Head of Project Controls - VKAB 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. We are in pole position to become a world leader in SMRs and the UK's premier green export technology.

The Project Management Office plays a pivotal role in translating ambition into delivery. Working across complex programmes, the team drives consistency, insight, governance and innovation, enabling confident decision-making and helping ensure our regional programmes are delivered safely, effectively and at pace.

In this context, we are looking for a Head of Project Controls - VKAB to support our Head of Integrated Programme Controls. Leading a regional Project Controls capability spanning planning, cost, risk, change and performance reporting, this is a high-impact leadership role that will strengthen delivery confidence across some of the UK's most strategically important programmes.

We'll need you to:

• Lead regional Project Controls teams, embedding robust governance, reporting and performance management across programmes
• Drive integrated baseline management across cost, schedule, risk and change, providing clear delivery insight and forecasting
• Partner with programme leaders to identify risks, shape recovery strategies and support confident decision-making
• Build capability, mobilise resources and deploy enterprise Project Controls standards consistently across regional programmes

As you can see, this is a pivotal leadership position where you'll bring strategic thinking, delivery focus and outstanding stakeholder influence, alongside:

• A degree qualification in a relevant discipline, or equivalent demonstrable experience within Project Controls, programme management, engineering or major project delivery
• Professional accreditation such as APM, AACE, RICS, CIOB or similar, or a commitment towards achieving professional recognition
• Deep expertise across Project Controls disciplines including planning, cost management, risk, change control and performance reporting

We'll ask about your experience building high-performing teams and delivering Project Controls within complex, regulated or major infrastructure environments.

We offer flexible and hybrid working, with regular attendance at a Rolls-Royce SMR location required. Travel across regional programme locations will be expected as part of the role.

The salary for this role will be discussed during the recruitment process. In addition to a competitive reward package, we offer bonus opportunities, 28 days' holiday plus public holidays, pension provision, flexible working and the opportunity to help shape one of the UK's most exciting clean energy programmes.

At Rolls-Royce SMR, we value diversity and inclusivity and encourage applications from individuals with a broad range of backgrounds and experiences. If you feel you meet around 75% of the requirements, we'd still love to hear from you.

Why Join Us?

• You’ll be joining a forward-thinking organisation that values transparency, fairness, and innovation.
• 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