Head of Operations

Overview

TE Magnetics, the high-temperature superconducting (HTS) division of Tokamak Energy, transforms cutting-edge HTS innovation into products that unlock new capabilities in energy, transport, and science.

We’re hiring a Head of (Division) Operations — a key divisional leadership role responsible for building and optimising our operational backbone. This person will establish and enhance the systems, infrastructure, and rhythms needed to support rapid growth and enable high performance across our core team (R&D, Systems, Product, Manufacturing, and Business Development).

The ideal candidate brings experience from fast-paced, hardware-driven environments and excels at scaling operations in evolving, often unprecedented contexts. They will lead divisional operations, interface with central functions (P3MO, Quality, EHS, Facilities, IT, Finance), and ensure shared services align with divisional priorities.

This is a rare opportunity to shape and scale the operational engine of a world-class HTS technology division — enabling our innovations to reach customers, partners, and markets.

Experience

• Operational Leadership in Hardware-Focused Environments – Demonstrated success in building or scaling operations in fast-paced, scale-up or industrial tech settings, particularly where R&D drives product development.
• Technology-to-Product Translation – Experience turning complex, evolving technologies into scalable operational systems that support high-quality product delivery.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration – Proven ability to work across technical, commercial, and operational teams to drive integrated delivery.
• Shared Services Engagement – Skilled in working effectively with central functions (e.g. PMO, Quality, Facilities, EHS) to align support with business unit needs.

Skills & Attributes

• Structured & Action-Oriented – Brings clarity, rhythm, and momentum to ambiguous or evolving environments.
• Stakeholder Influence – Highly effective communicator with the credibility to represent divisional priorities and influence outcomes across levels.
• Systems Thinking – Designs scalable, fit-for-purpose processes without unnecessary complexity.
• Analytical Mindset - Comfortable with KPIs, dashboards, and root-cause analysis to drive performance and improvement.
• Builder & Enabler - Motivated by creating the conditions for others to thrive — a natural operational multiplier.
• Integrator – Communicates to unite teams, influencing priorities, enhancing proactive culture.
• Technical Empathy – Deep appreciation for the needs of technical teams and the environments that help them succeed.

Responsibilities

Operational Leadership

• Design and implement the divisional operating model and cadence.
• Lead planning and performance cycles for visibility and agility.
• Oversee divisional infrastructure: labs, workshops, and shared resources.

Cross-Functional Enablement

• Interface across core TEM teams — R&D, Systems, Product, Manufacturing, and BD.
• Support transition from tech development to scalable product delivery.
• Resolve execution bottlenecks through structured processes.

Central Function Liaison

• Act as the operational interface for P3MO, Quality, EHS, Facilities, IT.
• Shape shared services to align with divisional pace and priorities.
• Coordinate ISO compliance, audits, and infrastructure improvements.

Operational Tools, Data & Risk

• Deploy systems and dashboards for performance tracking.
• Lead active risk management and incident resolution by delivery teams.
• Oversee test operations, supply chains, and programme readiness.

Commercial & Delivery Alignment

• Align operations with roadmaps, tech transfer, and BD plans.
• Support manufacturing scale-up and partner/customer readiness.
• Collaborate on budgeting, forecasting, and capital allocation.

• Salary dependent on skills and experience and will be discussed from the outset
• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
• Discretionary 3-day festive break depending on business needs
• Eligible for discretionary performance related bonus
• Share options scheme
• Pension scheme
• Financial benefits – including; group life insurance, critical illness, health cash plan and discount scheme 
• Innovation and Merit bonuses
• Investment in training and development to support career progression
• Opportunity to work on and contribute to world class innovation

Company background

Tokamak Energy is a leading global commercial fusion energy company based near Oxford. We are a world leader in two transformative technologies: the compact spherical tokamak and high temperature superconducting (HTS) magnets. One company, with licensable technology for commercialising clean, secure and affordable fusion energy and enabling new levels of performance in HTS applications that change the world in which we live today.

TE Magnetics, in collaboration with key manufacturing partners, is focussed on becoming the leading supplier of HTS technology to multiple markets. Born from a world class fusion energy mission, we are driven to opening new fields of performance.

We provide magnet systems for other fusion companies to accelerate commercial development, as well as to address exciting new applications for HTS, including renewable energy, medicine, science and propulsion in water, land, air and space.

Tokamak Energy, founded in 2009 as a spin-off from UK Atomic Energy Authority, currently employs a growing team of over 260 people with experts from the UK and around the world.  It combines world leading scientific, engineering, industrial and commercial capabilities.  The company has more than 75 families of patent applications and has raised $335 million, comprising $275m from private investors and $60m from the UK and U.S. governments.  Our U.S. subsidiary, Tokamak Energy Inc, was established in 2019

Come and be a part of a dynamic and innovative team who are striving to provide a solution to one of humanity’s greatest challenges: clean and sustainable fusion energy for all.

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.