Rolls - Royce SMR
Senior Manager - Major Reactor Island Equipment

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Role: Senior Manager – Major Reactor Island Equipment Locations: Hybrid working with one of the following locations as primary: Derby, Warrington, or Manchester The Business Our mission is to deliver clean, affordable energy for all. Our Small Modular Reactor (SMR) provides a British solution to a global energy challenge. We are in pole position to become a world leader in SMRs and the UK’s premier green export technology. The Team The Major Reactor Island Equipment team defines, owns and governs critical nuclear plant components that underpin safe and efficient SMR operation. The team provides technical authority, integrated cross-functional leadership and design assurance across the full lifecycle, from generic product definition through to site‑specific deployment. Role summary We are seeking a Senior Manager – Major Reactor Island Equipment, reporting to the Head of Major Equipment. Leading a team of 20+ engineers, this role holds the accountability for delivery of the engineering effort for the most critical products across the nuclear island. This role provides senior technical authority, governance and programme leadership to enable robust generic & site‑specific delivery across the SMR programme. Key responsibilities We’ll need you to: Own, govern and deliver engineering solutions for Major Reactor Island Equipment, including Reactor Vessel, Steam Generators, Pressuriser, and Control Rod Drive Mechanisms and other associated equipment. Support the Head of Major Equipment in setting strategic direction for the teams, identifying issues, aligning priorities and establishing a clear vision. Work closely with the Project Organisation and Engineering Managers to lead the prioritisation of engineering activities and resources across all project demands. Drive production and engineering readiness activities to support release of Long Lead Items across multiple customer sites. Implement and oversee engineering governance, chairing or supporting technical reviews, and securing approval at the appropriate project gates. Lead the delivery of the required engineering documentation, definition, and substantiation. Develop and maintain cost estimates, risk and opportunity registers, technical attributes, and performance metrics for Major Reactor Island Equipment. Engage internally and externally, at all levels and across functions, to drive the programme needs and support your teams in critical decision-making. Lead, develop, and mentor the Major Reactor Island Equipment engineers, whilst supporting the overall capability development of the teams. Support the delivery of multiple design/make and make-to-print supplier contracts throughout the product lifecycle, playing a key role in the Intelligent Customer strategy. Ensure full compliance with E3S obligations (environment, safety, security and safeguards) across all activities. This is a senior, influential leadership role requiring strong component engineering experience, governance expertise and the credibility to act as technical authority within a complex, regulated delivery environment. Skills, knowledge and experience Chartered Engineer (CEng) or equivalent, with a relevant engineering degree or demonstrable industry experience Strong understanding of Major Reactor Island Equipment design, manufacture and through-life management Proven experience in new product introduction and production readiness activities for Major Equipment manufacture Knowledge and experience of engaging with nuclear regulators and technical assurance bodies Strong experience of leading large engineering teams and indirect leadership across large multi-functional integrated project teams Location This role offers flexible and hybrid working arrangements. Regular attendance at a UK office will be expected, aligned to programme delivery needs, governance activities and stakeholder engagement. What’s in it for me? Salary and Package We anticipate paying £68,000 – £90,000 depending on skills and experience 17% Short Term Incentive Plan target opportunity Annual Benefits Allowance – £5,000 per annum Pension - 12% employer and 6% employee contributions 28 days holiday plus bank holidays and the ability to buy or sell annually Private Medical Insurance - BUPA single cover health care Life Assurance - 6x pensionable pay £250 - One-off payment for new starters for home office purchases Selection process & screening The selection process will include an initial conversation with Talent Acquisition, followed by two interview stages. Due to the nuclear environment, offers are subject to BPSS clearance, a DBS check and basic financial probity screening. Our commitments We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds. As a Disability Confident organisation, we are committed to inclusive, fair recruitment practices and will make reasonable workplace adjustments where required. Confidence can sometimes hold people back. There’s no such thing as a “perfect” candidate – if you meet around 75% of the requirements, we would love to hear from you. We also welcome applications from those bringing transferable skills or considering a sector move. 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. 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 #LI-SM1 #LI-Hybrid We are Rolls-Royce SMR A career with Rolls-Royce SMR offers a unique opportunity to contribute to an exciting organisation delivering a transformational mission. Rolls-Royce SMR is a radically different approach to proven nuclear technology. Each Rolls-Royce SMR power station will generate 470MW of low-carbon energy - equivalent to more than 150 onshore wind turbines and enough to power a million homes for over 60 years. With its Rolls-Royce SMRs will play a vital role in supporting renewable energy by helping to overcome intermittency and ensure a stable, sustainable energy future. We’re proud to be one of the few employers that can genuinely say we’re a strengths-based organisation. Our people are here because of what makes them exceptional - and our role is to help them make the most meaningful contribution of their careers, doing work they love. We offer opportunities that go beyond traditional career paths. At Rolls-Royce SMR you can develop your career by exploring roles and challenges that align with your unique talents. Our culture At Rolls-Royce SMR, we are committed to ensuring that our teams reflect the communities we serve and that everyone can be themselves at work. We know that diverse teams are more innovative and get better results, and that our people can thrive and be more successful in truly inclusive cultures. Join us and help shape our culture. Find out more about our inclusion pledge. Rolls-Royce SMR is a place where everyone can grow, so whatever background you bring with you, please apply if this is a role that would make you excited to come into work every day and help shape our culture. 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 can thrive. What we offer At Rolls-Royce SMR, our reward offering is focused on recognising you for your efforts and motivate you to continue achieving. Our rewards and benefits scheme are designed for employees to have complete control. By providing complete autonomy, you can focus on what’s important to you. Whether it’s investments, insurances or wellbeing, it’s in your hands. Work is an activity, not a place. We understand due to commitments and lifestyle; the world of work has evolved beyond the 9 - 5. Whether its varied hours or hybrid working, our flexible working arrangements make it possible for employees to achieve a true work life balance. Your career journey At Rolls-Royce SMR, we don’t just want you to contribute, we want you to grow. We have open dialogue with our employees to understand the ambitions for their career and set plans to achieve them. Whether it’s helping you obtain formal qualifications or pairing you with a mentor, Rolls-Royce SMR will provide you with a fulfilling career. Our Team | Rolls-Royce SMR Join our talent community We're always on the lookout for the best talent. If there isn't a role which is suitable for you now, you can Introduce Yourself.
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