Group Chief of Staff in Abingdon

Role Overview

Fusion, the process that powers the sun and stars, is one of the most promising options for generating cleaner, carbon‑free energy that our world badly needs.

UKAEA leads the way in realizing fusion energy, partnering with industry and research organisations to achieve ground‑breaking advancements.

Our goal is to bring fusion electricity to the grid by developing the power stations of tomorrow and the skilled workforce to deliver them.

UKAEA is seeking a Group Chief of Staff to work alongside the CEO and Executive team, providing strategic leadership across governance, organisational strategy, policy, research programmes and government engagement.

This is a highly influential role that helps shape the future direction of the UKAEA Group and supports the delivery of the UK’s Fusion Strategy.

You’ll work across the organisation and with senior government stakeholders, leading high‑profile initiatives that enable fusion energy to become a commercial reality.

Responsibilities

• Lead UKAEA’s corporate governance, ensuring effective operation of Board and Executive committees.
• Develop organisational strategy, corporate planning and future business scenarios to support long‑term delivery.
• Advise the CEO and Executive Directors on strategic, policy and technical matters across the UKAEA Group.
• Direct research strategy development and oversee major strategic programmes and business cases.
• Lead Spending Review planning, organisational planning and corporate reporting activities.
• Build and maintain strategic relationships with government, international partners and key research organisations.
• Establish UKAEA’s analysis and impact capability to measure organisational and economic outcomes.
• Oversee strategic communications, executive engagement and high‑profile stakeholder visits.
• Lead organisational transformation initiatives that improve efficiency, capability and ways of working.
• Manage and develop the Executive Office team, ensuring high standards of governance, performance and delivery.

Qualifications

• Significant experience developing and delivering organisational strategy within a complex organisation.
• Strong understanding of UK Government policy, public funding, governance and the UK science and innovation landscape.
• Experience building trusted relationships with senior stakeholders across government, industry, academia and international organisations.
• Demonstrated success developing major business cases, strategic programmes or large‑scale organisational initiatives.
• Excellent analytical capability, including the ability to interpret complex information and provide strategic advice to executive leaders.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary teams and delivering organisational change in a complex environment.
• Working Conditions

UKAEA is an onsite organisation; the role requires regular onsite presence (usually between 3–5 days in any given week) in line with business needs.

Flexible working arrangements are supported where compatible with the role.

Benefits

• Up to 15% corporate performance bonus
• Defined benefits pension scheme with a 21.5% employer contribution
• 25 days annual leave, 2.5 privilege days and 8 Bank Holidays
• 3 days site closure over Christmas break
• Flexible working options plus family‑friendly leave provisions
• Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

UKAEA’s mission is clean energy for all, and we welcome talented people from all backgrounds to help us achieve this goal.

We are committed to equality, diversity, inclusion and accessibility, and strive to ensure fair representation across our workforce.

We particularly encourage applications from groups currently underrepresented in STEM, including women and people from diverse ethnic backgrounds.

All appointments are made on merit.

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