Talent Development Manager

Company Description

STEP Fusion UK Fusion Energy (UKFS) Ltd, a subsidiary of the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA), is at the forefront of developing fusion sustainable energy. Through the design and delivery of STEP (Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production) programme we aim to build a prototype fusion plant, targeting first operations around 2040. UKFE will lead delivery, collaborating with industrial partners and building a fusion supply chain with an estimated global sector value of £7tn per year.

Onsite working is expected for 3 days each week, however, we actively support requests for Flexible Working. A full list of our benefits can be found here  For more information on UKFE, visit:  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 scheme up to 7% and a Relocation allowance (if eligible). Flexible working options including family friendly policies. Employee Assistance Programme and 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 of career development opportunities. A vibrant culture committed to equality and being fully inclusive. The salary for this role is £73,190 + excellent benefits including outstanding pension. The closing date to apply for this position is the 13th Oct 2026 This UKFE vacancy will be based at our site in West Burton, Nottinghamshire

As our Talent Development Manager, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the people strategy behind one of the most ambitious missions of our time — making fusion energy a reality. You’ll lead the design and delivery of our end‑to‑end talent and capability development strategy, ensuring we attract, onboard, engage, develop, and retain the exceptional people who will help deliver this national endeavour.

This is a rare opportunity to help build a high‑performance, inclusive culture from the ground up — one where expertise thrives, careers accelerate, and people feel genuinely proud to contribute to a mission with global impact.

You will act as a trusted strategic partner to leaders across UKFE and our wider ecosystem, influencing how we grow, support, and future‑proof our workforce. This organisation is unlike any other: a fusion of industry pace, public‑sector responsibility, startup innovation, and large‑scale national infrastructure delivery. Your work will help shape what this unique blend looks like for our people.

• Talent Development and Capability Building. Develop and implement an enterprise‑wide talent development strategy that supports STEP’s delivery and evolving organisational needs.
• Establish clear career pathways and progression frameworks, enabling internal mobility and long‑term capability growth.
• Lead succession planning, talent reviews, and interventions for high‑potential and mission‑critical roles.
• Onboarding, Integration and Retention. Create a modern, engaging onboarding and induction experience that supports rapid integration and cross‑functional collaboration.
• Ensure onboarding reflects UKFE’s unique partnership model and high‑integrity safety and delivery culture.
• Partner with leaders, hiring managers, candidates, employees, project members and People Business Partners to support talent retention in UKFE and the STEP programme.
• Learning, Leadership & Culture. Develop and commission targeted learning and development programmes, including technical capability uplift and behavioural development aligned to STEP values.
• Design and deliver leadership development initiatives that empower managers to…