Senior Environmental & Sustainability Manager

Company Description

The UK Government has established UK Fusion Energy (UKFE) Ltd , a subsidiary of UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA), to lead the charge in delivering fusion energy through design and delivery of the Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production (STEP) prototype fusion plant. UKFE is establishing itself, setting up the company, attracting talent, engaging with industry, developing a supply chain, and planning and constructing of the STEP prototype.

Fusion energy, crucial for combating climate change and ensuring energy independence, is expected to be commercially viable by mid-century. The UK, led by UKFE, aims for a prototype fusion plant, targeting first operations around 2040. UK Fusion Energy Ltd. will lead delivery, collaborating with industrial partners and building a fusion supply chain with an estimated global sector value of £7tn per year.

Join UKFE and the STEP programme to be involved in this ground breaking journey.

As an employee of UKFE, you will benefit from:

• Outstanding defined benefit pension scheme, details of which can be found at the end of this advert.
• Corporate bonus schemeup to 7% and aRelocationallowance (if eligible).
• Flexible working options including family friendly policies and the right to request flexible working from the start of your employment.
• Employee Assistance Programmeand 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 ofcareer development opportunities
• A vibrantculturecommitted to being fully inclusive

A full list of our benefits can be found here

The salary for this role is £73,190 plus a Specialist Allowance which is non-contractual and non-pensionable + excellent benefits including outstanding pension.

This position is based at West Burton, Nottinghamshire.

For more information on UKFE, visit:

The closing date for this advert is set for the 25th August 2026.

Reporting to the Head of Environment & Sustainability, you will define and deliver the environmental strategy for the STEP programme and provide programme-level assurance that environmental and sustainability risks are effectively understood, managed, and controlled throughout the full lifecycle of the power plant.

As a senior leader within UKFE, you will ensure environmental performance is embedded into engineering, construction, operational, and strategic decision‑making. You will lead the development of a proportionate, evidence-based Environmental Case and provide leadership across environmental consenting, permitting, regulatory engagement, and sustainability performance.

This is a high-profile position operating in a unique technological environment where regulatory frameworks continue to evolve. Your expertise will help shape how fusion energy is responsibly delivered for future generations.

• Define and deliver the environmental strategy across your allocated area of responsibility within the STEP programme.
• Provide senior environmental leadership across engineering, construction, operations, and programme delivery functions.
• Ensure environmental considerations are integrated into programme design, delivery, and operational decision‑making.
• Balance innovation with regulatory compliance, environmental stewardship, and societal expectations.

• Build, lead, and develop a high-performing environmental team capable of supporting a complex, multi-decade programme.
• Provide strategic direction, coaching, and technical oversight to environmental professionals and specialists.
• Promote a culture of environmental excellence, collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Increase environmental awareness and capability across engineering and delivery teams.

• Lead the development and ongoing justification of the programme's Environmental Case.
• Establish frameworks for identifying, assessing, and managing environmental impacts at system and programme level.
• Ensure environmental requirements and Best Available Techniques…