Group Director of Estates

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. 

We are seeking an experienced and commercially astute Director of Estates to lead the strategic development and management of a diverse property portfolio. With a strong background in estates and development management and relevant professional accreditation (e.g. RICS), you will bring proven leadership, strategic vision, and excellent negotiation skills. You will play a key role in delivering high-quality estate services, building effective stakeholder relationships, and ensuring safe, efficient environments that deliver strong value for public investment.

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Core responsibilities

• Lead development and delivery of UKAEA’s estates strategy, aligned to funded plans and sustainability objectives.
• Manage and optimise the commercial property portfolio, maximising value and revenue.
• Lead development of key sites, including Culham and West Burton campuses, and support major capital programmes.
• Oversee all property, leasing, and tenant management, including attracting new occupiers and marketing assets.
• Build and lead an integrated estates and facilities function, including team integration and performance.
• Manage strategic relationships with tenants, contractors, advisors, partners, JVs, and subsidiaries (including UKIFS).
• Oversee contractors and outsourced services across property, planning, and facilities management.
• Support UKAEA’s role in the Harwell Campus Joint Venture and delivery of services to UKIFS.
• Develop and implement service delivery models, balancing in-house and outsourced provision.
• Ensure full regulatory compliance and alignment with government estates standards.
• Drive efficiency, innovation, and cost optimisation across the estate.
• Promote Culham as a leading international hub for science, technology, and business.

• Extensive experience in property and development management.
• Professionally accredited (e.g. RICS or equivalent).
• Strong commercial acumen with excellent negotiation skills.
• Proven leadership and strategic direction-setting capability.
• Track record of stakeholder engagement, team leadership, and service delivery.
• Sound judgement in balancing safe, effective environments with value for public money.

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

• Up to £106,000 base salary 
• 15% corporate performance bonus
• 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.