STEP Risk & Dependency Manager

Company Description

STEP Fusion UK Fusion Energy (UKFE) Ltd, a subsidiary of the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA), is at the forefront of developing fusion sustainable energy. Through the design and delivery of the STEP (Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production) programme, we aim to build a prototype fusion plant, targeting first operations around 2040. UKFE will lead delivery, collaborating with industrial partners and building a fusion supply chain with an estimated global sector value of £7tn per year. Onsite working is expected for 3 days each week; however, we actively support requests for Flexible Working.

As an employee of UKFE you will benefit from:

• Outstanding defined benefit pension scheme.
• Corporate bonus scheme up to 7% and a Relocation allowance (if eligible).
• Flexible working options including family friendly policies.
• 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 equality and being fully inclusive.

The salary for this role is £64,115 plus excellent benefits including outstanding pension.

The closing date to apply for this position is the 5th June 2026. This UKFE vacancy will be based at our site in West Burton, Nottinghamshire.

Job Description

We’re looking for a STEP Risk & Dependency Manager to sit at the heart of the STEP programme, driving excellence across risk, dependency, and assurance management. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the delivery of a groundbreaking fusion energy initiative while shaping best-in-class programme controls in a complex and evolving environment.

The Role

As the senior risk specialist within STEP, you will lead the development and delivery of a comprehensive risk, dependency, and assurance framework across the programme. You’ll ensure that risks, opportunities, assumptions, and dependencies are managed with rigor, insight, and foresight—supporting confident decision-making at the highest levels.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead Risk Strategy & Governance: Develop and implement best-in-class risk management frameworks, aligned to programme complexity and pace.
• Drive Dependency & Integration Management: Ensure critical interdependencies are clearly mapped, managed, and aligned to delivery milestones.
• Strengthen Assurance & Controls: Lead audits, reviews, and continuous improvement to ensure robust programme governance.
• Executive Reporting: Deliver high-quality risk insights, dashboards, and analysis to senior leaders and governance bodies.
• Champion Risk Culture: Promote proactive risk identification, ownership, and mitigation across the programme.
• Lead & Develop a High-Performing Team: Build capability, manage resources, and mentor risk professionals across the function.
• Influence Strategic Decisions: Provide expert advice to senior leaders within STEP and the wider UK Fusion Energy Enterprise.

About You

You’re a strategic thinker with deep expertise in risk and programme controls, experienced in operating within large, complex programmes. You’re comfortable influencing at a senior level and thrive in an environment where ambiguity and innovation go hand in hand.

You will bring:

• Proven leadership experience in risk management within complex programmes or portfolios.
• Strong understanding of programme governance, assurance, and control frameworks.
• Ability to translate complex risk data into clear, actionable insights for senior stakeholders.
• Experience managing dependencies, assumptions, and integrated programme planning.
• A collaborative mindset, with the ability to influence across diverse teams and functions.
• A passion for continuous improvement and building high-performing teams.

Why Join STEP?

This is more than a role—it’s an opportunity to help shape the future of fusion energy. You’ll be part of a pioneering programme with ambitious goals, working alongside experts across science, engineering, and delivery to build a cleaner energy future.

Qualifications

Essential:

• Strong understanding of risk management standards (ISO 31000, HMT Orange Book, APM, PMBOK).
• Experience in leading programme, project or enterprise risk management, within a complex or regulated environment.
• Relevant qualification, e.g. APM Risk level 2 / MOR Practitioner.
• Excellent leadership, communication, influencing, and collaboration skills.
• Knowledge and proven direct experience of leading the development and implementations of Enterprise wide, project, and programme risk processes within a large, complex organisation.
• Ability to manage ambiguity, uncertainty, and complexity in project delivery.
• Experience in working with a diverse range of senior stakeholders.
• Familiarity with risk tools and systems (e.g. PIMS, Active Risk Manager (ARM), CGR, or custom RAIDO tools).

Beneficial:

• Bachelor’s degree in project management, Business, Engineering, or related field (or equivalent).
• Project Management Qualification - APM PMQ, PRINCE2.
• Membership of an appropriate Professional Institute e.g. APM or PMI.
• Experience in functional leadership of Project Risk / Controls personnel and delivering results within a large-scale project environment.
• Ability to manage stakeholders and information flow in a matrix environment, possessing a strong aptitude toward working horizontally across business areas and vertically to senior levels of management, providing specialist advice as required.

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.

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.

Please note that vacancies are generally advertised for 4 weeks but may close earlier if we receive a large number of applications. We may consider your application for future positions or similar positions within the organisation.