Operations Director

Job content

Company Background

The world needs a clean and reliable source of base-load energy. That’s what we’re striving to achieve at Tokamak Energy. Our route to fusion power is unique. We are taking established science and building on it by pioneering the use of spherical tokamaks in conjunction with high temperature superconductors (HTS).

Fusion – the energy source that powers the sun – is globally accepted as the best way to generate plentiful, safe, secure and clean energy. The tokamak is the most heavily researched and best understood of all the different paths to fusion.

It is now acknowledged that the spherical tokamak design offers the smallest and most cost-effective solution. This is our solution. Yet there are many complex engineering challenges that need to be overcome for demonstration and commercialisation of this technology. Our team of world-class fusion scientists and magnet engineers are tackling these challenges to develop efficient and affordable fusion power. Our unique approach is centred on rapid innovation using the latest materials and technology – but building on decades of scientific research and experience. This strategy gives us – and the world – a faster way to fusion.

Once fusion electricity is achieved, our scalable technology could be rolled out across the world as a solution to one of humanity’s greatest challenges: clean and sustainable energy for all.

Overview of the role

This new role will lead the operations functions across Tokamak Energy ensuring that the appropriate resources, infrastructure, facilities, and processes are in pace to enable the business to meet its long-term growth plans and overall objectives. Specific areas that will fall within in the remit of the Director of Operations include Environment Health & Safety (EHS), Quality, IT & IT Security, Site & Facilities, prototype manufacturing and assembly, and Regulation & Compliance.

Main duties/role and responsibilities

• Develop and deliver the overall operations strategy and plan to enable delivery of overall business objectives
• As a key member of the Executive Team provide operational input into the overall business strategy and direction
• Identify and implement priority activities and programmes to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of business operations
• To work closely with the Finance, HR, Commercial, Programme and Technical teams to ensure that the appropriate infrastructure and resources are available to deliver on the identified activities and programmes
• Provide direction for and work with the EHS, Quality, Manufacturing and Assembly, Facilities and IT team leads to ensure that the functional plans align with the overall business objectives and strategy
• Develop and implement with the functional heads the appropriate procedures and policies and ensure that these are rolled out and communicated to broader teams in a clear and effective manner
• Help to implement the companies approach to Risk and Risk Management, working across the business to ensure that risks and opportunities are addressed in line with the company’s risk management process
• Ensure that appropriate site and facilities are available in a timely manner to enable deliver of the businesses current and future programmes
• On-going management of physical and cyber security threats to the business ensuring we have a robust framework to protect core assets
• Work with the appropriate regulatory and licensing bodies to ensure that the company is compliant with all current and future regulation
• Coach and mentor direct reports and others across the organisation
  
  

Hazard-specific / Safety-critical duties

This job includes the following hazards or safety-critical activities which will require successful pre-employment health screening through our occupational health service before the successful candidate will be allowed to start work:

• Driving on Company business
• Travel outside of Europe or North America on company business
  
  

Experience Required

Requirements

• The ability to provide vision, leadership and direction, converting the strategic vision into implementation delivery plans.
• Strong programme management skills and an ability to lead and deliver cross functional programmes to time and budget
• A high-level understanding of business best practises, policy and procedures to ensure compliance while ensure business needs are met and activities provide value for money.
• A high-level appreciation of risk and risk management processes
• An ability to work in a fast moving and sometimes uncertain environment
• Ability to effectively communicate at both a strategic and tactical level across all parts of the organisation
• Educated to degree level with extensive operations management experience in a technical, engineering or manufacturing environment
  
  

Benefits

• 25 days holiday (plus bank holidays)
• Company pension scheme
• Eligible for company share option scheme after 1 years’ service
• Company bonus scheme, discretionary, dependant on performance
• Private medical insurance after 3 months service
• Cycle to work scheme
  
  

Important information for candidates

Pre-employment screening

Please note that the appointment of the successful candidate will be subject to standard pre-employment screening, as applicable to the post. This will include right-to-work, proof of identity and references.

Data privacy

Please note that any personal data submitted to Tokamak Energy as part of the job application process will be processed in accordance with the GDPR and related UK data protection legislation, for more information regarding GDPR please see: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guide-to-the-general-data-protection-regulation

Equality of opportunity

Entry into employment with the Tokamak Energy and progression within employment will be determined only by personal merit and the application of criteria which are related to the duties of each post and the relevant salary structure. In all cases, ability to perform the job will be the primary consideration. No applicant or member of staff shall be discriminated against because of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.