Programme Manager

Rolls-Royce SMR; East Midlands; Hybrid; GBP 71,000 - 93,000; Full time

Job summary

Rolls-Royce SMR is recruiting a Programme Manager to shape delivery across major, high-value programmes. You will lead a team of project management professionals, ensuring projects finish on time, within budget and to the required quality standards.

The role is hybrid with regular attendance at Rolls‑Royce SMR sites in Manchester, Derby or Warrington, and occasional travel for stakeholder activities. This is a pivotal opportunity to drive clean energy delivery.

Qualifications

• A degree, equivalent qualification, or demonstrable experience in engineering, science, construction, project management, product management, or a related discipline.
• Experience delivering complex programmes or projects within technical, regulated environments such as engineering, manufacturing, infrastructure, defence, energy.
• Strong programme controls knowledge, including planning, budgeting, risk management, reporting, governance and stakeholder management.
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly, influence at all levels, and lead diverse teams toward shared objectives.

Responsibilities

• Lead the management, coordination and integration of complex programmes and projects within a highly technical environment.
• Drive programme performance through effective planning, governance, reporting, risk management and change control.
• Manage programme budgets and delivery baselines, ensuring expenditure and milestones remain aligned to agreed plans.
• Build and lead high-performing project management teams while fostering strong collaboration across stakeholders, functions and suppliers.

Skills

Programme management

Leadership

Budgeting

Risk management

Stakeholder management

Communication

Education

Engineering degree or equivalent

Job description

Programme Manager

Location: Derby, Manchester or Warrington - Hybrid

Salary range: £71,000.00 - £93,200.00

Our mission is to deliver clean, affordable energy for all. Our Small Modular Reactor provides a British solution to a global energy challenge, placing Rolls‑Royce SMR at the forefront of delivering innovative nuclear technology and supporting the transition to a low-carbon future.

The Programme Management team plays a critical role in turning strategy into delivery. Working across complex, high-value programmes, the team provides leadership, governance and coordination to ensure projects are delivered safely, efficiently, and to the highest standards.

In this context, we are looking for a Programme Manager to support our Head of Programme / Deputy Project Director. Leading a team of project management professionals, this is a pivotal role responsible for driving the successful delivery of major programmes to agreed time, cost and quality objectives while shaping the future of clean energy delivery.

We'll need you to:

• Lead the management, coordination and integration of complex programmes and projects within a highly technical environment.
• Drive programme performance through effective planning, governance, reporting, risk management and change control.
• Manage programme budgets and delivery baselines, ensuring expenditure and milestones remain aligned to agreed plans.
• Build and lead high-performing project management teams while fostering strong collaboration across stakeholders, functions and suppliers.

This is a high-profile opportunity with significant organisational impact. You'll bring a collaborative leadership style, a structured approach to programme delivery, and the ability to build strong relationships while navigating complex challenges.

We're particularly interested in people who can demonstrate:

• A degree, equivalent qualification, or demonstrable experience in engineering, science, construction, project management, product management, or a related discipline.
• Experience delivering complex programmes or projects within technical, regulated, engineering, manufacturing, construction, infrastructure, defence, energy, or similarly complex environments.
• Strong programme controls knowledge, including planning, budgeting, risk management, reporting, governance and stakeholder management.
• The ability to communicate complex information clearly, influence at all levels, and lead diverse teams towards shared objectives.

Location

We offer hybrid working arrangements and expect regular attendance at one of our Rolls‑Royce SMR locations in either Manchester, Derby or Warrington. Occasional travel may be required to support project and stakeholder activities.

What's in it for you?

• A base salary between £71,000.00 - £93,200.00
• Cash benefits allowance of £5000
• Annual bonus opportunity of up to 17%
• 29 days' annual leave plus public holidays
• 6% employee to 12% employer pension contributions
• Private Medical Insurance - BUPA single cover
• Life Assurance - 6× pensionable pay
• Home Office Support - £250 one-off payment for new starters.
• The opportunity to grow your career in a rapidly expanding organisation that is shaping the future of clean energy

Pay Range:

£71,000.00

£93,187.50

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