CEO - Chief Executive Officer

UK Atomic Energy Authority; Culham; On-site; GBP 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading fusion research organization in the UK is seeking a Chief Executive Officer to steer strategic developments in fusion energy research. The successful candidate will secure funding, manage extensive facilities, and engage with partners in government and industry. Ideal applicants will have a strong leadership background in technology and science-driven businesses, with proven abilities in stakeholder management. This role is pivotal in transforming global energy production.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership experience in technology-related and science-driven business.
• Strong commercial acumen and exceptional communication skills.
• Ability to inspire large and complex teams.
• Strategic credibility and stakeholder management experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic developments to maintain the UK's position in fusion.
• Secure funding from national and international stakeholders.
• Manage extensive campuses across four sites and provide effective leadership.
• Engage with government, industry, and academic partners globally.

Job description

Company Description

The UK Atomic Energy Authority, the world's largest fusion organisation and global leader in fusion R&D, seeks an exceptional Chief Executive Officer following Professor Sir Ian Chapman's appointment as Chief Executive of UK Research and Innovation. With 2,600 staff, an annual turnover of circa £470 million, and partnerships with companies across the Fusion Ecosystem and with over 30 universities, UKAEA stands at the forefront of the UK Government’s Fusion Strategy.

Job Description

The CEO will lead strategic developments to maintain the UK's world-leading position in fusion, securing funding from national and international stakeholders while driving dynamic research and technology transfer programmes and delivery. This role encompasses managing UKAEA's extensive campuses across four sites covering over 1,000 acres, providing effective leadership to all major programmes, and serving as the public face of the organisation in engaging with government, industry, and academic partners globally.

This represents an opportunity to lead cutting-edge research that will transform global energy production while shaping the future of sustainable energy technology.

Qualifications

The successful candidate will offer proven leadership experience in technology-related and science-driven business with strong commercial acumen, exceptional communication and influencing skills, and the ability to inspire large, complex teams. Strategic credibility and experience partnering with diverse stakeholder groups across multiple sectors are crucial. Ideally, candidates will have expertise in fusion and international experience in stakeholder management across government, industry, and academia.

How to Apply

The UK Atomic Energy Authority has engaged the services of Perrett Laver to assist with the appointment process for the Chief Executive Officer. Application is by submission of a curriculum vitae and a covering letter of application, addressing the job description and person specification and including suitable daytime and evening telephone contact details. If you wish to discuss this role further in confidence, please contact Lucy Roper on [e-mail].

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Equal Employment Opportunity

UK Atomic Energy Authority is an equal opportunities employer.