Welding Manager - Bridgwater

We are seeking a motivated and technically experienced Welding Manager to support the delivery and management of all welding and welding-related activities within the MEH Alliance on Hinkley Point C.

This role will be based at our Hinkley Point C site in Somerset, working a standard five-day working pattern. The role will offer the opportunity to provide specialist technical leadership on a major nuclear new-build project within a highly regulated and safety-critical environment. Working as part of the integrated MEH Alliance Engineering and Welding teams, you will support the development and implementation of the Welding and Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) strategies, ensuring all welding activities meet the required nuclear standards, RCC-M specifications and project quality requirements.

Key Deliverables / Accountabilities:

• Support the delivery of all welding and welding-related activities within the MEH Alliance, ensuring the highest standards of quality and compliance appropriate to a nuclear power generating facility.
• Support the development and implementation of welding processes and procedures to ensure compliance with project specifications and applicable standards.
• Ensure appropriate welding methods and processes are applied to achieve right-first-time quality outputs and minimise defects and rework.
• Provide specialist technical advice, guidance and subject matter expertise on all welding and welding-related matters to the MEH Alliance, clients, suppliers and stakeholders.
• Support the establishment, development and execution of the MEH Alliance Welding Strategy.
• Support the development and implementation of the Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) and Non-Destructive Examination (NDE) strategies, including Radiographic Testing (RT), Ultrasonic Testing (UT) and Visual Testing (VT).
• Support the governance and oversight of welding processes and procedures to ensure compliance with project requirements and HPC quality objectives.
• Coordinate welding management activities across Engineering, Construction Delivery and Quality Assurance functions.
• Support the development and deployment of welding management tools, systems and processes, ensuring welding records and information are accurate, accessible and traceable.
• Support the development, qualification and client acceptance of Welding Procedure Qualification Records (WPQRs), welding procedures and weld repair procedures.
• Provide technical guidance on the selection of welding equipment, consumables and processes.
• Provide technical input into welder training, qualification and production testing requirements, ensuring alignment with RCC-M standards and project requirements.
• Liaise with the Bridgwater College Welding Centre of Excellence to support appropriate training and trade testing arrangements.
• Provide technical support to the Site Welding Lead, Construction teams, Quality Assurance function and subcontractors to ensure successful delivery of the welding scope.
• Provide technical guidance on welding quality assurance, welding accreditations, consumable specifications and procurement requirements.
• Support the preparation and review of NDT specifications, procurement activities and NDT deliverables.
• Provide guidance on welding standards, environmental and cleanliness requirements, consumable storage, weld preparation, welding methods and productivity.
• Support the timely identification and resolution of welding defects, non-conformances and associated repairs.
• Promote a positive Nuclear Safety Culture and drive continuous improvement across all welding-related activities.

Key Requirements / Qualifications:

• Minimum HNC/HND and a recognised apprenticeship in a relevant discipline, or equivalent.
• Relevant professional accreditation, such as CEng, IEng or EngTech through the Engineering Council.
• Diploma in Welding Technology or Welding Engineering, or currently working towards one.
• Qualified Lead Auditor.
• Qualified Welding Inspector, such as CSWIP 3.1 / 3.2 or PCN Level 2 / 3.
• Postgraduate qualification in Welding Engineering would be advantageous.
• Chartered Engineer status would be advantageous.
• IWE/EWE qualification, or currently working towards one, would be beneficial.
• Level II EN 9712 Radiographic Interpretation qualification would be advantageous.
• 5–10 years' experience in welding leadership roles within a major EPC project, preferably within the nuclear industry.
• Experience within the nuclear, mechanical and process plant sectors.
• Extensive experience working within a welding environment.
• Experience and knowledge of nuclear codes and standards, particularly RCC-M.
• Familiarity with Welding Procedure Qualification Records (WPQRs) across a wide range of materials.
• Sound knowledge and understanding of ISO 9001 and its effective application.
• Knowledge and application of relevant standards, including BS EN ISO 9000 series, PED 2014/68/EU, EN 1090, EN ISO 3834-2, EN 13480, RCC-M and associated NDE standards.
• Understanding of nuclear quality standards, including GQAS and IAEA GSR Part 2, and the importance of Nuclear Quality and Nuclear Safety Culture.
• Knowledge and awareness of Licence Conditions applicable to licensed nuclear sites.
• Strong leadership skills, with the ability to develop team capability, improve SQEP status and drive continuous improvement in welding standards and performance.
• Good understanding of project management principles.
• Excellent communication, teamwork and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to liaise effectively with clients, delivery partners, subcontractors and multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong organisational, meeting management, presentation and report-writing skills.
• A proactive and positive approach, with the ability to develop solutions, manage complexity and deliver project objectives.
• Ability to lead by example, demonstrate accountability and promote a collaborative, best-for-project approach.

Due to the nature of the projects and secure nuclear environment;

• Applicants must be eligible to obtain BPSS security clearance or higher.
• Appointment is subject to satisfactory security clearance and background checks.

At Altrad, our people create endless opportunities.

We are the leading provider of support services transforming our nations critical infrastructure to operate safely and sustainably.

With over 16,000 talented people across our region, we provide the full spectrum of critical services including consulting, design, engineering, construction, asset life optimisation through to decommissioning, for industries both onshore and offshore.

Why Join Altrad at Hinkley Point C

• Be part of a major UK nuclear new-build programme in Somerset
• Gain hands-on site experience within a large-scale alliance delivery model
• Structured graduate development programme with mentoring and professional support
• Competitive salary and benefits package
• Clear career progression toward Chartered Mechanical Engineer status
• A professional, collaborative and safety-driven working environment

As an employer, we are committed to promoting and protecting the physical and mental health and wellbeing of all our people.

Inclusivity Statement

We are committed to making our recruitment process accessible and inclusive. If you require any adjustments at any stage – including interviews or assessments, please let us know. We’re happy to discuss what would help you take part fully.