Head of Infrastructure Quality

# Head of Infrastructure QualityNuclear Engineering Job DetailsLocationRetford, United KingdomEmployment TypeFull-timeSalary£86kLevelLeadershipPosted Company DescriptionThe 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) protype 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. 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 hereFor 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 and the right to request flexible working from the start of your employment. 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 being fully inclusive The salary for this role is £86,758 + excellent benefits including outstanding pension . The closing date to apply for this position is the 4th May 2026 This UKFE vacancy will be based at West Burton, Nottinghamshire Job DescriptionFusion energy offers the potential for significant quantities of low-carbon, inherently safe, abundantly fuelled, baseload energy, supporting sustainable climate action and energy independence. While the technical challenge remains high, confidence is increasing, and the rewards of realising fusion are almost incalculable. Anticipated to come online for commercial purposes in the middle of this century, fusion offers a viable means to sustainable net zero in the UK and globally, as well as to increased energy security. The UK is currently a world leader in fusion research and development and in the drive to realise commercially viable energy from fusion, a sector with an estimated value of £tns per year. STEP (Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production) is the UK's flagship national programme to deliver a prototype fusion energy plant, targeting 2040, and a path to commercial viability of fusion. STEP is deliberately bold and ambitious and seeks people who want to be part of a world-changing endeavour and who have credible and relevant experiencing in delivery. STEP is supported by the UK Atomic Energy Authority, which has breadth and depth of expertise in fusion science, engineering and operations built over decades. UK Fusion Energy Ltd. (UKFE) Is a relatively new organisation established to focus on the delivery of the prototype and, in so doing, the development of a fusion supply chain. UKFE will lead a collaborative team of industrial Whole Plant Partners who bring expertise in engineering and construction, plus UKAEA who will remain as strategic Partner providing fusion expertise. The Role: Reporting to the Director of Safety, Quality & Mission Assurance, you will be accountable for setting the vision and leading the delivery of the Infrastructure Quality Strategy across UKFE.This is a senior leadership role with significant influence across programmes, suppliers, and partners. You will ensure that quality management systems, assurance approaches, and behaviours enable safe, efficient, and effective delivery of highly complex infrastructure.You will lead and develop a high performing team of quality professionals and work closely with engineering, assurance, SHE, procurement, and programme teams to embed quality as a core enabler of mission success. What You'll Be Responsible For Infrastructure Quality Strategy & Leadership Develop and implement a scalable Infrastructure Quality Strategy aligned with UKFE's mission and objectives Champion quality as a critical driver of safety, efficiency, and performance Provide visible leadership across all infrastructure focused delivery activities Quality Culture, Capability & Training Lead cultural change to build a proactive, learning led quality culture Define and deliver quality training and awareness programmes Grow quality maturity across UKFE and its infrastructure supply chain Quality Assurance, Governance & Performance Ensure effective deployment of quality assurance through a three lines of defence model Establish and report quality KPIs, monitoring performance and driving improvement Manage embedded quality resources across major programmes and projects Management Systems & ISO Compliance Maintain and continually improve ISO 9001:2015 compliant management systems Ensure management system controls are robust, scalable, and fit for future phases of delivery Provide expert advice on quality standards and regulatory expectations Stakeholder, Supplier & Programme Integration Define supplier quality requirements and support procurement and tendering activities Engage with internal teams and delivery partners to meet customer and stakeholder needs Use audits, investigations, and lessons learned to drive preventative action and improvement Represent UKFE externally with credibility across industry and professional forums Leadership & Values Act as a role model for inclusive, ethical, and values led leadership Foster a collaborative, respectful, and high performing team environment Embody UKFE's mission and culture at every level QualificationsYou will be an accomplished quality leader with deep experience operating in complex engineering or major infrastructure environments. You bring a strong track record of building and leading quality functions at scale, applying ISO 9001 based management systems within large, regulated programmes, and influencing senior stakeholders across multidisciplinary teams. You are comfortable working across the full project lifecycle - from strategy and governance through to supplier assurance and delivery - and are passionate about developing people, maturing organisational capability, and embedding a proactive, learning led quality culture. Experience in construction, manufacturing, or safety critical sectors, along with formal audit credentials, will further strengthen your ability to succeed in this role . Essential Skills and Experience: Degree (or equivalent) in engineering or a science discipline, or Chartered Quality Professional Significant experience (typically 10+ years) leading quality assurance in major engineering or infrastructure environments Deep knowledge and practical application of ISO 9001 based quality management systems Experience operating at scale within major or mega projects Proven ability to lead, develop, and inspire quality teams Strong audit experience across internal processes and supply chains Excellent communication and influencing skills at senior levels Desirable Experience: Lead Auditor qualification Background in construction, manufacturing,