Head of Programme - GBE-N in Warrington

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 – GBE‑N to support our Project Director in delivering major UK based 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.

Candidate Requirements

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.

Location & Working

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

Salary & Benefits

We anticipate paying a salary between £120,000 - £147,000 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.

Package includes:

• Bonus – Performance‑related STIP target opportunity up to 25% and LTIP target opportunity of 30%
• Benefits Allowance – £10,500 per annum
• Pension – 12% employer and 6% employee contributions
• Holidays – 28 days (+ public holidays) with the ability to buy or sell up to 5 days
• Private Medical Insurance – BUPA single cover
• Life Assurance – 6× pensionable pay
• Home Office Support – £250 one‑off payment for new starters.

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

Rolls‑Royce SMR offers a unique opportunity to contribute to an exciting organisation delivering a transformational mission. Rolls‑Royce SMR is a radically different approach to proven nuclear technology. Each Rolls‑Royce SMR power station will generate 470MW of low‑carbon energy - equivalent to more than 150 onshore wind turbines and enough to power a million homes for over 60 years. With its Rolls‑Royce SMRs will play a vital role in supporting renewable energy by helping to overcome intermittency and ensure a stable, sustainable energy future.

We’re proud to be one of the few employers that can genuinely say we’re a strengths‑based organisation. Our people are here because of what makes them exceptional - and our role is to help them make the most meaningful contribution of their careers, doing work they love. We offer opportunities that go beyond traditional career paths. At Rolls‑Royce SMR you can develop your career by exploring roles and challenges that align with your unique talents.

Culture

At Rolls‑Royce SMR, we are committed to ensuring that our teams reflect the communities we serve and that everyone can be themselves at work. We know that diverse teams are more innovative and get better results, and that our people can thrive and be more successful in truly inclusive cultures. Join us and help shape our culture.

Another 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.

What we offer

At Rolls‑Royce SMR, our reward offering is focused on recognising you for your efforts and motivate you to continue achieving. Our rewards and benefits scheme are designed for employees to have complete control. By providing complete autonomy, you can focus on what’s important to you. Whether it’s investments, insurances or wellbeing, it’s in your hands. We understand due to commitments and lifestyle; the world of work has evolved beyond the 9 - 5. Whether its varied hours or hybrid working, our flexible working arrangements make it possible for employees to achieve a true work life balance.

At Rolls‑Royce SMR, we don’t want you to contribute, we want you to grow. We have open dialogue with our employees to understand the ambitions for their career and set plans to achieve them. Whether it’s paying formal qualifications or pairing you in a mentor program, Rolls‑Royce SMR will provide you with a fulfilling career.

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