Assistant Project Manager - UKIFS

Fusion energy offers the potential for significant quantities of low-carbon, inherently safe, abundantly fuelled, baseload energy, supporting sustainable climate action and energy independence. While the technical challenge remains high, confidence is increasing, and the rewards of realising fusion are almost incalculable. Anticipated to come online for commercial purposes in the middle of this century, fusion offers a viable means to sustainable net zero in the UK and globally, as well as to increased energy security. The UK is currently a world leader in fusion research and development and in the drive to realise commercially viable energy from fusion, a sector with an estimated value of £tns per year.

STEP (Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production) is the UK’s flagship national programme to deliver a prototype fusion energy plant, targeting 2040, and a path to commercial viability of fusion. STEP is deliberately bold and ambitious and seeks people who want to be part of a world-changing endeavour and who have credible and relevant experiencing in delivery.

STEP is currently led by the UK Atomic Energy Authority, which has breadth and depth of expertise in fusion science, engineering and operations built over decades. Over the next year, leadership will transition to a new Company, UK Industrial Fusion Solutions Ltd. (UKIFS) to focus on the delivery of the prototype and, in so doing, the development of a fusion supply chain. From the next government investment gate, UKIFS will lead a collaborative team of industrial Whole Plant Partners who bring expertise in engineering and construction, plus UKAEA who will remain as strategic Partner providing fusion expertise

The Role:

Are you ready to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of clean energy? At UKIFS, we’re building the foundations for fusion energy in the UK, and we need an Assistant Project Manager to help us deliver on this ambitious vision.

Based at our West Burton site, you will support the planning and development of the build environment and site characterisation, working closely with the Project Managers and integrated project teams. This is a dynamic role that combines project coordination, stakeholder engagement, and digital optimisation, ensuring seamless operations across a complex and evolving programme.

What You’ll Do:

• Plan and Schedule: Coordinate contractor work, maintain site schedules, and manage project team calendars to keep everything on track.
• Drive Communication: Organise and facilitate key meetings, prepare agendas and minutes, and produce accurate weekly and board-level reports.
• Manage Bespoke Projects: Assist in developing detailed project plans, monitor progress, and ensure alignment with timelines and milestones.
• Optimise Digitally: Lead the use of the Sensat platform for site layout verification, clash detection, and digital optimisation.
• Champion Integration: Act as a key liaison across site teams, ensuring collaboration and clear communication between stakeholders.
• Leadership Mindset: Embody UKIFS values, foster an inclusive team culture, and represent the programme at internal and external events.

What We’re Looking For:

• Strong organisational and planning skills with experience in coordinating complex projects.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.
• Familiarity with digital tools and platforms (experience with Sensat is a plus).
• Ability to produce accurate reports and manage documentation effectively.
• A proactive, collaborative approach and a commitment to UKIFS’ mission and values.

What skills and experience you’ll bring to us:

Essential: 

• A degree, or equivalent demonstrable knowledge and experience of working in engineering, science, construction/property, or business change related discipline.
• Ability to understand complex engineering concepts, make informed decisions, and effectively communicate project goals, expectations, and updates to both technical teams and non-technical stakeholders. 
• Experience in a fast paced complex environment, ideally with some event or construction experience.  
• Strong technical skills with a focus on data management and optimisation. 
• IT literate, fluent in Microsoft Office, including Excel and PowerPoint.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. 
• Ability to generate and analyse reports to support decision-making.
• Proficiency in project management tools and software.

Beneficial:

• Programme or Project Management qualifications attained or working towards
• Experience in managing and optimising digital platforms, preferably in a project management environment Prior experience with Sensat or similar digital platforms.
• Background in engineering, construction, or a related field.
• Experience in the energy sector, particularly in fusion energy projects.
• Familiarity with working on large-scale projects or events.
• Demonstrated solo-working and team-building skills.

Relevant professional qualifications will include:

• APM Practitioner Qualification 
• APM Registered Project Professional 
• PRINCE2 Practitioner 
• Agile Project Management Practitioner 

Professional Development and Collaboration: Active engagement with APM and other relevant external bodies as part of continuous development. Support the wider STEP PPM community via active contributions at STEP meetings and events, contributions at Community of Practice or conferences etc.  

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.

UKIFS is committed to being accessible. Please email [email protected] 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 UKIFS.

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 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.