Communications Manager

Rolls-Royce SMR; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 79,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading energy technology firm is seeking a Communications Manager. This hybrid role, based in the UK, involves leading media relations and developing strategic communications to support business growth. The ideal candidate will possess strong media relations, stakeholder engagement skills, and a relevant degree. A competitive salary of £60,000 - £78,750 is offered along with an excellent benefits package, including bonuses, flexible working, and pension contributions.

Benefits

Performance related bonus up to 12.5%

Benefits Allowance of £2200

12% employer pension contributions

28 days holiday plus public holidays

Private Medical Insurance

Life Assurance of 6x pensionable pay

One-off £250 for home office purchases

Qualifications

• Strong experience in media relations and stakeholder engagement.
• Proven ability to craft impactful messaging.
• Experience in managing reputational issues.

Responsibilities

• Lead media relations and deliver compelling stories across various channels.
• Develop communications supporting business development.
• Work with senior leaders to amplify their external profiles.

Skills

Media relations

Stakeholder engagement

Strategic communications

Written communication

Verbal communication

Education

Degree in Communications, Journalism, PR or related discipline

Job description

Role: Communications Manager

Location: Hybrid, based from one of our offices in Derby, Manchester or Warrington

Salary: we anticipate paying a salary in the £60,000 - £78,750 range

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.

Our Corporate Affairs team plays a critical role in protecting and enhancing our reputation, promoting our mission, and amplifying the impact of our people, partners, and technology. Working at the heart of a fast‑growing organisation, the team drives communications that support business growth and global stakeholder engagement.

In this context, we’re looking for a Communications Manager to join our Corporate Affairs team and work closely with colleagues across the business. This is a pivotal role, shaping high‑impact communications, strengthening our external voice, and supporting the delivery of strategic objectives across supply chain development, business development and leadership visibility.

We’ll Need You To

• Lead media relations activity, delivering compelling stories across trade, technical and mainstream channels, while managing press office operations including out‑of‑hours response, monitoring, and evaluation.
• Develop and deliver communications that support UK and international supply chain growth and business development priorities.
• Support the protection and enhancement of our company reputation through proactive issues management, risk monitoring, and high‑quality content creation.
• Work directly with senior leaders to elevate their external profiles and amplify thought‑leadership opportunities. A full role description is available on request.

As you can see, this is a high‑profile, fast‑paced role at the centre of our growth journey, and you’ll bring a collaborative mindset, strategic focus and first‑class communication skills to our organisation.

You’ll Bring

• A degree (or equivalent) in Communications, Journalism, PR or a related discipline, or demonstrable professional experience.
• Strong experience in media relations, stakeholder engagement, and delivering strategic communications across diverse audiences.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a proven ability to craft impactful messaging.
• Experience supporting senior stakeholders and managing reputational issues in sensitive or high‑profile environments. We’ll ask you about your experience shaping media coverage, managing issues, and delivering strategic content.

This role can be based in Derby, Manchester, or Warrington, with hybrid working and regular weekly attendance expected. Some UK and international travel for events and engagement activities may be required.

What’s In It for you?

The salary band for this position will reflect the skills, experience and values you bring. We also offer a comprehensive benefits package including bonus opportunities, generous annual leave, an excellent pension scheme, flexible working arrangements and access to wellbeing support. You’ll join a forward‑thinking organisation committed to innovation, transparency, and continuous development.

We anticipate a salary of £60,000 - £78,750 dependent on the skills, values, and knowledge you bring.

We Also Offer Excellent Benefits Including

• Bonus - Performance related bonus of up to 12.5%
• Benefits Allowance - £2200, enabling you to create a bespoke package
• Pension - 12% employer and 6% employee contributions.
• Holidays - 28 days holiday (+ public holidays) and the ability to buy or sell up to 4 days
• Private Medical Insurance - BUPA single cover health care
• Life Assurance - 6x pensionable pay
• £250 - One-off payment for new starters for home office purchases

Why Join Us?

• 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