Job Description

Fusion, the process that powers the sun and stars, is one of the most promising options for generating the cleaner, carbon-free energy that our world badly needs. UKAEA leads the way in realizing fusion energy, partnering with industry and research organisations to achieve ground-breaking advancements. Our goal is to bring fusion electricity to the grid by developing the power stations of tomorrow and the skilled workforce to deliver them.

Fire Safety Manager, Duty Holder, and subject matter expert leads the Fire Safety & Building Security Group within the Estates Compliance & Governance Unit. Responsible for managing an in-house team, supported by specialist contractors, to deliver planned and reactive maintenance and upgrades of fire safety systems across UKAEA’s multi-site estate, including Culham, West Burton, Rotherham, Whitehaven and satellite locations.

Core responsibilities

• Act as Subject Matter Expert and Competent Person for fire safety across UKAEA, providing authoritative advice and ensuring compliance with legislation.
• Develop and deliver fire safety strategy, policies and long-term plans aligned to regulatory and organisational requirements.
• Lead and manage the Fire Safety and Building Security team, ensuring effective capability, performance and continuous development.
• Ensure active and passive fire safety systems (and related security interfaces) are compliant, maintained and fit for purpose.
• Provide expert guidance on fire prevention, protection and risk management across complex scientific and operational facilities.
• Deliver fire safety programmes and projects to time, cost and quality, balancing compliance with operational needs.
• Lead training, awareness and cultural improvement initiatives to strengthen fire safety capability across the organisation.
• Build and maintain strong stakeholder relationships, driving collaboration and continuous improvement in fire safety performance.
• Lead incident investigation and assurance, ensuring corrective actions, lessons learned and robust governance are in place.
• Support emergency preparedness and crisis management, providing specialist fire safety input to organisational response planning.

Qualifications

• Chartered Engineer (or working towards) with a recognised body such as the Institution of Fire Engineers, or equivalent qualification in fire engineering.
• Member-level professional accreditation (e.g. Institute of Fire Engineers, Institute of Fire Safety Managers).
• Relevant fire safety qualifications, such as NEBOSH Fire Safety Certificate and passive fire protection certification (or equivalent).
• Broad technical engineering background across multiple disciplines.
• Significant experience in fire safety or fire engineering roles, with strong application of legislation, codes of practice and standards.
• In-depth knowledge of UK fire safety legislation, including the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order, Building Regulations and associated health, safety and construction law (HSWA, MHSWR, Building Safety Act, CDM, DSEAR).
• Strong leadership and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to influence at all organisational levels.
• Understanding of fire safety and building security system integration to improve compliance and operational efficiency.

Additional Information

A full list of our benefits can be found here but highlights include:

• £64115 salary inclusive of a £7700 specialist allowance
• Final salary defined benefit scheme with an equivalent of 21.5% employer pension contribution
• 25 days annual leave, plus 3 days Christmas closure, 2.5 privilege days and 8 Bank Holidays
• Flexible and hybrid working options

UKAEA’s mission is clean energy for all, and we welcome talented people from all backgrounds to help us achieve this goal. We are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion and strive to ensure fair representation across our workforce. We particularly encourage applications from groups currently underrepresented in STEM, including women and individuals from diverse ethnic backgrounds, while ensuring all appointments are made on merit. Further information can be found here