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Programme Manager
Cambridge UK
Part-Time (20 hours per week minimum) or Full-Time
Competitive Salary
Report to Head of Regulatory Engagement and Programme

About Us

Cambridge Atomworks is developing the ODIN nuclear micro-reactor and is situated at the heart of the Cambridge innovation ecosystem. We are building a high-calibre, collaborative team of experts in nuclear engineering, materials science, thermal hydraulics, and electricity generation. As we take the company forward, Cambridge Atomworks will require innovative engineering and manufacturing approaches across these fields to establish itself in emerging energy markets.   

Role Overview

The Programme Manager will lead the planning, coordination, and delivery of complex, multiyear programmes that advance the company’s mission. 

This role will ensure that all key operational workstreams across engineering design, physics, thermal hydraulics, materials, regulatory and business development are clear on deliverables and contribute to the realisation of the company’s strategy. 

Key Responsibilities

  • Own programme planning, execution, and governance across the company 

  • Communicate clear milestones, dependencies, and required activities 

  • Identify, assess, and manage programme risks and critical path activities 

  • Manage programme budgets, monitor expenditure, and report on financial performance 

  • Drive alignment across teams making sure all activities are integrated and progressing against timing plans 

  • Act as the primary point of contact for external partners, suppliers, and collaborators, coordinating and overseeing contracted work to ensure quality, timeliness, and alignment with programme objectives 

  • Lead the preparation, submission, and management of bids, grant applications, and funding proposals, including budget development and consortium coordination 

  • Establish clear reporting of progress to maintain company awareness of programme status 

  • Facilitate update meetings across teams on a regular basis 

  • Update and refresh programme plan periodically in order to ensure adherence to overall strategic goals 

  • Advocate cross functional collaboration and help support teams’ understanding of cross company dependencies 

Preferred Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in engineering, science, business, project/programme management, business administration, or a related field. Knowledge of nuclear engineering or energy systems an advantage. 

Essential Experience 

  • 5+ years' experience in programme management roles 

  • Proven experience delivering complex programmes  

  • Understanding of programme management methodologies 

  • Experience managing budgets, schedules, risks, and multi-disciplinary teams 

  • Excellent communication, and interpersonal skills 

  • Ability to simplify complexity and produce clear information  

  • Good analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities 

Preferred Experience

  • Master’s degree in engineering, business, or a related field 

  • Formal programme or project management certification (e.g., PRINCE2 Practitioner, MSP, PMP) 

  • Experience in highly regulated sectors (e.g., nuclear, aerospace, defence, energy, infrastructure) 

  • Knowledge of nuclear engineering, reactor development, or advanced energy technologies 

  • Experience coordinating external partners, suppliers, or consortium-based projects 

  • Proven track record in leading or contributing to successful bids and grant applications 

  • Familiarity with government grant funding processes and reporting requirements 

Role Characteristics

  • Comfort with ambiguity and able to bring structure to complexity 

  • Ability to operate at a detailed operational level without getting overwhelmed 

  • Commitment to quality and ethical standards 

  • Positive outlook, with a pragmatic, hands-on approach 

  • Resilient, adaptable, and able to thrive in a dynamic start-up environment 

  • Ability to influence and motivate diverse teams 

  • Open, honest, constructive and encouraging approach to cross-team relationships  

What We Offer

  • Opportunity to work with a dynamic nuclear reactor development team 

  • Direct mentorship and technical growth opportunities 

  • Flexible work environment and collaborative culture 

  • Access to state-of-the-art facilities and world-leading partners 

  • Competitive salary 

  • Be part of an ambitious and rapidly growing organisation which is operating in a strategic position to influence this sector 

Please submit your CV and covering letter to recruitment@cambridgeatomworks.com by the deadline of noon on 30 March 2026. 

Online interviews are anticipated to be held on the week commencing 13 April. Successful applicants will be invited to an in-person interview held at our offices in Cambridge on the week commencing 4 May.