Gemma Nixon
Gemma Nixon is a Senior Recruitment Partner at Astute People, specialising in permanent and contract recruitment across the UK nuclear sector. Since joining Astute in 2017, Gemma has developed strong relationships with organisations delivering major nuclear programmes, supporting clients with specialist recruitment solutions across new build, decommissioning, radioactive waste management, and radiation protection.
With extensive experience recruiting within one of the UK’s most technically demanding industries, Gemma combines market knowledge with a consultative approach to help organisations secure the specialist professionals required to deliver critical nuclear projects.
Specialist in Nuclear Recruitment
Gemma recruits across a broad range of technical, engineering, and project roles within the nuclear sector, supporting clients with both permanent and contract recruitment solutions.
Her specialist areas include Radiation Protection, Health Physics, Project Management, Waste Engineering, and senior site-based positions, supporting organisations involved in nuclear new build, decommissioning, and radioactive waste management programmes.
Gemma works with businesses delivering some of the UK’s most significant nuclear projects, including major new build developments such as Hinkley Point C and Sizewell C, alongside specialist decommissioning and waste management initiatives.
By developing a detailed understanding of client requirements and the technical challenges within each project, Gemma helps organisations identify professionals who have the skills, experience, and behaviours needed to succeed.
“Building relationships is very important to me, and Astute has the best ethos around this.”
Recruitment Approach
Gemma takes a consultative and relationship-led approach to recruitment, working closely with clients and candidates to understand both the technical requirements of a role and the wider objectives behind each appointment.
She focuses on delivering tailored recruitment solutions that provide long-term value, ensuring candidates are aligned with project requirements while organisations gain access to professionals who can make a meaningful contribution.
Her emphasis on communication, trust, and quality of service has helped her build lasting partnerships across the nuclear industry.
Career at Astute People
Gemma joined Astute People in 2019 after being introduced to recruitment through a personal connection. Since joining the business, she has progressed to Senior Recruitment Partner and taken on responsibility within the Nuclear team, helping support its continued growth and development.
Throughout her career at Astute, Gemma has built strong client relationships, supported successful recruitment campaigns, and played an important role in mentoring colleagues within the team.
Her progression reflects her commitment to delivering exceptional service and developing long-term partnerships across the nuclear sector.
The Nuclear Market
The UK nuclear sector is experiencing significant investment across new build projects, decommissioning programmes, defence infrastructure, and radioactive waste management. This continued growth is creating demand for highly skilled professionals across engineering, technical, safety, and project disciplines.
Gemma supports organisations navigating this evolving market by helping them access the specialist talent required to deliver safe, compliant, and successful nuclear programmes.
Astute’s specialist Nuclear Recruitment team supports employers across new build, decommissioning, defence, and specialist nuclear disciplines, connecting businesses with experienced professionals throughout the project lifecycle.
Explore how Astute supports organisations within the sector through our Nuclear Recruitment Case Study.
Advice for People Considering a Career at Astute
Gemma believes success in recruitment comes from passion, confidence, curiosity, and a genuine desire to deliver great outcomes for clients and candidates.
She encourages people considering a career at Astute to choose industries they are genuinely interested in and approach every opportunity with energy, determination, and a willingness to learn.
“It’s all about passion and confidence and wanting to be successful for not only yourself but also your clients and candidates.”
Looking for Nuclear Recruitment Support?
Whether you are looking to strengthen your nuclear team with experienced professionals or are exploring your next opportunity within the sector, Gemma is on hand to provide specialist recruitment advice, market insight, and access to opportunities across the nuclear industry.
To discuss your hiring requirements, visit our Register a Vacancy page or explore the latest Nuclear jobs available through Astute People.
Roles managed by Gemma
Site Chemist
Astute is partnering with a leader in hazardous waste management solutions throughout the UK to recruit a Graduate Chemist / Site Chemist to join…
View role →Project Manager
Astute's Nuclear Team is partnering with a leading engineering and technology organisation specialising in complex maritime and defence systems to recruit a Project Manager…
View role →Safety Engineer
Astute's Nuclear Team is partnering with a leading engineering and technology organisation specialising in complex maritime and defence systems to recruit a Safety Engineer…
View role →Project Manager
Astute's Nuclear team is partnering with a leading engineering and construction contractor to recruit a Project Manager to join its project team based in…
View role →Senior Nuclear Safety Case Consultant
Astute's Nuclear Team is partnering with a leading engineering consultancy delivering complex projects across the defence and nuclear sectors to recruit a Senior Nuclear…
View role →Electrical Nuclear Safety Case Engineer
Astute's Nuclear Team is partnering with a leading engineering consultancy delivering complex projects across the defence and nuclear sectors to recruit a Electrical Nuclear…
View role →“Although I was not ultimately selected for the role, working with Gemma was an extremely positive experience. From the outset, she took time to understand my skills, experience, and career goals, ensuring strong alignment with the client’s requirements. Her communication was clear, timely, and professional throughout. She provided valuable interview preparation guidance and detailed feedback…”
“Gemma is exceptional — highly knowledgeable in engineering and consultancy recruitment and genuinely passionate about supporting candidates. She matched me with a role aligned to my interests, provided valuable insights and interview resources, and offered consistent support throughout the entire recruitment process.”
“Gemma was very thorough throughout the recruitment process, clearly explaining each stage and keeping me well informed. She followed up regularly via email and phone to check my preparation and confidence levels. Her positive attitude, encouragement, and friendly personality made the entire process much easier and more enjoyable.”
“I have worked with several recruiters, but Gemma has been the best I have communicated with. She provided detailed information about the role in a highly professional manner and sent comprehensive interview preparation materials. She responded quickly to all communication and was consistently supportive throughout the process. Hopefully I am successful, as her hard work has been exceptional.”
“Gemma has been excellent throughout the process. Her knowledge of the role was extremely helpful when researching and understanding both the company and its requirements prior to interview. She provided timely updates throughout the recruitment process, removing any uncertainty and keeping me fully informed at all times.”
“Gemma is an excellent recruiter who takes the time to understand our business needs and the complexity of our hiring processes. She is patient, professional and consistently delivers strong results.”
“Although I was not ultimately selected for the role, working with Gemma was an extremely positive experience. From the outset, she took time to understand my skills, experience, and career goals, ensuring strong alignment with the client’s requirements. Her communication was clear, timely, and professional throughout. She provided valuable interview preparation guidance and detailed feedback…”
“Gemma is exceptional — highly knowledgeable in engineering and consultancy recruitment and genuinely passionate about supporting candidates. She matched me with a role aligned to my interests, provided valuable insights and interview resources, and offered consistent support throughout the entire recruitment process.”
“Gemma was very thorough throughout the recruitment process, clearly explaining each stage and keeping me well informed. She followed up regularly via email and phone to check my preparation and confidence levels. Her positive attitude, encouragement, and friendly personality made the entire process much easier and more enjoyable.”
“I have worked with several recruiters, but Gemma has been the best I have communicated with. She provided detailed information about the role in a highly professional manner and sent comprehensive interview preparation materials. She responded quickly to all communication and was consistently supportive throughout the process. Hopefully I am successful, as her hard work has been exceptional.”
“Gemma has been excellent throughout the process. Her knowledge of the role was extremely helpful when researching and understanding both the company and its requirements prior to interview. She provided timely updates throughout the recruitment process, removing any uncertainty and keeping me fully informed at all times.”
“Gemma is an excellent recruiter who takes the time to understand our business needs and the complexity of our hiring processes. She is patient, professional and consistently delivers strong results.”