Project Manager

Fusion Project Manager Location: UKAEA Culham, Oxfordshire Role: Grade G (Central Operations) Department: Projects & Programme Management Office

About the Role

Fusion—a process powering the stars—offers the clean, carbon-free energy our planet urgently needs. UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) drives fusion energy breakthroughs by collaborating with industry and research organisations. Our goal is to pioneer fusion power plants and cultivate the skilled workforce to deliver the energy grid of tomorrow.

As a Project Manager within UKAEA, you’ll steer high-impact projects and workstreams that realise sustainable fusion energy. Working across research, engineering, technology and infrastructure, you’ll deliver projects safely, on schedule, and within budget—translating business objectives into tangible outcomes. Depending on experience, you’ll lead teams and mentor junior project professionals.

Key Responsibilities

• Drive end-to-end project delivery to meet agreed objectives—safely, on time, within budget, and of high quality.
• Develop and refine project management plans, schedules, governance frameworks, and delivery strategies.
• Budget and financial management, forecasting, risk identification, and implementing corrective measures.
• Lead multidisciplinary teams, securing resources to achieve project success.
• Manage risks, issues, dependencies, and change throughout the lifecycle.
• Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, ensuring clear communication and progress reporting.
• Ensure compliance with legislation, governing frameworks, organisational policies, and engineering assurance requirements.
• Oversee procurement and contract management, collaborating with Commercial teams and suppliers.
• Support project governance through frameworks like gateway reviews, project boards, and assurance activities.
• Drive continuous improvement by embedding best practices in project management and mentoring junior professionals.