Head of Whole Plant Performance - UKIFS Ltd

As the Head of Whole Plant Performance you will oversee the integration and performance of all systems within the STEP prototype ensuring they align with ambitious program goals. This includes generating significant electrical power producing fusion fuel and demonstrating scalable robotic maintenanceall while managing a challenging trade space of complex system interactions and emergent behaviours. The Design Authority holds overall accountability for technical risk and decisions related to the integrity performance and safety of the whole plant design throughout the full lifecycle within the organisation or alliance. 

You will:

• Define and Own the Performance Strategy:
  • Develop and own the strategy to achieve STEPs performance objectives balancing technical ambition with program risk and margin.
  • Derive and allocate toplevel technical requirements across subsystems to achieve integrated plant performance.
  • Proactively manage risks opportunities and tradeoffs associated with technology development and performance optimization.
• Monitor and Assure Performance:
  • Lead the verification and validation (V&V) strategy progressively building confidence in the plant design.
  • Address emergent performance issues with innovative and pragmatic solutions working closely with the technical teams.
  • Provide strategic feedback to ensure program outputs meet STEPs objectives while navigating uncertainty.
• Lead Multidisciplinary Teams:
  • Direct a team of 5 direct reports and 20 indirect reports while influencing delivery teams to align with performance requirements.
  • Oversee the integration of remote maintenance control systems manufacturability assessments and radioactive waste management.
  • Guide the development of advanced concepts and oversee design pivots as needed to address performance challenges.
• Shape the Future of Fusion Energy:
  • Drive experimental approaches to solve unprecedented challenges leveraging creative problemsolving and innovative strategies.
  • Balance systemlevel tradeoffs to ensure STEPs success while maintaining alignment with program timelines and goals.
• Represent STEP Leadership:
  • Deputize for the Chief Engineer at internal and external events including technical reviews regulatory engagements and global conferences.
  • Embody positive leadership behaviours fostering a supportive and dynamic team environment. Act as a cultural ambassador representing our organisations values and professionalism. 

This role demands exceptional creativity technical expertise and strategic vision requiring a leader capable of thriving in a highstakes emergent environment. 

Qualifications :

We are seeking a dynamic leader with a proven ability to drive performance in complex multidisciplinary programs.

Essential Skills & Experience:

• Technical Expertise:
  • Degree in a STEMrelated field or equivalent qualification (Chartered Engineer status preferred).
  • Extensive experience in systems engineering including deriving and managing technical requirements.
  • Proven ability to balance complex tradeoffs and manage emergent behaviours in integrated systems.
  • Familiarity with Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems and ISO standards.
• Strategic Leadership:
  • Demonstrated ability to develop and implement strategies for achieving ambitious technical objectives.
  • Experience managing performance across multiple stakeholders partners or supply chains.
  • Skilled in navigating change and uncertainty with a forwardthinking and entrepreneurial mindset.
• Innovation and ProblemSolving:
  • Proven success in addressing complex technical challenges with creative and innovative solutions.
  • Ability to embrace experimental approaches and lead pioneering projects in emergent technologies.
• Collaboration and Communication:
  • Exceptional leadership skills with a track record of inspiring and motivating multidisciplinary teams.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication abilities with experience engaging regulators stakeholders and public audiences.

Desirable Attributes:

• Experience working in highhazard or highly regulated environments such as nuclear or aerospace industries.
• Knowledge of legal and regulatory obligations for public sector programs.
• Experience delivering engineering assurance in technically complex programs.

Additional Information :

We welcome applications from underrepresented groups particularly individuals from black and other ethnic minority backgrounds people with disabilities and women. Our Executive team supported by our Equality Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Partner and Inclusion Ambassadors actively promotes EDI 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. 

Please note that vacancies are generally advertised for 4 weeks but may close earlier if we receive a large number of applications. We may consider your application for future positions or similar positions within the organisation.

 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: 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.