Project Manager – Plant Design
Location: Manchester/Warrington or Derby (hybrid working available) This role may require some international travel to the EU.
About Rolls‑Royce SMR
At Rolls‑Royce SMR, we're pioneering the future of clean energy. Our mission is to deliver affordable, low‑carbon nuclear power through small modular reactors (SMRs), helping to transform how the world generates electricity. We believe diversity of thought drives innovation. That's why we're committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and supported to do their best work.
Our Team & Mission
You'll join our Programme Management function, working on the Temelin Plant Design programme, supporting the delivery of a next‑generation nuclear power station. This is a highly collaborative environment, bringing together engineering, procurement, regulatory and programme teams to deliver complex, high‑impact projects.
The Role
We need you to support the delivery of the Cooling Water Island design work package within the Temelin programme. Reporting to a Senior Project Manager or Programme Manager, you'll work closely with Engineering Managers and multidisciplinary teams to ensure projects are delivered safely, efficiently and to the highest standards.
What We Need You To Do
- Deliver your project scope safely, on time and within budget
- Maintain robust project plans with support from Project Planners
- Forecast and manage project finances alongside Cost Engineers
- Support resource planning and mobilisation activities across the work package
- Lead day‑to‑day collaboration with engineering and programme teams
- Identify and manage project risks, implementing effective mitigation plans
- Monitor project performance and escape issues where required
- Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders
- Capture lessons learned and drive continuous improvement activities
- Support engagement with customers, suppliers and regulatory stakeholders where required
- Ensure compliance with project management governance, processes and procedures
What You'll Bring
- Project Management Expertise (High Priority): Experience delivering complex engineering or infrastructure projects, typically within a multi-disciplinary environment
- Strong capability across planning, scheduling, budgeting, risk and change management
- Experience working with project controls, including schedule and cost management
- Confidence using tools such as Primavera P6, MS Project or similar project management systems
- Nuclear & Conventional Island Experience (Important for Success): Understanding of project delivery within highly regulated industries such as nuclear, defence, energy, infrastructure or similar sectors
- Awareness of nuclear safety culture and regulatory requirements
- Experience delivering or supporting Balance of Plant, Cooling Water Systems, Conventional Island, or other major engineering packages
- Experience working across multi-disciplinary engineering teams including mechanical, electrical and civil disciplines
- Understanding of how engineering, procurement, construction and regulatory activities interact within large-scale programmes
- We recognise that nuclear experience can come from a variety of routes. If your experience is transferable from another highly regulated industry, we'd still encourage you to apply.
- Technical & Regulatory Experience: Good understanding of engineering project lifecycles and delivery models
- Experience working in complex regulatory environments
- Exposure to licensing, consenting activities or interface management with regulatory bodies would be advantageous
- Communication & Stakeholder Management: Ability to build effective relationships across technical and non‑technical teams
- Confidence communicating project status, risks and issues to a variety of stakeholders
- Strong influencing and interpersonal skills
- Ability to simplify complex topics and communicate them clearly
- International Experience: Experience working with international teams would be beneficial
- Czech language skills or previous experience working in the Czech Republic would be advantageous but are not essential
Behaviours
- You take ownership and accountability for delivering results
- You are organised, proactive and solutions‑focused
- You work collaboratively and build positive relationships across teams
- You are adaptable and respond effectively to changing priorities
- You help create an inclusive environment where everyone can contribute and thrive
Experience & Qualifications
- We're open to different backgrounds and career paths. You might bring:
- A degree in Engineering or equivalent practical experience
- Project management certification (e.g. APM PMQ) or equivalent experience
- Proven experience delivering engineering, infrastructure or capital projects
- Understanding of commercial, procurement, supply chain or project controls activities
- Experience managing stakeholders within complex project environments
- Experience working within the nuclear sector would be beneficial but is not essential
- If you meet around 75% of the criteria, we'd still love to hear from you. There's no such thing as a perfect candidate.
Reward & Benefits
- Salary: £50,600.00 - £66,500.00
- Benefits allowance: £2,200
- Bonus opportunity: 12.5%
- Pension: Standard Rolls‑Royce SMR pension 12%
- Holiday: 28 days plus bank holidays
- Life assurance: 6x pensionable salary
- Income protection: 50% £250 new joiner payment
- Flexible and part‑time working options available
- Pay Range: - £
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.
Why Join Us (duplicate)
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.
Our Team | Rolls‑Royce SMR
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