At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the establishment of factory strategy and operational capability for clean energy production.
- Company: Join Rolls Royce SMR, a leader in the Small Modular Reactor programme in Europe.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonuses, flexible working, and personalised benefits package.
- Other info: Inclusive culture with opportunities for career growth and professional development.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact on sustainable energy solutions and drive innovation in manufacturing.
- Qualifications: Experience in factory operations, leadership, and complex stakeholder environments required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 112350 £ per year.
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. 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.
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.
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. 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.
Head of Factory in Manchester employer: Rolls-Royce plc
Rolls-Royce plc in Derby is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where teamwork and innovation thrive. Employees benefit from comprehensive training and development opportunities, ensuring personal and professional growth while contributing to cutting-edge projects in the aerospace industry. With a strong commitment to employee well-being and a culture that values collaboration, Rolls-Royce provides a rewarding career path for those looking to make a meaningful impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Factory in Manchester
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
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We think you need these skills to ace Head of Factory in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to Rolls-Royce plc specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at Rolls-Royce plc
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Rolls-Royce plc, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like Rolls-Royce plc value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.
