At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead complex engineering projects and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams.
- Company: Join Rolls-Royce SMR, a pioneer in clean energy and nuclear power.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, generous holiday, and bonus opportunities.
- Other info: Inclusive culture with excellent career growth and development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of low-carbon energy.
- Qualifications: Project management expertise and experience in complex engineering environments.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 78750 £ per year.
Location: Manchester/Warrington or Derby (hybrid working available). Travel within the EU may be required.
About Rolls‑Royce SMR
Rolls‑Royce SMR is pioneering the future of clean energy with affordable, low‑carbon nuclear power through small modular reactors (SMRs). We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and supported to do their best work.
Our Team & Mission
You’ll join our Programme Management function, supporting the Temelin Plant Design programme. This highly collaborative environment brings together engineering, procurement, regulatory and programme teams to deliver complex, high‑impact projects.
The Role
You will lead the delivery of specific design work packages within the Temelin programme. Reporting to the Programme Manager, you’ll work closely with Engineering Managers and multidisciplinary teams to ensure projects are delivered safely, efficiently, and to the highest standards. This role combines hands‑on project leadership with stakeholder management across complex engineering and regulatory environments.
What We Need You To Do
- Deliver projects safely, on time and within budget
- Maintain robust project plans with support from Project Planners
- Forecast and manage project finances alongside Cost Engineers
- Lead cross‑functional collaboration with engineering and programme teams
- Identify and manage risks, implementing clear mitigation plans
- Provide clear reporting and escalate issues where needed
- Create a positive, high‑performing team environment
- Capture lessons learned and continuously improve ways of working
- Support engagement with external stakeholders where required
- Ensure compliance with project management governance
What You’ll Bring
- Project Management Expertise (High priority)
- Experience delivering complex, multi‑year engineering projects
- Strong capability across planning, scheduling, budgeting and risk management
- Confidence using tools such as Primavera P6, MS Project or similar
Technical & Industry Experience
- Understanding of engineering environments and project delivery lifecycle
- Experience working in regulated industries (e.g. nuclear, infrastructure, energy) is beneficial
Communication & Stakeholder Management
- Ability to influence at all levels and simplify complex topics
- Strong relationship‑building skills across internal and external stakeholders
Leadership Behaviours
- You create clarity, motivate teams, and take accountability
- You are adaptable, organised and solution‑focused
Experience & Qualifications
We’re open to different backgrounds and career paths. You might bring:
- A degree in Engineering or equivalent practical experience
- Project management certification (e.g. APM PMQ) or equivalent experience
- Proven delivery of complex programmes or projects
- Understanding of commercial, supply chain or procurement activities
- Experience managing stakeholders in complex environments
If you meet around 75% of the criteria, we’d still love to hear from you—there’s no such thing as a perfect candidate.
Why Join Us
Salary: £60,000 - £78,750
Benefits: £2,200 allowance; Bonus opportunity: 12.5%; Pension: Rolls‑Royce SMR pension 12%; Holiday: 28 days plus bank holidays; Life assurance: 6x pensionable salary; Income protection: 50% £250 new joiner payment
Flexible and part‑time working options available
What We Offer
Work is an activity, not a place. We offer a flexible working environment to help you achieve a true work‑life balance. Roles and career paths are designed to align with your talents.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds. We are a Disability Confident organisation and continually improve recruitment practices to ensure everyone can thrive.
Application Process & Inclusion
Due to safety regulations within the nuclear industry, applicants will be required to participate in additional screening, including BPSS clearance, DBS check and a basic financial probity check.
Senior Project Manager Plant Design employer: Rolls-Royce SMR Limited
At Rolls-Royce SMR, we are dedicated to pioneering clean energy solutions through small modular reactors, and we pride ourselves on fostering an inclusive and supportive work environment. Our Manchester/Warrington or Derby locations offer hybrid working options, competitive salaries, and a comprehensive benefits package, including generous holiday allowances and flexible working arrangements, ensuring that our employees can achieve a healthy work-life balance while contributing to impactful projects in the nuclear sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Project Manager Plant Design
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the industry, especially those at Rolls-Royce SMR. Attend events, join relevant groups on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their mission around clean energy and small modular reactors. Tailor your answers to show how your experience aligns with their goals—this will make you stand out as a candidate who truly gets it!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your project management skills! Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've delivered complex projects on time and within budget. Use metrics to back up your claims—numbers speak volumes in this field!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to engage with us directly. Good luck!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Project Manager Plant Design
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Senior Project Manager role. Highlight your project management expertise and any relevant engineering experience to catch our eye!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've successfully delivered complex projects and managed stakeholders in challenging environments.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:We want to see how you create clarity and motivate teams. Include examples of how you've led cross-functional collaboration and managed risks in previous projects to demonstrate your leadership behaviours.
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, make sure to apply through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to review your application and get you on the path to joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Rolls-Royce SMR Limited
✨Know Your Project Management Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your project management expertise, especially in areas like planning, scheduling, and risk management. Be ready to discuss specific examples of complex projects you've delivered, as this will show your hands-on experience and ability to lead.
✨Familiarise Yourself with the Industry
Since this role involves working in regulated environments like nuclear and energy, it’s crucial to understand the project delivery lifecycle in these sectors. Research recent developments in small modular reactors and be prepared to discuss how they relate to your experience.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Management Questions
Expect questions about how you manage relationships with various stakeholders. Think of examples where you’ve influenced decisions or simplified complex topics for different audiences. This will demonstrate your communication skills and ability to build rapport.
✨Show Your Leadership Style
Be ready to talk about your leadership behaviours. Think of instances where you created clarity, motivated teams, or took accountability for project outcomes. Highlighting your adaptability and solution-focused mindset will resonate well with the interviewers.
