At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead environmental strategy and sustainability for a groundbreaking fusion energy programme.
- Company: Join UK Fusion Energy, a pioneering force in clean energy innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous leave, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Be part of a vibrant, inclusive culture with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape the future of fusion energy and make a real impact on climate change.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in environmental management and strategic leadership required.
The predicted salary is between 37286 - 45572 £ per year.
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.
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.
As an employee of UKFE, you will benefit from
- 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_Candidate Recruitment Pack. 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.
Why Join UKFE?
This is an opportunity to shape the environmental legacy of a world-leading fusion energy programme.
You will play a critical role in helping deliver clean energy for future generations while ensuring the highest standards of environmental responsibility and sustainability.
Join us and help define the future of fusion energy.
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, innovative or emerging technologies.
- Experience operating as a Professional Head of Function or equivalent organisational leadership role.
- Experience supporting Board governance, assurance and committee structures.
- Fellow membership of a relevant professional institution.
- Experience working in complex multi-organisational programmes involving government, industry and strategic partners.
- Experience influencing environmental policy, regulatory framework development or sector-wide environmental initiatives.
- Additional Information
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, supported by our 'Equality, Diversity and Inclusion' (EDI) 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.
This role requires employees to complete an online Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS), including the Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks for criminal convictions.
Whilst not required at this time, there is a possibility of an SC Clearance being required in the future.
If a candidate already holds an SC clearance, that clearance can be transferred to UKFE.
- STEP behaviours
- We champion safety
- We all matter
- We act as one
- We embrace change
- We are pioneering
- We deliver
For applicants applying from outside the United Kingdom or those who have spent time outside the UK in the last five years, please visit the following link for information on criminal records checks: https://www. gov. uk/government/publications/criminal-records-checks-for-overseas-applicants If your country of residence or previous residence is not listed on the website or if the UK Government does not have information on obtaining a criminal records check from that state, we regret to inform you that we cannot process your application.
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Head of Environment & Sustainability in Retford employer: STEP Fusion
At STEP Fusion UK Fusion Energy Ltd, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that champions equality and diversity. Our employees benefit from a generous annual leave allowance, outstanding pension schemes, and flexible working options, all while contributing to groundbreaking fusion energy projects that have a global impact. With ample opportunities for career development and collaboration with world-class experts, joining our team means being part of a mission to transition to clean, sustainable energy in a supportive environment located in West Burton, Nottinghamshire.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Environment & Sustainability in Retford
✨Dive into Environmental Networks
Get involved with sustainability-focused organisations and attend their events. Look for local meetups or conferences in environmental management where you can connect with professionals in the field. This can lead to insider info on job openings at companies like STEP Fusion that might not be advertised widely.
✨Show Your Passion with Projects
Consider undertaking personal or community projects that highlight your dedication to sustainability. Whether it's a local clean-up or a carbon footprint assessment, document your findings and results. This not only boosts your portfolio but also shows potential employers like STEP Fusion that you're proactive and serious about the field.
✨Seek Out Green Job Boards
Don’t just rely on general job boards. Explore specific platforms that focus on sustainability and environmental management roles. Websites like EnvironmentJobs and Sustainable Business can be goldmines for full-time positions at companies like STEP Fusion. Keep an eye out for their aggregation of listings!
✨Let Your Online Presence Shine
Make sure your social media and professional profiles reflect your passion for sustainability. Share articles, engage in discussions, and connect with leaders in the field. Your active presence can make a lasting impression on hiring managers at companies like STEP Fusion when they search for candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Environment & Sustainability in Retford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Passion for Sustainability:In your cover letter, let your enthusiasm for sustainability shine through. Share any relevant experiences, like projects, volunteer work, or events you've participated in that align with STEP Fusion's values. This position isn't just about meeting qualifications; it's about genuinely caring for the environment and showing us why you're the right fit for Head of Environment & Sustainability.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications and Experience:Make sure to showcase any specific qualifications, such as degrees in environmental science or certifications in sustainability practices in your CV. We want to see how your academic background and practical experiences align with the job you're applying for, so don’t hold back on anything that demonstrates your expertise in environmental management.
Tailor Your CV to the Role:As we're looking for someone to jump into a full-time role, be specific about previous roles or projects that demonstrate your capabilities in sustainability. Use bullet points to make accomplishments clear, and don’t forget to quantify your achievements wherever possible – it’s all about showing us the impact of your work!
Research STEP Fusion and Reflect It In Your Application:We love candidates who take the time to understand what we're about. Mention specific initiatives or projects that STEP Fusion is known for in your cover letter. This shows us that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely excited about the chance to contribute to our mission in the role of Head of Environment & Sustainability.
How to prepare for a job interview at STEP Fusion
✨Brush Up on Environmental Legislation
Given that we're diving into sustainability and environmental management, it’s crucial to have a solid understanding of current environmental laws and regulations. Be prepared to discuss how these laws apply to real-world scenarios, as you might face some technical questions about compliance and best practices during your chat with STEP Fusion.
✨Showcase Your Experience with Sustainability Projects
When you're discussing your background, highlight specific sustainability initiatives you've been involved in. Whether it’s a project at university or work experience, sharing measurable outcomes and your role will demonstrate your hands-on skills, which is super important for this full-time role at STEP Fusion.
✨Familiarity with Tools and Software
Make sure you're familiar with any relevant tools or software commonly used in environmental management, like GIS for mapping or data analysis tools. Bring this up in your interview as it shows you’re not only passionate but also prepared to roll up your sleeves and get to work!
✨Connect Your Values with the Company's Mission
Full-time roles are all about team fit, so it’s important to align your personal values with those of STEP Fusion. Be ready to discuss why you're passionate about sustainability and how you can contribute to their mission, as this will really resonate with the interviewers and show that you’re genuinely invested in their goals.
