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- Tasks: Lead assurance strategies and oversee internal audits for a pioneering fusion energy project.
- Company: Join UK Fusion Energy, a trailblazer in sustainable energy solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous leave, and flexible working options.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the future of energy while shaping safety and quality standards.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in regulated environments and expertise in management systems required.
- Other info: Inclusive culture with strong support for career development and diversity.
The predicted salary is between 86758 - 86758 ÂŁ per year.
Company Description
UK Fusion Energy (UKFE) Ltd., a subsidiary of the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA), was established by the UK Government to lead the delivery of the Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production (STEP) prototype fusion plant. UKFE is building a fusion supply chain, attracting talent, engaging with industry, and planning and constructing the STEP prototype. Fusion energy is expected to be commercially viable by mid‑century, with the UK aiming for first operations around 2040. Onsite working is expected for 3 days each week, while flexible working arrangements are supported.
Benefits
- Outstanding defined benefit pension scheme
- Corporate bonus scheme up to 7% and relocation allowance (if eligible)
- Flexible working options, including family friendly policies
- Employee Assistance Programme and trained Mental Health First Aiders
- Generous annual leave: 25 days plus 3 day Christmas closure, 2.5 privilege days, and UK bank holidays
- Wide range of career development opportunities
- A vibrant culture committed to being fully inclusive
Salary: ÂŁ86,758 plus benefits. Location: West Burton, Nottinghamshire. Closing date: 4th May 2026.
Job Description
Fusion energy offers a low‑carbon, safe, and constant energy source to support climate action and energy independence. The UK’s STEP programme targets a prototype plant by 2040, delivering a path to commercial fusion. UKFE will lead delivery in collaboration with industrial partners and UKAEA.
Role Overview
As Head of Assurance, Management Systems & Audit, you will provide strategic leadership and single‑point accountability for UKFE’s end‑to‑end assurance framework. You report directly to the Director of Safety, Quality & Mission Assurance, owning the Integrated Management System (IMS), leading the Internal Audit function, and overseeing assurance across programmes, functions, and the supply chain. You act as an independent voice at the Executive Board and Audit & Risk Committee, translating complex assurance evidence into clear insight to support critical decision‑making.
Key Responsibilities
- Enterprise Assurance Leadership
- Own and evolve UKFE’s Enterprise Assurance Strategy, integrating first, second and third lines of defence
- Provide independent challenge where assurance coverage, depth or resourcing is insufficient
- Anticipate future risk as the programme matures and partners onboard
- Represent assurance maturity and systemic risk at Board, committees and sponsor level
- Integrated Management System (IMS)
- Act as guardian and final authority on the IMS and its fitness for purpose
- Ensure alignment with ISO 9001, 14001, 45001, 27001 and nuclear regulatory expectations
- Integrate partner and supplier management systems as delivery models mature
- Balance pace, cost and control while maintaining regulatory confidence
- Internal Audit
- Lead a credible, independent, risk‑based Internal Audit function
- Set multi‑year audit strategy aligned to enterprise risk, not cyclical coverage
- Escalate systemic control issues and behavioural risks when evidence demands it
- Ensure audit insight informs executive and Board decisions
- Supply Chain & Intelligent Customer Assurance
- Ensure UKFE fulfills Intelligent Customer responsibilities across complex, multi‑tier supply chains
- Integrate supply chain intelligence into enterprise risk and audit planning
- Support strategic conversations on supply chain resilience and long‑term capability
- Learning, Culture & Continuous Improvement
- Own systemic learning and corrective action across the enterprise
- Drive root‑cause resolution rather than symptom‑level fixes
- Act as an independent barometer of organisational and nuclear safety culture
- Champion digital assurance tools that improve insight while respecting professional judgement
Qualifications
Essential Skills and Experience
- Significant experience in highly regulated, high‑hazard environments
- Senior leadership experience across assurance, audit, management systems or technical governance
- Strong understanding of Integrated Management Systems across quality, safety, environment and information security
- Expertise in risk‑based assurance and audit methodologies
- Ability to influence confidently at Executive, Board, regulator and sponsor level
- Degree in Engineering, Quality, Business, Law or a related discipline
Desirable Experience
- Experience in nuclear or similarly safety‑critical sectors
- Professional accreditation (e.g. CQI, IRCA Lead Auditor, CEng, MCQI, MCIPS)
- Experience applying digital solutions to assurance and governance
- Experience representing organisations to external auditors and government bodies
Additional Information
We welcome applications from under‑represented groups, particularly women in STEM, individuals from British black and ethnic minority backgrounds, and people with disabilities. Our Executive team and Inclusion Ambassadors promote equality, diversity and inclusion and work to remove barriers to success. UKFE is committed to accessibility. Please email talent@ukfe.uk for help or adjustments to compete on a fair basis. This role requires employees to complete an online Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS), including Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks for criminal convictions. SC Clearance may be required in the future; an existing SC clearance can be transferred to UKFE.
STEP Six Behaviours
- We champion safety
- We all matter
- We act as one
- We embrace change
- We are pioneering
- We deliver
Head of Assurance, Management Systems & Audit employer: STEP Fusion
Contact Detail:
STEP Fusion Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Assurance, Management Systems & Audit
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the fusion energy sector, especially those connected to UKFE. Attend industry events or webinars and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by diving deep into UKFE’s mission and values. Understand their approach to assurance and management systems. When you can speak their language and show how your experience aligns with their goals, you’ll stand out as a top candidate.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! In your conversations, highlight specific examples of how you've led teams or projects in high-regulated environments. This will demonstrate that you’re not just a fit for the role, but a potential game-changer for UKFE.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the UKFE team. Let’s get you that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Assurance, Management Systems & Audit
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Head of Assurance. We want to see how you can bring your unique skills to our team at UKFE!
Showcase Relevant Experience: When detailing your past roles, focus on your leadership in assurance and audit within regulated environments. We’re keen to see examples that demonstrate your ability to influence at executive levels.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to explain your achievements and how they relate to the responsibilities outlined in the job description. We appreciate clarity!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensure you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at UKFE.
How to prepare for a job interview at STEP Fusion
✨Know Your Assurance Framework
Before the interview, make sure you have a solid understanding of assurance frameworks, especially in highly regulated environments. Familiarise yourself with UKFE’s Enterprise Assurance Strategy and how it integrates various lines of defence. This will help you articulate your vision for evolving their assurance processes.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
As a senior leader, you’ll need to demonstrate your ability to influence at the executive level. Prepare examples from your past roles where you successfully led teams or initiatives, particularly in audit or management systems. Highlight how you’ve navigated complex challenges and made impactful decisions.
✨Understand the Regulatory Landscape
Brush up on ISO standards relevant to the role, such as ISO 9001 and 14001. Be ready to discuss how you’ve ensured compliance in previous positions and how you would approach aligning UKFE’s Integrated Management System with these standards. This shows you’re proactive and knowledgeable about industry expectations.
✨Emphasise Continuous Improvement
UKFE values a culture of learning and improvement. Prepare to discuss how you’ve driven root-cause analysis and systemic changes in your previous roles. Share specific examples of how you’ve championed digital tools for assurance and governance, as this aligns with their commitment to innovation.