Project Manager - UKIFS in Retford

Build a career at STEP Fusion, a subsidiary of the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA), driving the delivery of the spherical tokamak for energy production (STEP) prototype fusion plant. UK Industrial Fusion Solutions (UKIFS) is building a company and a supply chain, and we are looking for a skilled Project Manager to lead projects within the STEP programme.

Overview: Fusion energy offers a low‑carbon baseload solution to support climate action and energy independence. The project seeks to bring the STEP prototype operational by 2040, collaborating with industrial partners and a national government agenda.

Role: We’re seeking a Project Manager to lead the successful delivery of projects and workstreams within the STEP programme. In this role, you’ll take ownership of planning and execution, ensuring objectives are clearly defined and delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards. As part of the programme’s governance structure, you’ll collaborate with stakeholders across the organisation to deliver agreed outputs and realise benefits. You’ll provide updates to senior managers, project boards, and SROs, while guiding technical teams with revised approaches when needed. You’ll ensure all projects comply with established project management standards and UK Government requirements, including Functional Standard 002, the Teal Book, and other relevant frameworks.

Accountabilities:

• Project – Develop a comprehensive Project Management Plan, manage interdependencies, and execute within time, cost, and quality boundaries.
• Project Management – Lead daily project and team management, select delivery methodology, and manage transitions between phases/gates.
• Business Case – Expand the approved Business Case into a full plan, revise it throughout the life‑cycle, and contribute to updates.
• Planning & Scheduling – Create and maintain detailed project schedules, resource allocations, and milestone tracking.
• Resource Management – Secure required resources, coordinate with lead engineers and technical leads, and address under‑performance.
• Compliance – Ensure delivery complies with legal, regulatory, and organisational requirements (Health & Safety, CDM, GDPR, etc.) and maintain audit trails.
• Contract Management & Procurement – Develop and manage supplier contracts, drive change control, monitor performance, and negotiate terms.
• Governance, Assurance & Reporting – Organise assurance processes, provide regular progress reports, and maintain document control.
• Benefits Management – Track progress against benefit realisation plans.
• Stakeholder Management – Manage stakeholder relationships, secure senior level support, and maintain internal/external relationships.
• Project Performance & Controls – Capture all project changes, maintain controls, and manage the Project Controls lead when present.
• Cost Control – Establish the financial baseline, monitor expenditure, track KPIs, and report financial performance.
• Risk & Issue Management – Proactively manage risks and issues, maintain registers, and ensure timely escalation.
• Collaborate – Lead collaboration with relevant divisions and external partners.
• Guidance & Support – Provide coaching and support to the project team.
• Line Management – Experienced Level 5 PMs may line‑manage up to 5 junior professionals and agency workers.

Budget Responsibility: Manage budgets up to £10 million per annum, track invoices, identify under‑/over‑spend early, and propose mitigating actions to governance structures.

Qualifications:

Essential Skills & Experience:

• Proven project management experience, preferably within a related industry; STEM experience an advantage.
• Recognised project management qualification (APM PMQ, Prince 2, PMP).
• Experience with diverse methodologies (waterfall, agile, hybrid) and appropriate governance.
• Budgeting and financial project management experience up to £10 million pa.
• Contract management experience; NEC 4 or Crown Commercial qualification preferred.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Commercial awareness and ability to maximise project value.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple workstreams.

Desirable:

• Experience with the fusion industry.
• Degree qualification in STEM/Engineering.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Adaptability to changing priorities.

Additional Information:

Active engagement with APM and other external bodies for continuous development. Contributions to STEP meetings, community of practice, and conferences are valued. We welcome applications from under‑represented groups, particularly women in STEM, British black and ethnic minority backgrounds and individuals with disabilities. Our Executive team and EDI Partner promote diversity and make efforts to remove recruitment barriers. UKIFS is committed to accessibility. Please email talent@ukifs.uk if you require assistance or adjustments to level the playing field. This role requires completion of an online Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) and Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks. SC clearance may be required in the future; existing clearance may be transferred.

Behavioural Expectations:

• We champion safety
• We all matter
• We act as one
• We embrace change
• We are pioneering
• We deliver

Contact & Application:

Location: West Burton, Nottinghamshire (onsite 3 days a week). The closing date for this advert is 9 January 2026. For more information on UKIFS, visit here. For benefits details, see here.

Salary: £56,596 (inclusive of Specialist Allowance) plus benefits.