Facilities & Business Support Manager in Abingdon

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 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 Industrial Fusion Solutions 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.
• 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.

The salary for this role is £44,290. This position is to be based at Culham, Oxfordshire. On-site working is expected for 3 days each week.

Job Description

Reporting to the STEP Programme Operations Manager, you will lead facilities, administration, and business support services across a fast-growing, high-impact programme. You’ll manage a small but critical team, overseeing office operations, facilities, budgets, and programme coordination, ensuring everything runs smoothly behind the scenes so our technical teams can focus on delivering breakthrough innovation. This is a high‑visibility role, working closely with the Programme Executive and Senior Leadership Team.

Key Responsibilities

• Leadership & Team Management
  • Lead, develop and line‑manage a team delivering facilities and administrative services.
  • Build capability through training, clear processes, and effective workload planning.
  • Coordinate programme‑wide administrative activities and business support.
• Facilities & Office Management
  • Oversee day‑to‑day management of STEP office environments and buildings.
  • Ensure safe, efficient, and effective workplace practices.
  • Act as key interface with internal facilities teams and external partners.
  • Support planning and delivery of new buildings and workspace fit‑outs.
• Programme & Executive Support
  • Oversee business calendar planning and coordination of key meetings.
  • Ensure smooth delivery of programme events, visits, and inductions.
  • Support senior stakeholders, including Director‑level diary coordination.
• Communications & Collaboration
  • Enable clear, consistent internal communications across the programme.
  • Work with communications teams to maintain accessible and up-to-date resources.
• Systems, Data & Ways of Working
  • Manage document control and programme data systems.
  • Drive improvements in processes, digital tools, and hybrid working practices.
  • Contribute to business continuity and recovery planning.
• Budget & Procurement
  • Manage an administration budget (~£300k) with strong financial oversight.
  • Track spend vs forecast and ensure value for money.
  • Coordinate procurement and supplier activities.

Qualifications

We’re looking for a proactive, organised and collaborative leader who thrives in a complex programme environment.

Essential Experience

• Experience managing office operations and/or facilities.
• Proven team leadership and line‑management experience.
• Budget management responsibility.
• Strong organisational and project coordination skills.
• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal).
• High level of IT literacy (MS Office and digital tools).
• Experience supporting senior leadership teams.
• Ability to prioritise, delegate, and manage competing demands.

Desirable

• Data analysis / advanced Excel skills.
• Knowledge of project management approaches or methodologies.

Equal Opportunities

We welcome applications from under‑represented groups, particularly women in STEM and individuals from British black and other ethnic minority backgrounds, and people with disabilities. Our Executive team, supported by our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Partner and Inclusion Ambassadors, actively promotes EDI and takes steps to increase diversity within our organisation. We reinforce best practices in recruitment and selection and evaluate approaches to remove barriers to success. UKFE is committed to being accessible. Please email talent@ukifs.uk if you have any questions or require help or adjustments to compete on a fair basis, for example, changes to the way we interview or share information.