Head of Factory

Rolls-Royce SMR Limited; East Midlands; Hybrid; GBP 86,000 - 112,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary between £85,600 and £103,000

25% performance related bonus

£10,500 benefits allowance

Pension – 12% employer, 6% employee

Holidays – 28 days + public holidays

Private Medical Insurance – BUPA

Life Assurance – 6× pensionable pay

£250 one-off home office setup payment

Job summary

Rolls-Royce SMR Limited is seeking a Head of Factory to lead the establishment of our factory strategy and operating model, enabling scalable production of our ground-breaking products in the UK.

The role, based in Derby, Manchester or Warrington with hybrid work, oversees factory design, methods, processes and operations, and direct leadership of three senior functional leaders to deliver readiness and sustainable performance.

Qualifications

Responsibilities

• Leading factory design, methods, processes and operations to ensure manufacturing capability aligns with business requirements.
• Direct leadership of three senior functional leaders covering Factory Technology, Factory Build and Factory Operations.
• Designing and embedding governance, delivery framework and operational readiness processes to transition factories from concept to BAU.
• Establishing the factory organisation and workforce capability to support production ramp up and long-term performance.

Job description

Rolls Royce SMR is on a mission to deliver clean, affordable energy for all. As the leading Small Modular Reactor programme in Europe, we’re building a British solution to a global energy challenge and shaping one of the country’s most significant green export opportunities.

The appointment of a Head of Factory is a pivotal point in our growth and development - accountable for investments potentially valued in the hundreds of millions of pounds spanning facilities, equipment, infrastructure and operational capability, the Head of Factory will lead the establishment of our factory strategy and operating model, and deliver the organisational capability and industrial infrastructure required to support the manufacture of our ground-breaking products ... at scale!

This will include: Leading factory design, methods, processes and operations, ensuring that manufacturing capability develops in line with business requirements initially in the UK, and subsequently in the Czech Republic Direct leadership of three senior functional leaders covering Factory Technology, Factory Build and Factory Operations with significant expected team growth during factory delivery and operation phases. Designing and embedding the governance, delivery framework and operational readiness processes required to transition factories from concept through construction, commissioning and into BAU Establishing the factory organisation and workforce capability to support production ramp up and long term sustainable operational performance

We seek an influential and resilient leader who must have experience delivering new factories, manufacturing facilities or major production capability transformations and we will need your application to showcase your experience and knowledge in the following areas: Development of factory operating models, manufacturing strategies and operational readiness frameworks, including production ramp-up and industrialisation activities Leadership of multidisciplinary teams and complex stakeholder environments, including the ability to influence senior leaders Experience in manufacturing, factory operations, industrialisation, facilities development and operational leadership within complex/matrixed, highly regulated or safety-critical organisations.

The above is but a summary, a full role profile is available from Alex Jordan (I am easy to find on LinkedIn) and the closing date for applications is 27-September-2026.

Location & Ways of Working

This role can be based from our Derby, Manchester or Warrington office. Hybrid working is standard, with regular supplier travel required. Some international travel may also be required depending on supplier activity.

In return we offer

• A salary between £85,600 and £103,000 depending on experience
• 25% performance related bonus and a longer term incentive scheme
• A benefits allowance of £10,500 to build a personalised package
• Pension – 12% employer, 6% employee
• Holidays – 28 days + public holidays (option to buy/sell up to 4 days)
• Private Medical Insurance – BUPA
• Life Assurance – 6× pensionable pay
• £250 one-off home office setup payment

Pay Range: £85,600.00 - £112,350.00

Why Join Us?

You’ll be joining a forward-thinking organisation that values transparency, fairness, and innovation.

• 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

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.

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 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.

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