Overview
Senior Programme Analyst role at UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA), via UK Industrial Fusion Solutions (UKIFS) Ltd. UKIFS leads fusion energy development as part of the STEP programme (Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production) to build a prototype fusion plant with first operations targeted around 2040.
Company Description
UK Industrial Fusion Solutions (UKIFS) 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 the STEP programme we aim to build a prototype fusion plant, targeting first operations around 2040. UKIFS will lead delivery, collaborating with industrial partners and building a fusion supply chain with an estimated global sector value of £7tn per year. UKIFS employees can be based at either of our sites: West Burton, Nottinghamshire or Culham, Oxfordshire; however, this role will primarily be based at Culham due to stakeholder locations and related services. Onsite working is expected for 3 days each week, with Flexible Working options supported.
Salary & Benefits
The salary for this role is £70,505 (inclusive of a Specialist Allowance). Onsite working is expected for 3 days each week.
* Outstanding defined benefit pension scheme
* 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
Role Summary
As Senior Programme Analyst, you will be at the forefront of shaping how insight, foresight, and evidence drive decision-making across the STEP programme - one of the UK’s most complex and high-impact infrastructure endeavours. Operating at a strategic level, you will lead the development of analytical frameworks, guide scenario planning and horizon scanning, and embed a culture of data-informed thinking across a multi-partner delivery ecosystem.
This role demands more than technical proficiency - it requires the ability to think conceptually, solve problems from first principles, and integrate insight across multiple business functions. You will help the programme understand not only what is happening, but why - and what to do next - by applying analytical depth, creative reasoning, and a systems-level perspective. You will work closely with the Head of Integration, Analysis and Insights to partner with UKIFS, UKAEA, Whole Plant Partners, government stakeholders, and technical teams to ensure performance data is accurate, timely, and strategically meaningful.
This is a high-accountability role requiring a confident blend of strategic thinking, analytical leadership, and communication influence. You will help define the analytical direction of the programme, surface emerging risks and opportunities, and embed a culture of evidence-based, cross-functional decision-making across one of the UK’s most ambitious infrastructure programmes.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Insight Leadership & Analytical Direction
* Set the strategic direction for programme-wide analysis and insight, ensuring alignment with STEP’s long-term objectives and national policy context
* Lead the development of analytical frameworks that support decision-making from a foundation of conceptual clarity, enabling leaders to interrogate issues from first principles
* Shape the programme’s performance narrative by translating complex data into high-impact insights for Board, Ministerial, and cross-government audiences
* Ensure analytical outputs support not only short-term delivery but also long-term strategic planning and investment prioritisation
Integrated Intelligence & Cross-Partner Collaboration
* Drive the integration of insight across delivery partners, ensuring that analysis reflects the interdependencies and dynamics of a multi-organisational ecosystem
* Collaborate across technical, operational, and strategic domains to build a shared understanding of performance drivers and emerging risks
* Promote joined-up thinking across business functions, enabling insight to inform decisions that span organisational boundaries and time horizons
* Apply structured reasoning and conceptual analysis to reconcile diverse perspectives and surface coherent, actionable intelligence
Evaluation, Learning & Strategic Feedback Loops
* Design and implement evaluation frameworks that enable the programme to learn from experience, adapt to change, and improve over time
* Embed feedback loops that connect insight with action, ensuring that lessons learned inform future planning and delivery
* Encourage analytical approaches that go beyond surface-level metrics, probing root causes and systemic patterns through rigorous, principle-based analysis
* Support a culture of reflective learning, where insight is used to challenge assumptions and refine strategic direction
Horizon Scanning, Scenario Planning & Strategic Foresight
* Lead horizon scanning and scenario planning activities that anticipate future challenges, opportunities, and system-level shifts
* Develop conceptual models and analytical tools that help the programme explore alternative futures and stress-test strategic choices
* Ensure foresight activities are grounded in both data and deep contextual understanding, enabling robust, imaginative thinking about long-term priorities
* Use creative and analytical approaches to surface emerging risks and guide proactive interventions
