At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the planning for a groundbreaking fusion energy programme and develop integrated schedules.
- Company: Join UKFE, a leader in sustainable fusion energy development.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and an outstanding pension scheme.
- Other info: Inclusive culture promoting diversity and excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of clean energy with world-class experts.
- Qualifications: Degree in Engineering or related field; experience in large-scale project planning.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
STEP FusionUK Fusion Energy (UKFE) Ltd, a subsidiary of the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA), is at the forefront of developing fusion sustainable energy. Through the design and delivery of the STEP (Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production) programme, we aim to build a prototype fusion plant, targeting first operations around 2040.
As Lead Planner, you will support and drive the development of the Integrated Master Schedule (IMS) for a high‑value, technically complex programme. You’ll provide critical schedule intelligence to senior leadership, ensure robust governance, and enable delivery safely, on time, and within budget.
Working closely with Programme Managers, IPT Directors, and technical teams, you’ll be at the heart of decision‑making—translating complexity into clarity and actionable insight.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Lead Integrated Planning
- Develop and maintain a fully integrated, multi‑level IMS (L0–L4) across engineering, manufacturing, construction, and commissioning.
- Drive alignment across programme disciplines, ensuring dependencies and interfaces are clearly defined.
- Identify critical paths, risks, and optimisation opportunities.
- Provide Strategic Schedule Insight
- Deliver scenario modelling, 'what-if' analysis, and data-driven insights to support executive decisions.
- Develop KPIs and dashboards to track performance and resource utilisation.
- Lead schedule risk analysis and contribute to programme‑level risk management.
- Drive Programme Planning Excellence
- Lead planning for a programme valued at >£20M.
- Oversee WBS development, baselining, forecasting, and recovery planning.
- Apply earned value management (EVM) and variance analysis to monitor progress.
- Assess impacts of change, regulatory requirements, and design evolution.
- Build Capability
- Mentor planners, engineers, and project teams on best practice in planning and scheduling.
- Champion continuous improvement and industry‑leading standards.
- Lead with Impact
- Foster a collaborative, inclusive team culture.
- Act as a role model for professionalism, integrity, and accountability.
- Build strong stakeholder relationships across a complex programme environment.
What We’re Looking For
- Proven experience leading planning on large‑scale engineering, manufacturing, or construction programmes.
- Strong expertise in integrated scheduling, IMS development, and programme controls.
- Experience with EVM, risk analysis, and scenario planning.
- Ability to operate at both strategic and detailed levels, influencing senior stakeholders.
- Excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Background in complex or highly regulated environments (energy, nuclear, infrastructure, etc.) is highly desirable.
Why Join Us?
- Be part of a ground breaking fusion energy programme with global impact.
- Work on a first‑of‑a‑kind facility at the cutting edge of science and engineering.
- Collaborate with world‑class experts across multiple disciplines.
- Opportunity to make a real difference in the transition to clean, sustainable energy.
Qualifications
- Essential:
- Degree in Engineering, Physics, Project Management, Construction Management, or equivalent experience.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Expert level proficiency in programme management and scheduling tools such as Primavera P6 and MS Project.
- Proven experience working in a senior or leadership position.
- Experience in Earned Value Management.
- Proven experience in SRA (Monte Carlo) schedule analysis.
- Able to translate complex physics/engineering design into structured quality plans and schedules.
- Proven experience in leading multidisciplinary teams in a complex engineering and high‑technology environment.
- Proven experience in programme and project planning for large‑scale engineering, energy, or construction programmes.
- Proven experience in resource loading programme or project schedules.
- Beneficial:
- Experience in nuclear, fusion, or large scientific infrastructure.
- Experience in defence, aerospace, or other first‑of‑a‑kind technologies.
- Eligibility for security vetting.
- Knowledge of fusion reactor systems, superconducting magnets, plasma confinement, or related engineering disciplines.
- Experience in NEC form of contract.
- Professional certifications (APM, PMI‑SP, PSP, PMP).
We welcome applications from under‑represented groups, particularly women in STEM and individuals from British black and ethnic minority backgrounds, and individuals with disabilities. Our Executive team actively promotes equality, diversity, and inclusion.
This role requires employees to complete an online Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS), including the Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks for criminal convictions.
Lead Planner in Retford employer: STEP Fusion
At UKFE, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that champions equality and diversity. Our employees benefit from flexible working arrangements, generous annual leave, and a comprehensive development programme, all while contributing to groundbreaking fusion energy initiatives that promise a sustainable future. Located in West Burton, Nottinghamshire, our team enjoys a collaborative environment with access to world-class experts and the opportunity to make a significant impact in the energy sector.
