Meet the team: Alex

Do you feel part of the nuclear family at EDF? 

In my role, I spend time with the leadership teams at Hinkley Point C, Nuclear Operations and Sizewell C. So, I feel the breadth of what we do at EDF and what this means. We also have a special relationship with EDF EPR Engineering and work collaboratively with them. There’s always been a relationship but it’s now maturing. A big part of what I do is help the nuclear family work together; there’s a real drive for collaboration and simplification across our nuclear businesses. For instance, if one party has found a solution to a problem – how could we use this at other power stations? From a resourcing point of view, we try to share resources wherever we can too.

What motivated you to join EDF’s nuclear family? 

Working for EDF’s nuclear family, I get to work on projects that actually make a difference. My eldest son is a massive David Attenborough fan, and our family is a strong advocate for the environment. I’m proud to work for a company that’s tangibly supporting net zero – whether that’s through our new build projects or existing fleet of generating power stations.

What do you value in the workplace – and how does EDF’s nuclear family provide this? 

Three things are important to me: 

1. Having an enjoyable work life, but also ensuring that home family life remains my top priority;
2. Making a significant contribution to the nuclear new build renaissance and net-zero within the UK and worldwide;
3. Being a ‘jack-of-many trades’ rather than a master of one. I’m really motivated by variety at work. I’m interested in everything, and the nuclear family gives me that range of opportunities to explore. 

How does your experience of working for EDF differ to your experience of working for other companies?  

I’ve been employed by three different companies, and I can definitely say EDF looks after you. I’ve seen colleagues go through difficult personal situations and EDF has been incredibly supportive in ways that many companies wouldn’t be. Through initiatives like mental health first aiders, it’s clear that EDF genuinely prioritises wellbeing – it’s really reassuring.

Does EDF’s nuclear family give you more job opportunities? 

There are lots of projects to get involved in, and there are many examples of individuals who have moved across different parts of the nuclear family. As managers across the nuclear family, we work closely together to gives people opportunities to expand their career by breadth or depth, either in their current role or in a different team within the nuclear family. 

How do you see your time working in EDF’s nuclear family contributing to your career progression?  

I’ve had a huge amount of training and skill development at EDF, and it’s where I started on my leadership journey. I arrived as an Engineer in 2017 keen for leadership ambitions. And even before I had my leadership post, I was put on a first-line leadership course to get ready. Then I was given an opportunity to do leadership positions on an acting basis to gain experience. I’ve been on three leadership courses in the last three years, and I’ve received lots of informal coaching and mentoring too. EDF has done so much for my career progression.