Rolls-Royce SMR
Senior Buyer - Reactor Vessels
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Our Mission
Our mission is to deliver clean, affordable energy for all. Rolls-Royce SMR provides a British solution to a global energy challenge, leading the way in Small Modular Reactor technology and shaping the UK’s premier green export opportunity.
About the Role
Our Procurement function plays a critical role in building the supply chain capability required to deliver our first-of-a-kind SMR and future global fleet. Within this, Siteworks & Operations procurement is key to enabling site readiness, infrastructure delivery and operational capability across our programme.
In this context, we’re looking for a Senior Buyer – Reactor vessels to lead sourcing and commercial activity in this specialist area. You’ll work closely with Programme, Construction, Engineering, Operations and Commercial teams to shape requirements, influence early decisions and ensure a robust, scalable and high-performing supply chain. Reporting into the Procurement Manager, you’ll play a key role in establishing strong supplier partnerships, driving value and supporting the delivery of a safe, efficient and predictable programme.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and implement sourcing and category strategies aligned to programme cost, schedule and quality requirements.
- Lead end-to-end procurement activity including pre-qualification, RFx processes, tender evaluation, negotiation and contract award.
- Build and manage a resilient and scalable supply base across siteworks, infrastructure, enabling works and operational services.
- Work collaboratively with cross-functional stakeholders to shape requirements and influence early-stage design and delivery decisions.
- Provide clear commercial insight, translating technical and market information into robust recommendations.
- Ensure governance, compliance and documentation standards are consistently applied across procurement activities.
- Manage supplier performance, identifying risks, opportunities and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Support the development of procurement processes, tools and ways of working as the function scales.
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Skills and Experience Required
- Proven experience in procurement operations, infrastructure or construction-related environments.
- Strong commercial acumen with hands-on experience delivering competitive tenders and negotiating supplier agreements.
- Experience working in complex, regulated or safety-critical industries such as energy, nuclear, infrastructure, aerospace or defence.
- Ability to work across technical and commercial interfaces, including cost, programme and supply chain considerations.
- MCIPS (or working towards) is desirable.
Location & Ways of Working
This role can be based from our Derby, Manchester or Warrington offices, with hybrid working and regular engagement with stakeholders and suppliers.
Compensation and Benefits
What’s In It for You?
- Salary: £44,600 – £55,150, dependent on the skills, experience and values you bring.
- Bonus: Up to 12.5% (performance related)
- Personal Benefits Allowance: £2,200
- Pension: 12% employer / 6% employee
- Holidays: 28 days + public holidays (option to buy/sell up to 5/4 days)
- Private Medical Insurance: BUPA
- Life Assurance: 6× pensionable pay
- Home Office Support: £250 one off payment for new starters
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Why Join Us?
- You’ll be joining a forward-thinking organisation that values transparency, fairness, and innovation.
- We offer:
- A flexible, inclusive, and supportive working environment.
- Opportunities for career growth in a rapidly scaling business.
- A culture that values diversity, innovation, and continuous learning.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds. Inclusivity is important to us, and as a Disability Confident organisation, we are committed to fair, supportive, and continually improving recruitment practices that ensure everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Confidence can sometimes hold us back from applying for a job. But we'll let you in on a secret: there's no such thing as a 'perfect' candidate. If you feel you meet 75% of the requirements for this role, we would love to hear from you.
Also, if you are considering a career move or a sector-jump, please get in touch – we welcome applications from people with transferable skills.
Our Application Process
Due to the safety regulations within the nuclear industry, applicants will be required to participate in additional screening. These are:
- Obtaining Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) clearance
- Satisfactory completion of a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check
- Satisfactory completion of a basic financial probity check
Pay Range
£42,000.00
£55,125.00
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