Lead Planner

Location: Sturton le Steeple

# Lead Planner Step Fusion Systems Engineering## Company Description
** STEP Fusion
** UK Fusion Energy (UKFE) 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:
** UKIFS
* 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 £51,317 plus excellent benefits including outstanding pension*.
* The closing date to apply for this position is the 10th July 2026

This UKFE vacancy will be based at our site in
** West Burton, Nottinghamshire**##

Job Description As Lead Planner, you will support and drive the development of the Integrated Master Schedule (IMS) for a high-value, technically complex programme. You’ll provide critical schedule intelligence to senior leadership, ensure robust governance, and enable delivery safely, on time, and within budget.

Working closely with Programme Managers, IPT Directors, and technical teams, you’ll be at the heart of decision-making—translating complexity into clarity and actionable insight.
** What You’ll Be Doing
**** Lead Integrated Planning
*** Develop and maintain a fully integrated, multi-level IMS (L0–L4) across engineering, manufacturing, construction, and commissioning
* Drive alignment across programme disciplines, ensuring dependencies and interfaces are clearly defined
* Identify critical paths, risks, and optimisation opportunities
** Provide Strategic Schedule Insight
*** Deliver scenario modelling, “what-if” analysis, and data-driven insights to support executive decisions
* Develop KPIs and dashboards to track performance and resource utilisation
* Lead schedule risk analysis and contribute to programme-level risk management
** Drive Programme Planning Excellence
*** Lead planning for a programme valued at £20M
* Oversee WBS development, baselining, forecasting, and recovery planning
* Apply earned value management (EVM) and variance analysis to monitor progress
* Assess impacts of change, regulatory requirements, and design evolution
** Build Capability
*** Mentor planners, engineers, and project teams on best practice in planning and scheduling
* Champion continuous improvement and industry-leading standards
** Lead with Impact
*** Foster a collaborative, inclusive team culture
* Act as a role model for professionalism, integrity, and accountability
* Build strong stakeholder relationships across a complex programme environment
** What We’re Looking For
*** Proven experience leading planning on large-scale engineering, manufacturing, or construction programmes
* Strong expertise in integrated scheduling, IMS development, and programme controls
* Experience with EVM, risk analysis, and scenario planning
* Ability to operate at both strategic and detailed levels, influencing senior stakeholders
* Excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder engagement skills
* Background in complex or highly regulated environments (energy, nuclear, infrastructure, etc.) is highly desirable
** Why Join Us?
*** Be part of a ground breaking fusion energy programme with global impact
* Work on a first-of-a-kind…