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- Tasks: Lead the development of commissioning and operations for a groundbreaking fusion energy project.
- Company: Join UKIFS, a pioneering subsidiary of the UK Atomic Energy Authority.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of sustainable energy and make a real impact on global challenges.
- Qualifications: Engineering degree and experience in leading technical teams.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace committed to innovation and safety.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Commissioning & Operations Manager – UKIFS
UK Industrial Fusion Solutions (UKIFS) 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.
Job Description
Your Mission: Reporting to the Deputy Chief Engineer, you will act as the voice of the future operator, ensuring that operational needs are embedded into the design and delivery of the STEP Prototype Plant (SPP). You will lead the development of commissioning and operations capability, strategy, and culture across the programme, ensuring the plant is not only built, but built to operate successfully.
As Commissioning and Operations Manager, you will be instrumental in shaping how the STEP Prototype Plant (SPP) is designed, commissioned, and operated. You’ll lead the development of operational capabilities and ensure the plant is ready to deliver its ambitious objectives.
Responsibilities
- Building Capability: Develop a comprehensive strategy for Commissioning and Operations across the STEP programme.
- Build and lead a high-performing team to deliver this capability.
- Forge strategic partnerships with external organisations to enhance delivery.
- Identify critical skills gaps and define long-term training and development plans.
- Foster a culture of safety, agility, innovation, and continuous improvement.
- Strategy and Planning: Lead the creation of the STEP Commissioning Plan to ensure the plant is operationally ready.
- Develop the Concept of Operations to guide how the plant will function and meet programme goals.
- Design and implement systems and processes that integrate commissioning and operations across all programme phases.
- Ensure alignment between operational strategy and engineering delivery.
- Establish feedback loops for lessons learned and rapid dissemination across teams.
- Design Integration: Define and embed operational requirements into the plant’s design, covering all modes of operation.
- Lead the development of transverse requirements such as plant availability and asset protection.
- Oversee safety and reliability assessments including FMEA, HAZOP, and Human Factors integration.
- Act as the discipline lead for Commissioning and Operations, reviewing requirements across all plant systems.
- Programme Engagement: Serve as the central point of contact for Commissioning & Operations within the STEP programme.
- Ensure timely and budget-conscious delivery of operational workstreams.
- Champion operational integration across all programme teams.
- Lead readiness reviews and progress assessments against commissioning and operations milestones.
- Promote public understanding of operational goals and risk management, building trust with communities and stakeholders.
- Leadership and Culture: Demonstrate curiosity, creativity, and resilience in problem-solving.
- Embody a leadership mindset regardless of formal position, aligning with organisational values and mission.
- Cultivate an inclusive, respectful, and collaborative team environment.
- Act as a cultural ambassador, upholding the Seven Principles of Public Life and promoting ethical decision-making.
The above is not intended to be an exhaustive list of activities and you may be required to undertake other reasonable tasks or duties requested.
Qualifications
Essential
- A relevant engineering degree or equivalent.
- Experience as an engineering manager, and leading a team to deliver.
- Ability to communicate and engage with multi-functional teams, and manage both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- Experience in delivering complex technical projects in a high-hazard and regulated environment.
Beneficial
- Experience of plant commissioning and operations – ideally for complex plants.
- Knowledge and experience of hazard assessment and mitigation processes and technologies.
- Experience in delivery of major infrastructure programmes.
Additional Information
We welcome talented people from all backgrounds who want to help us achieve our mission. We encourage applications from under-represented groups, particularly from women in STEM, ethnic minority backgrounds, people with disabilities, and neurotypical individuals. Our Executive team and EDI Networks promote Inclusion and diversity within our organisation. This role requires completing an online Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS), including DBS checks for criminal convictions and possibly a search of open-source data.
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 government guidance on criminal records checks for overseas applicants. We cannot process applications if country information is not listed.
We have a number of exceptional opportunities available at the moment; to view them all please visit Careers – STEP.
Location
South Wheatley, England, United Kingdom
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Commissioning & Operations Manager - UKIFS employer: UK Atomic Energy Authority
Contact Detail:
UK Atomic Energy Authority Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Commissioning & Operations Manager - UKIFS
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. The more connections you make, the better your chances of landing that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their mission and values, especially around sustainability and innovation, so you can show how you fit into their vision.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your skills and experiences align with the role of Commissioning & Operations Manager. Highlight your leadership abilities and your approach to fostering a collaborative team environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the STEP programme.
We think you need these skills to ace Commissioning & Operations Manager - UKIFS
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Commissioning & Operations Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience in engineering management and any specific projects that align with the STEP programme's goals.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: We want to see how you embody a leadership mindset! Share examples of how you've built high-performing teams or fostered a culture of safety and innovation in your previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language to explain your experience and how it relates to the operational needs of the STEP Prototype Plant. We appreciate brevity!
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 ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at UK Atomic Energy Authority
✨Know Your Fusion Fundamentals
Make sure you brush up on the basics of fusion energy and the STEP programme. Understanding the technical aspects will not only impress your interviewers but also show that you're genuinely interested in the role and its impact on sustainable energy.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Commissioning & Operations Manager, you'll need to lead a high-performing team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past, focusing on your ability to foster collaboration and drive results in complex projects.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in high-hazard environments. Think about past experiences where you had to make critical decisions under pressure, and be ready to discuss how you ensured safety and compliance.
✨Engage with Their Vision
Demonstrate your alignment with the company's mission by discussing how you can contribute to their goals. Show enthusiasm for building a culture of safety, innovation, and continuous improvement, and be prepared to share your ideas on how to achieve this.
