Head of Fusion Skills

Join to apply for the Head of Fusion Skills role at UK Atomic Energy Authority. 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 leads the way in realizing fusion energy, partnering with industry and research organisations to achieve groundbreaking advancements. Our goal is to bring fusion electricity to the grid by developing the power stations of tomorrow and the skilled workforce to deliver them. Job Description The Head of Fusion Skills is a high‑impact role responsible for creating and managing skills pathways into the UK fusion industry for apprentices, university students, postgraduates, and experienced professionals. The role will shape a nationwide fusion skills strategy informed by future workforce needs across public and private sectors. Working closely with a wide range of stakeholders—including industry and government (particularly DESNZ)—the postholder will design and deliver initiatives to build a strong talent pipeline and secure funding to develop key capabilities in areas such as robotics, space, power engineering, nuclear design, and energy storage. The role will lead the Fusion Opportunities in Skills, Training, Education and Research (FOSTER) Programme and will shape and lead future programmes building on the platform created by FOSTER. Your core responsibilities Lead the Fusion Opportunities in Skills, Training, Education and Research (FOSTER) Programme, setting clear direction and boundaries to ensure it delivers on its objectives and is effectively managed. Build external relationships with businesses, universities, government departments, international partners, and other sources of funding to attract additional investment / funding to support the generation of fusion skills. Ensure business sustainability of these training schemes, procuring and partnering with training providers at apprentice, graduate, post‑graduate levels, establishing a business model which provides sustainable funding for these sector‑wide schemes. Oversee and advise the Oxfordshire Advanced Skills (OAS) contract and develop the STEP Fusion Skills Collaboration (SFSC), considering opportunities through local skills development in surrounding areas. Work collaboratively with the People and Culture Team, help to identify the future requirements of the organisation, via UKAEA Skills Development Strategy. Advise the Executive team to influence the strategic direction of fusion skills, the various main entry point plans and OAS / SFSC. Qualifications Deep knowledge of future talent schemes to include funding and developing talent through learning opportunities, such as undergraduate placements. Experience of managing a business and P&L account to ensure sustainability of business model with turnover approaching £10M. Experience of stakeholder management within the public sector primarily as well as private sector, across industry and academia, preferably in the engineering sector. Experience of contributing to the development and delivery of skills and talent development strategy. Deep understanding of academic routes available for people to progress into research and innovation organisations, including an understanding of barriers to these for minority groups. Additional Information A full list of our benefits can be found here https://careers.ukaea.uk/life-at-ukaea/employee-benefits/ but highlights include: £83,421 base salary Final salary defined benefit scheme (equivalent of 21.5% employer pension contribution) 25 days annual leave, plus 3 days Christmas closure and 2.5 privilege days, in addition to UK bank holidays Flexible and hybrid working options UKAEA's mission is clean energy for all, and we welcome talented people from all backgrounds who want to help us achieve our mission. We are under‑represented from some groups and so want to encourage applications in particular from women in STEM, people from Black British Caribbean and African backgrounds and from Pakistani and Bangladeshi British backgrounds. Our Executive team, supported by our 'Head of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion' (EDI) and Wellbeing and our EDI Networks actively promote inclusion and takes steps to increase diversity within our organization. We reinforce best practices in recruitment and selection and evaluate approaches to remove barriers to success. UK Atomic Energy Authority is committed to being accessible. Please email talent@ukaea.uk 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. Seniority level Director Employment type Full-time Job function Management Industries Research Services #J-18808-Ljbffr