our discovery page to learn why the sector is a cornerstone of the UK’s future.
Your questions, answered honestly
Nuclear project management FAQs
What does a nuclear head of projects do?
A nuclear head of projects oversees multiple projects, serving as the main link between company executives and technical teams for large-scale nuclear engineering, maintenance, and decommissioning initiatives, helping ensure they finish on time, stay within budget, and comply with safety laws.
Is nuclear experience mandatory for a project management role?
Nuclear experience isn’t essential for a project management role, and Emily’s experience highlights just how much the industry values transferable skills.
If you’re wondering about other pathways within the industry, browse the rest of our career journeys. There, you’ll find more stories from people who have made the switch to nuclear.
What is the average salary for a head of role in nuclear?
Salaries for head of roles in the nuclear industry depend entirely on the specialism.
But, with median nuclear wages 1.8x the national average, salaries in the sector are extremely competitive.
Depending on the organisation and location, a Head of Projects & Programme Management can expect to earn between £74,000 and £100,000+ per year.
Nuclear boasts some of the best career perks, and high salaries are just one of them. Visit our benefits page to discover more of what the industry has to offer.
How do I know which pathway is right for me?
If you’re not sure which pathway is right for you, there are plenty of other routes into the nuclear sector. With roles in finance, HR, cybersecurity, and welding available, the sector offers a wide range of pathways for people ready to build a long‑term, future‑proof career.
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