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 STEP (Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production) programme we aim to build a prototype fusion plant, targeting first operations around 2040. 

UKIFS will lead delivery, collaborating with industrial partners and building a fusion supply chain with an estimated global sector value of £7tn per year.

UKIFS employees can be based at either of our sites; West Burton, Nottinghamshire or Culham, Oxfordshire, however, this role will primarily be based at Culham, due to the current locations of key stakeholders and related services.  Onsite working is expected for 3 days each week; however, we actively support requests for Flexible Working.

The salary for this role is £59,723.

As an employee of UKIFS, 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 and the right to request flexible working from the start of your employment.
• 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 being fully inclusive.
• A full list of our benefits can be found here https://careers.ukaea.uk/life-at-ukaea/employee-benefits/

The UKIFS Communications team is at the heart of our organisation, actively shaping and influencing at all levels. We operate in an energising, complex, and mission-driven environment. We are currently seeking a highly experienced and visionary Senior Internal Communications Manager to join our team at a crucial time in the development of the UKIFS organisation.

 As the Senior Internal Communications Manager, you will have the opportunity to develop and deliver an internal communications strategy, building on existing ways of working to ensure the team is informed and engaged during its next significant transition. Successfully evolving UKIFS practices and internal engagement as we bring commercial partners on board through 2025/6 is vital. Your role will be pivotal in inspiring the STEP Programme team and key stakeholders to fully engage with our mission and ensuring successful delivery of this major programme.

Key Responsibilities:

Develop and Implement Internal Communications Strategy:

• Lead the creation of the internal communications strategy and plan, providing expert advice to both the Executive and People teams.
• Deliver the strategy and plan, working with the Internal Communications Officer and the wider Communications team as ambassadors of the mission.
• Work closely with the Transition Director to evolve and align internal communications practices, as the organisation transitions to work with commercial partners.

Collaborate with External Communications:

• Work closely with the Senior External Communications Manager to ensure alignment and consistency in messaging across both internal and external communications.
• Support joint initiatives that enhance the overall communication strategy and stakeholder engagement.

Implement Engagement Mechanisms:

• Create and implement internal campaigns that foster a ‘one team’ approach across the programme.
• Identify best practices and share them across the programme.
• Identify areas for improvement, take action, and implement change effectively.

Enhance Employee Experience:

• Work in partnership with the People team to deliver high-quality onboarding, ensuring new starters are informed and engaged from day one.
• Provide expert advice to the People team on communication methods to maximise engagement levels.

Team Development:

• Manage and mentor the Internal Communications Officer, fostering a culture of creativity, collaboration, and high performance.
• Support continuous improvement to achieve communications objectives.

Leadership Mindset:

• Embody a leadership mindset and behaviours, embracing the organisation's culture, values, and mission.
• Ensure a positive and inclusive team environment, aligned with the STEP culture.
• Act as a cultural ambassador, representing the organisation's values and professionalism.
• Lead by example, demonstrating integrity, professionalism, and ethical behaviour.
• Make informed decisions and solve problems effectively, considering diverse perspectives and organisational goals.

Essential:

• Extensive experience in internal communications.
• A bachelor’s degree in communications or a related field or demonstrable equivalent experience.
• Experience leading internal communications in complex, matrixed, programmatic environments.
• Experience developing and delivering internal communications strategy and plans.
• Experience working with People teams to create engaged teams.
• Proven relationship builder with stakeholders at all levels.
• Experience as a trusted advisor at CEO, Director, and executive team level.
• Excellent communication skills – both written and verbal.
• Ability to act as an internal ambassador for the programme.
• Strategic, creative, and innovative thinker.

Beneficial:

• CIPR qualification.
• Experience working on significant infrastructure projects.
• Experience with significant public sector transformation programmes

For more information on UKIFS  visit : https://careers.ukaea.uk/wp-content/uploads/download/UKIFS_CandidateRecruitmentPack.pdf

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 our EDI Networks actively promote Inclusion 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 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 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.

Please note that vacancies are generally advertised for 4 weeks but may close earlier if we receive a large number of applications.