Paul Dawson

Experience

• 

  Royal Navy

  Aug 2003 - Dec 2005

  Project Manager

  Revalidation Assisted Maintenance Period Project Manager. Solely responsible for development, management and delivery of Trident and Swiftsure Class material regeneration projects (RAMP) against the criteria of safety, quality, cost and time.Main achievements:Responsible for the generation and execution of 3 major, time-critical, submarine upkeep periods, each including an intensive period in dry dock and all incorporating intrusive and technically complex weapon, propulsion and nuclear reactor system upgrades, each to a cost in excess of £2m and with challenging dynamic deadlines that Included the establishment of bespoke project management teams and the production and implementation of project management measures including the project management plan, quality plans, safety control measures, risk registers and progress reports to be briefed at ministerial level.Instrumental in the introduction of an initiative to promote a united work methodology across all HM Naval Base Clyde Stakeholders to ensure delivery of operationally capable vessels at a mutually agreed date.Awarded Chief of Defence Logistics Commendation for the successful delivery of a particularly challenging Trident Class RAMP.Successfully completed the Office of Commerce recognised Prince 2 Project Management Course and registration as a Prince 2 practitioner. Show less

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  Royal Navy

  Aug 2007 - Mar 2009

  Senior Submarine Engineer

  Head of Marine Engineering Department, Trident Class Submarines. As the head of an engineering department, solely responsible for strategic management activities, including integrating the departmental programme into the submarine operational programme. Responsible for the direction of planning and co-ordination of maintenance and defect rectification in order to maximise the availability, reliability and performance of all propulsion systems and associated equipment onboard, totalling £920m. Responsible as the professional advisor to the Commanding Officer on all Marine Engineering and Nuclear Safety matters. Main achievements:• Effectively manages and motivates a staff of 50, consisting of 3 graduate engineering managers, 27 skilled technicians, 15 semi-skilled mechanics and 4 graduate engineering trainees.• Manages engineering activities to stringent Quality Assurance standards associated with submarine systems and nuclear power generation.• Assurance of all Safety, Health and Environment policy and practices within the Department.• Promotes, encourages and facilitates the career development of subordinates, including mentoring graduates towards achieving Chartered Engineer status and developing other staff towards fulfilling management roles.• Provides effective Human Resource and Personnel Management for all staff, including the assessment of individual and team performance and managing an efficient appraisal system.• Ministry of Defence “Category A1” Nuclear Propulsion Supervisor. Show less

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  UK Ministry of Defence

  Mar 2009 - Jun 2010

  Defence Nuclear Safety Regulator, Inspector Reactor Build

  Nuclear Regulator working in collaboration with the Government Office of Nuclear Regulation (ONR). Responsible for regulation of the nuclear and radiological safety of the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Programme focusing on Astute Authorisees. Seeking assurance of compliance with Authorising Conditions, which mirror and compliment ONR Licensing Conditions and support international regulatory requirements. Achieved by conducting inspections, assessments of safety cases and safety documentation, permissioning of key activities and assessment of emergency arrangements. To provide assurance that defence nuclear capabilities are being managed with due regard for the protection of the workforce, the public and the environment. Show less

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  Royal Navy

  Jul 2010 - Dec 2015

  Responsible to the Authorisee (Licenced Operator) of the MoD Nuclear Site at HM Naval Base Clyde for assuring compliance with the Site’s nuclear safety management arrangements; focussing on the operation, maintenance and defect rectification of Nuclear Submarines whilst under the Site Authorisee’s regulatory jurisdiction.Providing assurance of compliance with the Sites Authorising Conditions, which mirror and compliment ONR Licensing Conditions and support international regulatory requirements. Achieved by conducting inspections, audits and reviews of the Site’s Safety Management Arrangements and associated operational and safety documentation.Managed a holistic review of the Nuclear Safety Related Event reporting process. Identified process refinements to improve the assessment process and better identify opportunities to learn from experience. Show less Lieutenant Commander (RN). Senior person responsible for all aspects of running a military establishment including: all building infrastructure and site management, health & safety compliance, security measures, provision of hotel services and arranging defect rectification.Individually responsible for managing the delivery of professional training and administrative support to over 150 personnel. Tasked with facilitating a £2.7M infrastructure refurbishment project through collaborative working with commercial industry. Show less

  • Nuclear Safety Assurance Manager - HM Naval Base Clyde

    Jul 2015 - Dec 2015

  • Senior Building Manager and Training Co-ordinator

    Jan 2012 - Jul 2015

  • Lieutenant Commander, Flotilla Deputy Marine Engineer Officer

    Jul 2010 - Dec 2011
• 

  Atkins

  Dec 2015 - Apr 2017

  Oversaw technical operations for Atkins’ nuclear business in the Middle East and India, providing regulatory support and governance for large-scale nuclear projects.• Led technical teams to deliver regulatory support and project management services for high-profile nuclear builds in the Middle East.• Managed bids for large projects, maintaining technical oversight and ensuring compliance with both regional and international safety standards. Principle Engineer (Nuclear) providing engineering consultancy support to nuclear new build projects globally, focussing on safety, operations and licensing arrangements.Performed the Technical Lead role for a multi-disciplinary team conducting an organisation taxonomy and competency analysis project for the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation.

  • Technical Manager

    Dec 2015 - Apr 2017

  • Principle Engineer

    Dec 2015 - Apr 2016
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  ENEC Operations

  Apr 2017 - now

  Director-level position overseeing the commissioning phase and operational readiness of a 4-Unit nuclear power plant site. Responsible for managing complex project schedules, resources, and international stakeholder coordination, ensuring the successful transition from construction to commercial operations.• Directed strategy and delivery of initial fuel nuclear fuel load and testing schedules for multiple power plants, managing the transition from construction to operational status.• Led multi-disciplinary teams and coordinated with management, regulatory bodies, and contractors to ensure project milestones were met while maintaining safety, quality, and compliance.• Oversaw electrical generation outage management, work prioritization, and resource allocation to ensure minimal downtime and maximum plant availability.• Fostered cross-functional collaboration and led the review process for critical operational issues and plant availability, reporting directly to Senior Management. Show less Managed the oversight and delivery of the Initial Start-Up and Testing Program (ISTP) for nuclear plant operations. Ensured safety and regulatory compliance during the power ascension process.• Coordinated the development and approval of test procedures and schedules in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.• Chaired the Plant Nuclear Safety Sub-Committee, ensuring test results aligned with plant design safety analysis and operational standards.• Managed resource allocation, training, and performance evaluations for dynamic plant tests, ensuring smooth transitions from commissioning to full operations.• Acted as Deputy for Commissioning Oversight Director, maintaining operational continuity and managing stakeholder communications. Show less Led the licensing and regulatory compliance function, ensuring adherence to UAE Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR) standards across all plant operations.• Managed the team responsible for securing and maintaining the UAE’s first nuclear power plant Operating License (OL) and ensuring ongoing compliance.• Developed and drove schedules for licensing activities, coordinated plant readiness for inspections, and implemented regulatory compliance programs.• Led the transition of the Licensing Department from a construction-focused to an operational bias, enhancing efficiency and regulatory alignment. Show less

  • Schedule and Intervention Manager (Project Director)

    Aug 2022 - now

  • Commissioning Oversight Manager

    Jun 2021 - Aug 2022

  • Head of Licensing Compliance

    Aug 2019 - Jun 2021

  • Head of Licensing Plant Support

    Sept 2017 - Aug 2019

  • Senior Licensing Specialist

    Apr 2017 - Sept 2017