By 2050, the planet could be using twice as much electricity compared to today. Are you interested in contributing and helping to shape the future of the world’s energy? If so, read on.
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 for ground-breaking advancements. Our goal is to bring fusion electricity to the grid, supported by tomorrow's power stations. In pursuit of our mission, UKAEA embraces core values: Innovative, Committed, Trusted, and Collaborative.
As an employee of UKAEA 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 equality and being fully inclusive .
Job Description
The salary for this role is £79,638 . Onsite working is expected for 3 days each week , however, we actively support requests for flexible working.
This role is to be based at the following site; Culham, Oxfordshire .
This role requires employees to complete an online Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) , including The Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks for criminal convictions and possibly a search of open source data.
The Role
The Head of People & Culture - Shared Services is a key member of the People & Culture Strategic Leadership Team. You will lead and manage multiple HR service areas, ensuring best practice, compliance, and operational efficiency. Your leadership will be integral to ensuring smooth HR service delivery, data-driven decision-making, and continuous process improvement across the organisation.
You'll also lead efforts to modernise HR systems, streamline processes , and create an agile, data-driven HR function that supports a rapidly evolving organisation.
Key Responsibilities
- Oversee and ensure effective delivery of HR operations, payroll, talent attraction, workforce planning, and HR technology .
- Lead strategic transformation to enhance recruitment, retention, talent management, and succession planning .
- Drive the modernisation of HR systems , embedding automation and digital solutions.
- Ensure compliance with employment law, governance, and regulatory frameworks .
- Develop and execute a workforce planning strategy , aligning talent needs with long-term organisational goals.
- Build and maintain strategic relationships with internal and external stakeholders , including government bodies, academic institutions, and industry partners.
- Manage HR budgets, KPIs, and risk management strategies .
- Lead and mentor senior HR leaders , fostering a high-performance culture.
Qualifications
- MCIPD-qualified with extensive senior HR leadership experience.
- Expertise in employee relations, change management, TUPE, and workforce planning .
- Strong knowledge of HR best practices, employment law, and equality & diversity policies .
- Proven experience in HRIS implementation, process automation, and operational efficiencies .
- A strategic thinker with strong influencing and stakeholder management skills.
- Commercially astute, with experience in budget management and contract negotiation .
Additional Information
A full list of our benefits can be found here .
We welcome talented people from all backgrounds who want to help us achieve our mission. We encourage applications from under-represented groups, particularly from women in STEM, people from Black British Caribbean and African, Pakistani and Bangladeshi British, and other ethnic minority backgrounds, people with disabilities, and neurotypical individuals. Our Executive team, supported by our 'Head of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion' (EDI) and Wellbeing and our EDI Networks actively promote Inclusion and takes steps to increase diversity within our organisation. We reinforce best practices in recruitment and selection and evaluate approaches to remove barriers to success.
Please note that vacancies are generally advertised for 4 weeks but may close earlier if we receive a large number of applications.
For applicants applying from outside the United Kingdom or those who have spent time outside the UK in the last five years, please visit the following link for information on criminal records checks: If your country of residence or previous residence is not listed on the website or if the UK Government does not have information on obtaining a criminal records check from that state, we regret to inform you that we cannot process your application.
