Jim Grundy on building a lasting career in nuclear

Meet Jim Grundy, our development director in nuclear. With 27 years of experience at Mott MacDonald, Jim’s career has taken him across continents, sectors and disciplines. From aeronautical engineering and safety assurance to infrastructure finance and now nuclear. His career journey is one of adaptability, opportunity seizing and long-term growth outlook.

How did your journey with Mott MacDonald begin?

I started from studying aeronautical engineering back in the early 1990s. My first 10 years were largely in safety case work in aviation, oil and gas, transport and even a bit of nuclear. Those roles gave me a real breadth of experience and the chance to work all around the world, including two years in the United States and time in Europe and the Middle East. I then moved more into private finance as a specialist advisor, initially in the UK, but culminating with almost nine years in Sub-Saharan Africa, based in South Africa.

One day, while on a project assignment in Cape Town, I got a call from Mott MacDonald’s head of nuclear about a role that aligned with my experience and strengths. I returned to the UK, joined the Glasgow office and I’ve been here working in nuclear ever since.  . It’s a sector with real purpose and long-term opportunity and Mott MacDonald has been a great place to grow my capability, credentials and develop a proven track record.

What makes nuclear such a strong career choice right now?

It’s a great market to be in. Nuclear is a sector with real longevity and depth, with strong government backing. There’s a steady demand for people with experience working on licensed sites and the work itself is complex, rewarding and impactful.

Whether you're early in your career or looking to take the next step, nuclear offers clear opportunities for growth. It’s a sector where you can build a long-term career, develop specialist skills and contribute to projects that really matter for cleaner energy and energy resilience.

You’ve been with Mott MacDonald for over 30 years. What’s kept you here?

Honestly, it’s the people and the culture, without a doubt. I keep in touch with around 40 colleagues who’ve already retired – some well into their 70s and beyond – which says a lot about the relationships built here when I was much younger. Being an independently owned organisation means we’re free to make decisions that reflect our values and support our people, as well as help our client achieve great outcomes.

The variety of work has also kept things fresh. I’ve worked across different sectors, had many managers and each role has brought new challenges and learning. Every time I’ve stepped into something unfamiliar, I’ve grown. Feeling a bit out of your depth usually means you’re moving forward. You should never be afraid of the “imposter syndrome”!

How has your role evolved over the years?

I think that most of us start out in project delivery, accumulating as much varied experience as possible. Eventually growing through a number of managerial and developmental roles, I ended up managing a major client framework that brought together teams from across the business, some 250 Mott MacDonald resources. It was hands-on and people-focused. More recently, I’ve transitioned more into business development, which I really enjoy. It gives me the chance to shape strategy and grow our presence in the nuclear sector.

The culture in the nuclear team is incredibly empowering. When you propose a good idea, the answer is usually “yes”. That openness has allowed me to take on new responsibilities and evolve my role beyond delivery and business development into leadership and team development.

Now, I focus on creating the right environment for others to thrive – I think this is a main essence of leadership. There’s no micromanagement; no blame culture; just a lot of trust. People are given the freedom to lead, grow and bring their best. That’s how roles evolve here, through opportunity, ownership and a culture that backs you.

What skills have you developed in nuclear?

I’ve developed a deeper understanding of how to work with people – good emotional intelligence is key in this sector. There are so many characters from different generations with different skill sets. You meet a wide range of personalities and knowing how to navigate that is essential.

I’ve also built my technical knowledge of the nuclear sector by working alongside some of the most experienced professionals in the business. That exposure has been invaluable.

Collaboration has become a major skill too. The market has grown so much that we’re now partnering more with other firms, and clients are increasingly open to joint ventures and other teaming approaches. That shift from competition to collaboration has taught me a lot about building trust and delivering together.

How has Mott MacDonald supported your development?

It’s been a mix of formal support and everyday encouragement. We’ve got strong training programmes for both technical and soft skills, but what’s made the biggest difference for me is the open-door culture.

Support here works both ways. The organisation puts structures in place, but it also empowers individuals to step forward. If you’re proactive and want to grow, you’ll get the backing. That trust and freedom to take initiative has been key to my development.

What’s your take on equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) in the nuclear division?

It’s changed dramatically and for the better. When I first moved into the nuclear division, there were hardly any women on the team. That’s no longer the case. We now have female leaders at all different levels and we’re actively promoting diverse talent through initiatives like Women in Nuclear, Women in Defence and EDI, with early career professionals being a key aspect of leading and improving.

We’ve welcomed people from a range of cultural backgrounds who are doing fantastic work. It’s not just about representation; it’s about creating an environment where everyone feels they belong and can thrive.

The culture has shifted significantly. There’s a stronger awareness of what’s acceptable and a genuine effort to build an inclusive and respectful workplace. We’re making real progress and I’m proud to be part of that journey.

What advice would you give to someone considering a career in nuclear?

Try your best to say “yes” to opportunities, even if it doesn’t seem like a perfect fit at first. Every time you take on more responsibility, you will grow. That’s how careers are built in this sector – by stepping forward and giving things a go.

You don’t need a degree in nuclear engineering to succeed at Mott MacDonald. Skilled engineers, project managers, problem-solvers and people with good ideas can absolutely thrive.

The nuclear offers stability with long-term investment plan that help create a clear path for progression. Working in nuclear at Mott MacDonald is a great place to build a meaningful and lasting career.

Join a sector full of opportunity, innovation and long-term impact. At Mott MacDonald, you’ll be empowered to grow, lead and make a difference. Explore nuclear careers and shape what’s next.