Head of Programme - VK in Derby

Our mission is to deliver clean, affordable energy for all. Our Small Modular Reactor (SMR) provides a British solution to a global energy challenge, and we are uniquely positioned to become a global leader in low-carbon nuclear energy, delivering a technology that will power generations to come.

Our Customer Projects team sits at the centre of some of the most significant energy infrastructure programmes in Europe. Working across design, licensing, procurement and construction planning, the team enables successful project delivery while shaping the future deployment of Rolls-Royce SMR technology internationally.

In this context, we are looking for a Head of Programme (Customer Projects) to support our Project Directors in delivering major international customer programmes. Reporting to the Project Director and leading integrated, matrixed delivery teams, this is a pivotal role that will help establish and deliver multi-billion-pound nuclear infrastructure projects from development through to Final Investment Decision.

We'll need you to:

• Lead integrated programmes across design, licensing, procurement, construction planning and early site works activities.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary teams across engineering, operations, supply chain, safety, regulatory and customer organisations to maintain delivery momentum and critical path.
• Drive programme governance, risk management, dependency management, reporting and performance against schedule, cost and quality targets.
• Build trusted operational relationships with customers, suppliers and international stakeholders to ensure successful programme execution and readiness for Final Investment Decision.

As you can see, this is a high-profile leadership opportunity where you'll bring commercial acumen, delivery focus and the ability to unite diverse teams behind a common objective in a fast-moving international environment.

We're looking for:

• A degree in a STEM discipline (or equivalent experience) and chartered status with a recognised professional body such as APM, or equivalent demonstrable expertise.
• Experience delivering complex major infrastructure, energy or nuclear programmes, particularly during development, design, licensing or pre-construction phases.
• Strong commercial awareness, including contract delivery, change management, programme governance and NEC contracting experience.

This role can be based at any Rolls-Royce SMR location. We offer hybrid working, however reasonably frequent international travel will be required, particularly to support customer projects in the Czech Republic and Sweden, with travel expected for up to one week per month.

The salary for this role will be competitive and dependent on the experience, skills and knowledge you bring. Alongside a performance-related bonus, pension and flexible benefits package, you'll have the opportunity to play a leading role in delivering one of Europe's most ambitious clean energy programmes. You'll join a collaborative, innovative organisation committed to professional development, inclusion and long-term career growth.

We anticipate a great deal of interest in these roles and you may be asked to provide further examples and evidence of your experience and skills to enable us to refine a shortlist. We anticipate that we shall conduct first round interviews in the third week of August.

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.

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