UK Atomic Energy Authority
Assistant Project Planner
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Assistant Project Planner
Fusion's Assistant Project Planner Role
About Fusion Energy at UKAEA
Fusion—the process that powers the sun and stars—is one of the most promising ways to generate cleaner, carbon-free energy. UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) leads global efforts to realise fusion energy, partnering with industry and researchers to pioneer advancements. Our mission is to deliver fusion electricity to the grid by developing tomorrow’s power stations and the skilled workforce to make it happen.
The Role
As an Assistant Project Planner, you’ll collaborate with Project Managers, Technical Leads, and key stakeholders to create, refine, and track project plans that drive our programmes and projects forward. You’ll provide clarity on scope, milestones, dependencies, and resources—ensuring delivery remains realistic, achievable, and aligned with business goals.
This role is ** multicultural**, spanning diverse projects. You’ll shape project planning, monitor performance, and provide actionable insights—from risk identification to decision-support measures—across the entire project lifecycle.
Key Responsibilities
- Plan and maintain project schedules, keeping activities, milestones, and dependencies clearly defined and updated.
- Work alongside Project Managers and technical teams to translate project scope into realistic, executable plans.
- Develop Product Breakdown Structures (PBS), Work Breakdown Structures (WBS), and detailed project schedules.
- Monitor progress, pinpoint risks, and report schedule delays, suggesting remedies—optionally leading junior planners.
- Conduct critical path analysis, scenario planning, and schedule reviews to ensure effective delivery.
- Forecast and optimize resource allocation and resource levelling efforts.
- Compile project performance reports, dashboards, and KPIs for governance and leadership teams.
- Collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders to define dependencies and integrate programme planning efforts.
- Advise on best practices for project planning and controls and advocate for continuous process improvement.
- Mentor more experienced junior planners.
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Required Qualifications & Experience
- A degree (or equivalent experience) in a relevant field, including physical sciences, engineering, economics, business studies, or project management.
- Hands-on experience working within a project environment (Project Planner, Project Manager, Workstream Lead, or similar).
- Solid understanding of project planning and project controls, including earned value analysis.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, with a strong emphasis on Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
- Familiarity with project planning software like Primavera or Microsoft Project (or quick adaptable skills).
Essential Skills
- Strong communication and stakeholder management skills to engage with multidisciplinary teams.
- Keen eye for organisational, analytical, and problem-solving tasks, balancing multiple priorities.
- Ability to produce high-quality planning outputs.
- Commitment to collaborate and adapt in a fast-moving research and innovation setting.
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Working Arrangement & Location
- On-site attendance expected for 2–3 days per week.
- Role based at Culham, Oxfordshire.
Benefits
Among our standout offers:
- Base salary: £43,702 (inclusive of Specialist Allowance)
- Performance bonus: Up to 7% of base upon company performance.
- Defined benefits pension: Final salary scheme with a 21.5% employer contribution.
- ** Leave**: 25 annual days, +2.5 privilege days (no-penalty leave) +8 bank holidays.
- Christmas strategy: 3 site closure days during the period.
- Flexibility: Tailored flexible working options and family-friendly provisions.
UKAEA’s Commitment to Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (ED&I)
Our mission delivers clean energy for all. We foster equality, diversity, and inclusion, striving for representation across our workforce.
Proactive inclusion: We empower employees from diverse backgrounds, especially groups traditionally underrepresented in STEM, including women and ethnically minoritised communities. Each appointment is merit-based.
For queries, adjustments, or to address special accessibility needs during the recruitment process, email recruitment@ukaea.uk.
Further information accessible at UKAEA’s ED&I manifest.
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