Explosives Licensing & Quantity Distance Consultant job at Remote Full Time

About TBG International

We develop, manufacture, and deliver defence systems, technologies and capabilities for the United Kingdom and its allies. We are at the forefront of building the UK’s sovereign defence capability, as well as operating both domestically and internationally across complex projects and programmes. We are lean, agile, and effective, and our ability to move quickly and deliver without bureaucracy is central to what makes us successful.

The Opportunity

One of our current programmes involves developing a sovereign energetics manufacturing capability as part of an initiative to rebuild critical defence industrial capacity. Our team is delivering a Feasibility Study by the end of August 2026, with a clear pathway to capital investment and facility construction.

We are looking for an Explosives Licensing / Quantity Distance Consultant to lead the licensing and QD strategy for a new energetics manufacturing facility in the UK. The role develops the licensing philosophy, performs QD calculations for the site, and establishes a dialogue with the HSE Explosives Inspectorate during the feasibility study period. The consultant will form part of the wider Feasibility Study Team, which is managed by an experienced in-house project manager.

Scope of Work

• Define the licensing model (Schedule 5, structural justification, or hybrid) with a clear rationale for the chosen approach.
• Perform quantity distance calculations for all buildings where explosives will be present, working from NEQ data provided by the Lead Process Engineer.
• Ensure the site layout is aligned to QD constraints, working with the process engineer and structural engineer.
• Assess encroachment risks from surrounding land use and infrastructure.
• Engage with the HSE Explosives Inspectorate: introduce the proposal, present the licensing philosophy, and obtain written confirmation of discussions.
• Progress toward an outline or full explosive licence application if practicable within the study period.
• Contribute the explosives licensing section of the overall regulatory engagement strategy, including milestones, dependencies, and timeline.
• Contribute to the storage management plan: explosive storage licensing requirements, ER2014 separation distances, and magazine compliance.
• Work with the Structural Engineer on any structural justification arguments, providing the regulatory framework while the engineer provides the engineering calculations.

Essential Experience

• Direct experience with the Explosives Regulations 2014 licensing process, including preparing or reviewing explosive licence applications for the HSE Explosives Inspectorate.
• Thorough understanding of Schedule 5 ER2014 quantity distance tables and their application to explosive manufacturing and storage.
• Experience with, or demonstrable understanding of, structural justification as an alternative to Schedule 5 QD.
• Ability to perform QD calculations for explosive manufacturing and storage facilities.
• Knowledge of ER2014 security provisions and DSEAR 2002 as they apply to explosive and flammable material storage.

Desirable Experience

• Former HSE Explosives Inspector or Principal Inspector.
• Experience with MoD ESTC or Defence Munitions site licensing.
• Existing professional relationship with the HSE Explosives Inspectorate.
• Previous involvement in licensing an explosive manufacturing or storage site in the UK.
• Current security clearance desirable but not required for the feasibility study phase.

Contract Details

This is a fixed-term consultancy role to August 2026. There is scope for a permanent contract if the project progresses. Main office location is near Winchester, however the vast majority of the role can be conducted remotely so proximity to Winchester is not required, although desirable.

Pay: £500.00-£700.00 per day

Work Location: Remote