Senior Quality Manager

The Senior Quality Manager is a key leadership role within the Safety, Quality & Mission Assurance (SQ&MA) function, responsible for defining and delivering the Quality Strategy for the STEP fusion programme. Reporting to the Head of Safety, Quality & Mission Assurance, the role provides independent confidence that systems, structures, and products are safe, compliant, and fit‑for‑purpose across the full lifecycle—from concept and design through manufacture, delivery, and operation. STEP is a first‑of‑a‑kind, high‑consequence engineering programme, comparable in complexity and risk profile to advanced nuclear and space systems. In this context, quality must be designed in from the outset; opportunities to recover from failures post‑deployment are extremely limited. The Senior Quality Manager therefore establishes the frameworks, governance, and assurance necessary to achieve robust, performance‑driven quality in the presence of technical uncertainty, novel technologies, and evolving regulatory expectations.

Acting as the SQ&MA focal point for quality assurance, the role ensures that management systems, assurance frameworks, and certification approaches enable safe, reliable, and high‑quality outcomes at scale. The postholder will engage closely with the Design Authority, regulators, delivery partners, and independent assurance bodies to build confidence in STEP’s technical and organisational capability.

Key Accountabilities

• Quality Strategy & Capability: Define and deliver the STEP Quality Strategy, aligned to organisational objectives, regulatory requirements, and programme priorities. Drive consistent application of quality principles across engineering, operations, and the supply chain. Set expectations for structured quality and reliability tools, including design risk analysis (e.g. FMEA, DFMEA, FTA) and problem‑solving methodologies (e.g. RCA, 8D, DMAIC). Build and lead a high‑performing Quality function, embedding capability, resilience, and a culture of continuous improvement.
• Management System & Assurance: Provide independent assurance that management systems and governance frameworks enable safe, compliant, and high‑quality outcomes. Oversee assurance activities including audits, surveillance, readiness reviews, and compliance assessments. Ensure insights from assurance and operational performance are captured and used to continuously improve systems and processes. Define and oversee the strategy for product and system certification within a regulated environment. Ensure the development and maintenance of robust conformity evidence, including UKCA requirements, essential requirements, and technical documentation. Enable integration of certification and compliance activities into programme delivery and lifecycle decision‑making. Support engagement with regulators, notified bodies, and external assurance organisations to build confidence in STEP’s approach to novel technologies.
• Quality Risk Management: Lead the identification, assessment, and management of quality‑related risks across the lifecycle. Establish a structured, risk‑based approach to quality management integrated with programme and engineering decision‑making. Ensure alignment with safety, reliability, security, and environmental risk frameworks. Facilitate risk reviews and ensure timely mitigation and closure of actions.
• Leadership & Culture: Act as a senior leader within SQ&MA, influencing quality outcomes across engineering, supply chain, and delivery partners. Champion a culture where quality is proactively engineered and assured, reflecting the high‑consequence nature of the programme. Role‑model organisational values, the Seven Principles of Public Life, and inclusive leadership behaviours. Promote a culture of curiosity, evidence‑based decision‑making, and disciplined problem‑solving within complex, high‑uncertainty environments.

£73,190 + excellent benefits including outstanding pension. Degree Level Science or Engineering Qualification (or equivalent experience). Chartered member with relevant institution. Strong understanding of engineering principles and product lifecycle management. In-depth knowledge of quality management systems and applicable standards (e.g., ISO9001). Experience leading product certification and conformity assessment activities, including managing UKCA‑relevant evidence, technical files, and engagement with regulators or notified bodies. Ability to identify, assess, and mitigate technical and quality risks while enabling innovation. Ability to lead multi‑disciplinary teams and manage complex technical interfaces. Excellent communication skills and the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.

Beneficial: Track record of creative problem solving in ambiguous or innovative environments. Experience of the full lifecycle for technically complex plant systems within major programmes.

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.ukif 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.

As we work towards our mission and goals, guided by our principles, STEP has six behaviours that are intended to capture the spirit of how we work: We champion safety, We all matter, We act as one, 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: 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.

As an employee of UKAEA 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. 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. A vibrant culture committed to equality and being fully inclusive.