Kirsty Armer FNucI
Route into nuclear
Kirsty Armer knew early on that she wanted a career in nuclear. A school trip to Torness Nuclear Power Station near Edinburgh sparked a lifelong interest that led her to join British Nuclear Fuels Limited (BNFL) as a sponsored student straight from school.
She completed her degree in Physics at Manchester University, then joined the BNFL graduate training scheme as a Radiation Protection Advisor – an early foundation for a career that’s spanned technical leadership, business strategy and industry transformation.
Kirsty has spent much of her 30-year career at Springfields Fuels Ltd (SFL), completing an MBA at Lancaster University and progressing into more senior leadership roles. She led the Oxide Fuels Business Unit, managing a team of 400 staff responsible for nuclear fuel product design, manufacturing and delivery to EDF Energy and international customers.
She transitioned into the Westinghouse UK leadership team as Commercial Director and played a key role in the acquisition of SFL from UK Government. Her international assignments include Director of Global Quality and Performance Improvement, working with teams across factories in US, Europe and UK.
Following the 5 years as Vice President of Westinghouse UK Environmental Services, she now leads her own consultancy, offering independent nuclear expertise at board and strategic levels.
Nuclear professionalism
Throughout her journey, Kirsty has been committed to the professional development of others. “Mentoring the next generation of nuclear professionals has been a really fulfilling part of my career,” she says.
Through the Nuclear Institute’s platform, she focuses on mentoring women and others who feel underrepresented in the industry, through confidential, one-to-one conversations. “It’s about creating a space to zoom out and work through challenges. I have enjoyed building new relationships, and I always learn just as much from them as they do from me.”
A long-time member of the Nuclear Institute – since her university days – Kirsty was made a Fellow last year, a recognition she was delighted to receive. “The Nuclear Institute has always been a constant throughout my career – from the journal to the annual dinners. But more recently, I’ve become much more involved in its future direction.”
Now serving as a Trustee on the Nuclear Institute board, Kirsty dedicates her time to supporting the Institute’s transformation and growth. “Nuclear is essential to tackling climate change. But we want to attract more people into the industry – and ensure they quickly gain a solid understanding of what nuclear professionalism really means. The Nuclear Institute plays a key role in that process.”
She’s proud to be a part of a diverse and inclusive industry body and thinks the Nuclear Institute’s future success lies in connecting people across the sector. “Whether it’s new training, an attention-grabbing jobs board, or clearer routes into the industry, the Nuclear Institute can bring it all together. It’s about giving people the tools to develop – and raising the bar for professionalism at every level.”
|