Senior Manager - Reactor Build

Rolls-Royce plc; United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 71,000 - 93,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

17% bonus scheme

Pension 12% employer, 6% employee

Private Medical Insurance

Job summary

Rolls-Royce SMR is seeking a Senior Manager, Reactor Build to lead and mature the operational capability for Reactor Build across programmes. You will shape the operating model, processes, and standards, while building a specialist team to execute complex industrial activities safely and repeatedly.

The role involves developing methods, governance and workforce capability, with hybrid working from UK offices and regular supplier travel.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in manufacturing, assembly, construction, commissioning, operational delivery, industrialisation or major programme execution environments.
• Demonstrable track record of leading operational teams in regulated and safety-critical environments.
• Development of operational methods, procedures, tooling strategies, technical standards and execution plans for complex industrial activities.
• Experience establishing or scaling new operational capabilities and delivery organisations, incl. governance and standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead and grow a specialist Reactor Build organisation to support First-of-a-Kind delivery and fleet deployment.
• Develop operating models, methods, processes, standards and competencies for Reactor Build across RR SMR programmes.
• Translate product designs and delivery strategies into executable, scalable, safe operational solutions.
• Establish workforce capability, governance and technical standards for Reactor Build activities.

Job description

Senior Manager, Reactor Build

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 time has come to recruit a Senior Manager, Reactor Build who will be accountable for developing, implementing and continuously improving the operational capability required to deliver Reactor Build activities across all RR SMR programmes. Working closely with the Plant Delivery Mobilisation team, the role is responsible for all "Do" aspects of Reactor Build, establishing how reactor systems will be assembled, installed, tested and handed over safely, efficiently and repeatedly. This will include: Developing the operating model, methods, processes, standards, competencies and organisational capability required to deliver Reactor Build Translating product designs and delivery strategies into executable operational solutions that can be deployed safely and at scale across future projects. Establishing the methods engineering, process development, operational standards and workforce capability needed to execute Reactor Build activities Leading the creation and growth of a specialist Reactor Build organisation capable of supporting First-of-a-Kind delivery and subsequent fleet deployment activities

Required Experience & Skills

We seek an influential and resilient leader who will have had exposure in regulated or safety‑critical environments (as you would expect nuclear "know-how" will be of great interest to us, whilst those from defence, aerospace and energy sectors may all have transferable capability).

• Significant experience in manufacturing, assembly, construction, commissioning, operational delivery, industrialisation or major programme execution environments
• Demonstrable track record of leading operational teams in regulated and safety-critical environments.
• Development operational methods, procedures, tooling strategies, technical standards and execution plans for complex industrial or engineering activities
• Establishing or scaling new operational capabilities, functions or delivery organisations, including development of people, processes, governance and technical standards

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 20‑Sept‑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 £71,000 and £93,200 depending on experience
• 17% performance related bonus and a longer term incentive scheme
• A benefits allowance of £5,000 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

£71,000.00 - £93,187.50

Why Join Us?

You’ll join a forward-thinking, inclusive and innovative organisation offering: A flexible and supportive working environment Opportunities for career progression and professional development 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.

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

About Rolls‑Royce SMR

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.

Our Benefits & Rewards

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.

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.