Governance, Reporting & Strategic Influence
* Shape the analytical content of reporting to the STEP Board, Executive, and government sponsors - ensuring outputs are decision-ready, forward-looking, and strategically aligned
* Partner with governance and reporting leads to embed insight into formal governance cycles and performance assurance processes
* Represent the analysis and insight function in senior forums, contributing to strategic reviews, business case development, and programme-wide planning
* Ensure reporting frameworks support conceptual clarity and enable decision-makers to engage with complexity confidently
Leadership of Analytical Capability & Culture
* Lead the development of analytical capability across the programme, mentoring colleagues and promoting best practice in data interpretation, visualisation, and strategic insight
* Shape and embed a culture of analytical excellence, where insight is valued as a core enabler of confident delivery and governance
* Encourage teams to approach problems from first principles, combining analytical rigour with creative thinking to develop innovative solutions
* Represent the analysis function in cross-organisational working groups, strategic reviews, and external engagements
Strategic Risk Intelligence
* Partner with risk and assurance teams to develop forward-looking risk intelligence tools that integrate qualitative and quantitative data
* Use predictive analytics and conceptual modelling to identify systemic risks, delivery bottlenecks, and emerging threats to programme success
* Provide strategic input into mitigation planning and escalation processes at Executive and Board levels
* Ensure risk intelligence supports long-term resilience and strategic agility
External Engagement & Thought Leadership
* Contribute to external reporting, briefings, and presentations to government sponsors, regulators, and strategic partners
* Represent the programme’s analytical approach at conferences, working groups, and cross-government forums
* Stay connected to emerging trends in data science, infrastructure analytics, and public sector performance management - bringing external insight into internal practice
* Promote STEP’s analytical leadership by sharing innovative approaches to problem-solving and strategic insight generation
Embody a Leadership Mindset
* You embody a leadership mindset and a set of leadership behaviours. You embrace and embody our organisation's culture, values, and mission in all aspects of your work.
* Foster a positive and inclusive team environment that aligns with our cultural values.
* Create and support a culture of responsible innovation.
* Contribute to maintaining a respectful and collaborative workplace, valuing diversity, and promoting teamwork.
* Act as a cultural ambassador, representing our organisation's values and professionalism in interactions with colleagues, clients and stakeholders.
* Lead by example, demonstrating The Seven Principles of Public Life - GOV.UK
* Make informed decisions and solve problems effectively, considering diverse perspectives and organisational goals.
The above is not intended to be an exhaustive list of activities and you may be required to undertake other reasonable tasks or duties requested.
Qualifications
Essential:
* A degree in a relevant field such as data science, economics, engineering, public policy, mathematics, or programme management
* A recognised programme or project management qualification, such as APM PMQ, MSP, PRINCE2 Practitioner, or equivalent
* Significant experience in programme analysis, performance evaluation, or strategic insight within complex, multi-stakeholder environments
* Proven ability to turn data into insight, and insight into influence — supporting confident decision-making and continuous improvement
* Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to operate at both strategic and detailed levels
* Proficiency in data visualisation and analysis tools (e.g. Power BI, Tableau, Excel)
* Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills, including at senior and executive levels
* Understanding of data governance, integrity, and ethical use of information
Beneficial:
* Experience in public sector, infrastructure, energy, or R&D programme environments
* Familiarity with monitoring and evaluation (M&E), investment appraisal, or benefits management frameworks
* Experience automating data pipelines or designing performance dashboards
* Knowledge of programme and project management tools (e.g. Primavera, Planisware, MS Project)
Additional Information
For more information on UKIFS visit the recruitment pack: UKIFS_CandidateRecruitmentPack.pdf. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and are committed to inclusion and diversity. This role requires BPSS clearance, including DBS checks; overseas criminal record checks may apply. Vacancies are generally advertised for 4 weeks but may close earlier depending on applications. We invite you to view other opportunities at Careers - STEP.
This role requires employees to complete an online Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) check.
Location: Culham, Oxfordshire (onsite 3 days per week); options for flexible working.
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