Head of Environment & Sustainability in Retford

Company Description

The UK Government has established UK Fusion Energy (UKFE) Ltd , a subsidiary of UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA), to lead the charge in delivering fusion energy through design and delivery of the Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production (STEP) prototype fusion plant. UKFE is establishing itself, setting up the company, attracting talent, engaging with industry, developing a supply chain, and planning and constructing of the STEP prototype. Fusion energy, crucial for combating climate change and ensuring energy independence, is expected to be commercially viable by mid-century. The UK, led by UKFE, aims for a prototype fusion plant, targeting first operations around 2040. UK Fusion Energy Ltd. will lead delivery, collaborating with industrial partners and building a fusion supply chain with an estimated global sector value of £7tn per year. Join UKFE and the STEP programme to be involved in this ground breaking journey.

Benefits

• Outstanding defined benefit pension scheme, details of which can be found at the end of this advert.
• Corporate bonus scheme up to 7% and a Relocation allowance (if eligible).
• Flexible working options including family friendly policies and the right to request flexible working from the start of your employment.
• Employee Assistance Programme and trained Mental Health First Aiders, Generous annual leave allowance starting with 25 days, plus 3 days Christmas closure and 2.5 privilege days, in addition to UK bank holidays
• Wide range of career development opportunities
• A vibrant culture committed to being fully inclusive
• A full list of our benefits can be found here https://careers.ukaea.uk/life-at-ukaea/employee-benefits/
• The salary for this role is £86,758 excellent benefits including outstanding pension
• This position is based at West Burton, Nottinghamshire.
• For more information on UKFE, visit: https://careers.ukaea.uk/wp-content/uploads/download/UKIFS_CandidateRecruitmentPack.pdf.
• The closing date for this advert is set for the 25th August 2026.

Job Description

Reporting to the Director of Safety, Quality and Mission Assurance, you will provide strategic leadership and independent advice on all environmental and sustainability matters across UKFE and STEP.

As the organisation's senior environmental advisor, you will work closely with the Executive Team, Programme Leadership Team and Board to ensure environmental protection, sustainability and stewardship are embedded into every aspect of decision‑making, programme delivery and long‑term business success.

You will lead the development of environmental strategy, governance and professional standards, whilst establishing a high‑performing Environment & Sustainability function capable of supporting one of the UK's most innovative and complex infrastructure programmes.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership Act as the UKFE Professional Head of Function for Environment & Sustainability. Define and deliver the environmental and sustainability vision, strategy and objectives for UKFE and STEP. Provide expert strategic advice to senior leaders, the Executive Team and Board. Lead environmental governance, assurance and professional standards across the organisation. Champion environmental stewardship and sustainability as key enablers of programme success.
• Environmental Case & Regulatory Engagement Oversee the strategic approach to environmental consenting, permitting and environmental case development. Lead engagement with regulators, government departments and statutory stakeholders. Provide executive oversight for environmental contributions to Development Consent Orders, permits, licences and authorisations. Ensure environmental submissions and supporting evidence are robust, proportionate and able to withstand scrutiny. Build regulatory confidence through transparent, evidence‑based engagement.
• Sustainability & Environmental Performance Drive the integration of sustainability principles throughout design, engineering, construction, operations and future decommissioning activities. Lead organisational approaches to climate resilience, resource efficiency, circular economy and sustainable development. Identify emerging environmental risks, legislation and industry best practice. Establish meaningful environmental performance measures and drive continuous improvement.
• Capability & Team Leadership Build, develop and lead a high‑performing Environment & Sustainability function. Establish professional development pathways, competence frameworks and succession plans. Foster a collaborative culture focused on innovation, learning and excellence. Ensure effective integration with partners, contractors and delivery organisations.
• External Leadership Represent UKFE and STEP at executive, industry, regulatory and government forums. Act as a visible ambassador for environmental sustainability within the fusion sector. Support the development of public, stakeholder and regulatory confidence in fusion energy.

About You

We are looking for a credible and influential environmental leader with significant experience operating at a senior strategic level within complex, regulated or major infrastructure environments. You will bring:

Extensive leadership experience in environmental management, sustainability or environmental regulation.

Experience influencing executive teams, boards and senior stakeholders.

Strong understanding of environmental legislation, permitting and regulatory frameworks.

Proven experience developing and implementing environmental strategies within complex organisations.

Excellent stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills.

Experience of leading multidisciplinary teams and building organisational capability.

The ability to provide independent challenge, influence decision‑making and navigate regulatory uncertainty.

A passion for environmental stewardship and sustainable innovation.

Qualifications

Essential:

• Degree or equivalent qualification in environmental management, environmental science, engineering or a related discipline.
• Chartered Environmentalist (CEnv), Chartered Engineer (CEng), Fellow IEMA, or equivalent recognised professional status.
• Significant senior leadership experience leading Environment and Sustainability functions within major regulated industries, nationally significant infrastructure programmes, or comparable high‑hazard environments.
• Demonstrable experience acting as the organisational authority for Environment and Sustainability, providing strategic advice and challenge to Executive and Board‑level leadership.
• Proven experience developing and implementing corporate environment and sustainability strategies, policies and governance frameworks.
• Significant experience leading engagement with environmental regulators, government departments and senior external stakeholders.
• Proven capability to influence and inform strategic decisions across large, complex organisations operating in highly regulated environments.
• Extensive knowledge of environmental legislation, environmental permitting, major infrastructure consenting regimes, environmental management systems and assurance frameworks.
• Experience establishing, leading and developing multidisciplinary professional teams, including organisational capability, competence and succession planning.
• Excellent communication, engagement and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to represent the organisation credibly at senior national and international levels.

Beneficial:

• Experience within the nuclear, fusion, energy, defence, infrastructure or other highly regulated sectors.
• Experience supporting the development and deployment of first‑of‑a‑kind