Head of Programme Development

By 2050, the planet could be using twice as much electricity compared to today. Are you interested in contributing and helping 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 leads the way in realizing fusion energy, partnering with industry and research for ground breaking advancements. Our goal is to bring fusion electricity to the grid, supported by tomorrow's power stations. In pursuit of our mission, UKAEA embraces core values: Innovative, Committed, Trusted, and Collaborative.

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 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 equality and being fully inclusive

What to expect in our recruitment process:

For a step-by-step overview of how we hire from application to offer please see our Recruitment Process page: careers.ukaea.uk/join-us/recruitment-process

Job Description

The salary for this role is £94,758 (inclusive of a Specialist Allowance).

This role can be based at any of the following sites; Culham, Oxfordshire or South Yorkshire, with occasional national and international travel.

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.

The Role

As Head of Programme Development, you will play a pivotal role in shaping, expanding, and driving growth in the Fusion Technology and Tritium Fuel Cycle project portfolios through new grants, partnerships, and strategic collaborations.

Reporting to the Executive Director, you will be accountable for identifying and developing opportunities aligned with UKAEA’s strategy, while representing the organisation nationally and internationally. You will lead negotiations across commercial, intellectual property, and financial matters, applying both strong commercial judgement and technical expertise to deliver impactful outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Accountable for expanding the Directorate research programme through grants, partnerships, collaborations and commercial opportunities.
• Represent UKAEA nationally and internationally, identifying and developing new opportunities.
• Build and strengthen partnerships and collaborations to enhance Divisional programmes.
• Identify and secure new grant and commercial opportunities aligned with fusion and adjacent technologies, including development of technology transfer pathways.
• Lead the preparation of high-quality grant applications and business cases.

Facilities Development

• Develop and promote exploitation plans and use cases for Divisional facilities
• Engage external stakeholders to secure funding for new facilities and lead coordinated, multi-site initiatives.

International Development & Promotion

• Establish and grow international collaborations.
• Represent and promote UKAEA capabilities at conferences, trade fairs, and industry forums.

Opportunity Identification & Horizon Scanning

• Identify and track future opportunities with new and existing clients, using CRM systems and funding calls.
• Build networks across the UK and globally to position the Divisions for future work.
• Engage with government, industry, and research bodies to promote capabilities and influence opportunities.
• Represent UKAEA on external panels, committees, and advisory groups.
• Lead bids and oversee the development of high-quality proposals and business cases.
• Manage the transition from opportunity to project delivery.
• Ensure best practice in bid preparation, costing, and submission.

Qualifications

• Proven track record in developing and delivering significant programmes in the UK and internationally.
• Extensive experience representing technical organisations at senior level to external stakeholders.
• Strong background in a technical environment.
• Demonstrated success in preparing high-quality business cases and grant proposals.
• Proven ability to develop and lead collaboration and partnership agreements.
• Experience managing intellectual property.
• Familiarity with CRM systems or similar databases.

Additional Information

A full list of our benefits can be found here https://careers.ukaea.uk/life-at-ukaea/employee-benefits/

UKAEA’s mission is clean energy for all, and we welcome talented people from all backgrounds to help us achieve this goal. We are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion and strive to ensure fair representation across our workforce. We particularly encourage applications from groups currently underrepresented in STEM, including women and individuals from diverse ethnic backgrounds, while ensuring all appointments are made on merit.

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.

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

#J-18808-Ljbffr