By 2050, the planet could be using twice as much electricity compared to today. Are you interested in strategically leading a team contributing to shape the future of the world’s energy? If so, read on. 

Fusion, the process that powers the Sun and Stars, is one of the most promising options for generating the cleaner, carbon-free energy that our world badly needs. UKAEA are at the forefront of realising energy from fusion, working with industry and research partners to deliver the ground-breaking developments that will underpin tomorrow's fusion power stations with the aim of bringing fusion electricity to the grid. As we work towards our mission and goals, UKAEA has devised values (Innovative, Committed, Trusted and Collaborative) that capture the spirit of how we work.

Are you ready to lead the delivery of sustainable fusion energy and shape the future of remote maintenance in fusion power plants? Join UKAEA (United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority) as the Director of RACE (Remote Applications in Challenging Environments) and contribute to the UK Government's Fusion Strategy. We are seeking an exceptional leader to drive the strategic and operational delivery of our mission and oversee the design, procurement, installation, and commissioning of essential robotic systems.

Responsibilities: As the Director of RACE, you will have the following key responsibilities:

• Build upon RACE's successful delivery in major fusion projects and expand the diverse portfolio of external engagement, including high-profile projects like ITER, private fusion initiatives, and non-fusion opportunities.
• Safely and efficiently operate RACE, including Culham facilities, offices, and equipment, while expanding RACE to include additional sites in the UK and internationally.
• Ensure the successful delivery of programs, acting as the Senior Responsible Owner (SRO) when necessary, and employing collaborative approaches to balance innovation, efficiency, creativity, and continuous improvement.
• Act as a visible and accessible member of the senior leadership team, proactively resolving risks that may impede the delivery of UKAEA's mission and goals.
• Oversee recruitment, resourcing, onboarding, training & development, and talent management within RACE, deploying resources effectively to support the Authority's ongoing work.

Essential

• Experience in operational management of large, complex programs.
• Contribution to the development and delivery of organizational strategy.
• Excellent understanding of the broader issues impacting UK science and innovation.
• Management experience of large scientific and engineering teams.
• Significant experience in scientific or engineering-related disciplines.
• Experience in stakeholder management with government, industry, and academia, preferably in the engineering sector.
• Commercial awareness, including knowledge of procuring for public value and successful contract management.

What we offer

Our comprehensive benefits package includes a vibrant culture committed to being fully inclusive, an Employee Assistance Programme and trained Mental Health First Aiders, Flexible working options including family friendly policies, Emergency paid leave, Generous annual leave allowance (30.5 days) increased with length of service, wide range of career development opportunities, outstanding defined benefit pension scheme; Corporate bonus scheme (up to 7% for Levels 1 - 7, as well as 3rd and 4th year apprentices) and a Relocation allowance (if eligible).

We welcome applications from under-represented groups, particularly from individuals from black and other ethnic minority backgrounds, including nationality and citizenship, people with disabilities and women. The Executive team with support from our ‘Equality, Diversity and Inclusion’ (EDI) Partner and Inclusion Ambassadors, is actively promoting EDI and taking steps to increase the diversity of our people through reinforcing best practice in recruitment and selection, and revaluating approaches where it is clear we can remove barriers to success.

Please be advised that we generally advertise vacancies for 4 weeks however we may close earlier than this if large or sufficient numbers of applications are received.

Please note all employees working at the UK Atomic Energy Authority will be required to complete an online Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) and any other appropriate security checks as part of their clearance – which will include The Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks which will show the details of all current criminal convictions or will confirm that there are no such convictions.

Note for applicants who are applying for employment with UKAEA either from outside the United Kingdom or who have spent time outside the United Kingdom in the last five years. Please visit  https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/criminal-records-checks-for-overseas-applicants . If the country you are resident in or have resided in is not listed on this website or that the UK Government is not aware of how to obtain a criminal records check from that state then we are unable to process your application.