At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of an Integrated Enterprise Schedule for clean nuclear energy projects.
- Company: Join Rolls-Royce SMR, a leader in innovative nuclear energy solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus opportunities, flexible working, and generous leave.
- Other info: Inclusive culture with opportunities for growth and continuous learning.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainable energy while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: Degree in project management or engineering; experience with scheduling tools.
The predicted salary is between 85600 - 118200 £ per year.
Location: Manchester, Warrington or Derby with hybrid working
Directorate: Project Management Office
Why this role matters
At Rolls-Royce SMR, we’re building a world-class capability to deliver clean, reliable nuclear energy at scale. To do this, we need strong, integrated planning that connects every part of our organisation. We need you to lead the development of our Integrated Enterprise Schedule (IES), ensuring alignment across complex programmes and enabling confident, data-driven decision-making at the highest levels.
What you’ll be doing
- Lead the development and management of the Integrated Enterprise Schedule, ensuring alignment across all projects and programmes
- Ensure all plans integrate into a single, enterprise-wide schedule with clear dependencies and milestones
- Own planning governance, standards, and the IES work breakdown structure across the organisation
- Provide high-quality scheduling insight to support governance, strategic workforce planning, and executive decision-making
- Validate schedule integrity, including critical paths, dependencies, and resource alignment
- Lead programme change coordination, assessing impacts and ensuring decisions are driven by robust data
- Collaborate with project managers and planners to maintain accurate, consistent schedule data
- Define and continuously improve planning systems, tools, and processes to ensure best practice
What you’ll bring
We recognise there’s no such thing as a perfect candidate — if you meet around 75% of the criteria, we’d still love to hear from you. We’re particularly interested in:
- Advanced expertise in scheduling tools such as Primavera P6 or MS Project
- Strong capability in critical path analysis and risk-adjusted scheduling
- Experience working across complex, matrix organisations with multiple stakeholders
- Ability to integrate planning with cost and risk frameworks to manage programme uncertainty
- Experience producing high-quality reporting for governance boards and senior stakeholders
- Strong collaboration skills, with the ability to influence and align cross-functional teams
- Experience managing and improving planning systems and tools
Qualifications & experience
We need you to have:
- Degree in project management, engineering, or a related discipline
- Professional certification in scheduling (e.g. PMI-SP, AACE PSP)
- Experience in scheduling within regulated or complex industries
What success looks like
In this role, success means:
- Delivering a fully integrated enterprise schedule across all programme phases
- Enabling clear visibility of programme timelines and risks for senior stakeholders
- Driving consistency, governance, and best practice in planning across the organisation
Working with us
You’ll operate in a highly collaborative, matrix environment, working closely with programme leaders, planners, and senior stakeholders across the business. This role offers flexibility in how and where you work, with a focus on outcomes and impact.
Reward & benefits
As part of Rolls-Royce SMR, you’ll benefit from:
- Salary between £85,600 - £118,200
- Bonus opportunity 20% short term and 15% long term incentives
- Flexible and hybrid working options
- Generous annual leave plus bank holidays
- Pension, life assurance, and income protection
- £8,500 Benefits allowance to tailor to your needs
- £250 new joiner payment
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 Planning and IES in Derby employer: Rolls-Royce SMR Limited
At Rolls-Royce SMR, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. With flexible hybrid working options and a strong focus on employee growth, we provide our team members with generous benefits, including a competitive salary, bonus opportunities, and a tailored benefits allowance. Join us in Manchester, Warrington, or Derby, where you can contribute to pioneering clean nuclear energy solutions while enjoying a supportive environment that values diversity and continuous learning.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Planning and IES in Derby
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry, especially those at Rolls-Royce SMR. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that a job description just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by knowing your stuff! Research the company’s projects and values. Show them you’re not just another candidate but someone who genuinely cares about their mission in clean energy.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get a friend to do mock interviews with you. Focus on articulating your experience with scheduling tools and how you’ve tackled complex projects in the past.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Rolls-Royce SMR.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Planning and IES in Derby
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight how your experience aligns with the role. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we’re looking for.
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t just list your qualifications; demonstrate how your skills in scheduling tools and project management have made a difference in your previous roles. We want to see real examples of your impact!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read through your achievements and experiences quickly.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows your enthusiasm for joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Rolls-Royce SMR Limited
✨Know Your Tools Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in scheduling tools like Primavera P6 or MS Project. Be ready to discuss how you've used these tools in past projects, especially in complex environments. This will show your technical expertise and readiness for the role.
✨Demonstrate Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led teams in developing integrated schedules. Highlight your experience in managing cross-functional teams and how you’ve influenced stakeholders to align on project goals. This will showcase your ability to lead effectively in a matrix organisation.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Mindset
Be prepared to discuss your approach to critical path analysis and risk-adjusted scheduling. Bring examples of how you've validated schedule integrity and made data-driven decisions. This will demonstrate your analytical skills and your capability to manage programme uncertainty.
✨Emphasise Continuous Improvement
Talk about your experience in improving planning systems and processes. Share specific instances where you’ve implemented best practices that enhanced scheduling accuracy or efficiency. This will reflect your commitment to continuous improvement, which is key for this role.
