Project Manager - UKIFS Ltd

Overview

The UK Government has established UK Industrial Fusion Solutions (UKIFS) Ltd, a subsidiary of UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA), to lead the design and delivery of the STEP prototype fusion plant. UKIFS is setting up the company, attracting talent, engaging with industry, developing a supply chain, and planning and constructing the STEP prototype.

Fusion energy is seen as crucial for addressing climate change and energy independence. UKIFS aims for a prototype fusion plant with first operations around 2040 and will lead delivery by collaborating with industrial partners and building a fusion supply chain with an estimated global sector value of £7tn per year.

As an employee of UKIFS, you will benefit from a range of rewards and development opportunities.

Job Role and Location

The salary for this role is £56,596 (inclusive of Specialist Allowance) plus excellent benefits including a pension. UKIFS employees can be based at either West Burton, Nottinghamshire or Culham, Oxfordshire; however, this role is based at West Burton with onsite requirements of 3 days per week.

This role is associated with UKIFS and may involve working across multiple projects and facilities in a dynamic environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead construction and infrastructure projects, ensuring delivery on time, within budget, and to quality standards.
• Manage project teams and workstreams, applying appropriate methodologies and overseeing transitions between phases.
• Develop and maintain detailed project plans, schedules, and resource allocations.
• Translate business cases into actionable plans and support benefit tracking.
• Secure and manage skilled resources, address performance issues, and support team development.
• Ensure adherence to legal, regulatory, and internal standards including H&S, CDM, GDPR, and procurement rules.
• Oversee supplier contracts, monitor budgets (£0.5m–£10m), and manage financial performance.
• Identify and mitigate risks and issues, maintaining accurate registers.
• Build and manage relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Provide regular progress updates, support audits, and maintain robust documentation.
• Foster cross-functional collaboration and contribute to professional communities and CPD.

Qualifications

Essential:

• Proven experience in project management, ideally within Construction or Energy; STEM experience is advantageous.
• Recognised project management qualification (e.g., APM PMQ, Prince 2, PMP).
• Experience with multiple project management methodologies (waterfall, agile, hybrid, iterative) and governance approaches.
• Experience managing budgets up to £5m per annum.
• Experience in project contract management.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong commercial awareness to maximise project value.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Advantageous:

• Experience in the fusion industry.
• Degree-level qualification in STEM or Construction.
• NEC4 Contract qualification or Crown Commercial qualification.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and environments.

Additional Information

We welcome applications from under-represented groups, particularly women in STEM, individuals from UK Black and minority ethnic backgrounds, and candidates with disabilities. The Executive team, supported by an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Partner and Inclusion Ambassadors, promotes EDI and diversity in recruitment and selection.

UKIFS is committed to accessibility. Email talent@ukifs.uk for questions or adjustments to compete fairly in the recruitment process.

This role requires employees to complete baseline checks (BPSS) and DBS. There is a possibility of SC clearance in the future; existing SC clearance can be transferred.

For overseas applicants, information on criminal records checks is available at the UK government link; if a country is not listed, applications may not be processed.

Vacancies are generally advertised for 4 weeks but may close earlier if demand is high. We may consider applications for future positions within the organisation.

To view other opportunities, please visit Careers – STEP.