Project Manager - Civil Systems

Location: Manchester, Warrington or Derby with Hybrid Working

Why we need you

We need you to help deliver one of the most exciting engineering programmes in the UK — the development of our next‑generation Small Modular Reactor (SMR). As a Project Manager within our Civils, Architectural and Plant Layout project management team, you’ll play a pivotal role in bringing together engineering, procurement, construction and regulatory activities to ensure the successful delivery of key elements of the CKoP systems and component design. Working closely with engineering design teams and colleagues across Procurement & Supply Chain, you’ll help us deliver on time, on budget and to the highest standards of quality and safety.

What you’ll be doing

You’ll be at the heart of our Generic Product Development Programme, taking responsibility for managing your own projects while supporting the Senior Project Manager. In this role, you’ll:

• Drive on‑time, on‑budget delivery across complex engineering work packages.
• Maintain accurate project plans, working with dedicated planners.
• Update and track financial forecasts alongside Cost Engineers.
• Build strong relationships across engineering, procurement, supply chain and programme teams.
• Monitor and report performance, escalating issues where needed.
• Create a positive, collaborative environment across all functions.
• Capture and embed lessons learned.
• Identify risks and implement proactive mitigations.
• Champion improvements in processes and ways of working.
• Support external stakeholder engagement when required.

What you need to bring

We’d love to hear from you if you meet around 75% of the below — we know great people don’t always tick every box.

• Project management expertise

• Experience delivering complex, multi‑year, multi‑million‑pound engineering projects.
• Strong planning, scheduling, budgeting, risk and change management skills.
• Familiarity with project management tools (training provided where needed) such as Primavera P6, MS Project, ARM, SAP, Excel, Power BI and Power Apps.

• Solid grasp of engineering principles relevant to large‑scale infrastructure or energy projects.
• Experience working within regulated industries advantageous.

• Ability to influence, collaborate and simplify complex topics for varied audiences.

• Awareness of the SMR or nuclear sector helpful, but not essential.

• Strong organisational skills and resilience.
• Ability to solve problems creatively.
• Comfortable managing multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications & background

• Engineering degree or significant experience managing engineering projects.
• Project Management certification (e.g., APM PMQ) or equivalent experience.
• Understanding of systems or product engineering design.
• Professional membership beneficial.
• Knowledge of UK nuclear regulation advantageous but not essential.
• Strong stakeholder management experience.

What you’ll get in return

• £48,000 – £63,000 salary
• £2,200 benefits allowance
• 12.5% bonus opportunity
• 6x pensionable life assurance
• 50% income protection
• 28 days holiday + bank holidays
• £250 new joiner payment
• Flexible and part‑time working options available

Working patterns

This role is offered on a 37.5‑hour week, with flexibility built in. We’re happy to discuss part‑time or adjusted working arrangements to support work–life balance.

Security checks

This role requires BPSS clearance. As part of our offer process, we’ll complete standard security and financial checks, including DBS. These are never pass/fail — individual circumstances are always considered. This role will also be subject to US Export Controls which may impact applicants from some nationalities.

If you’re driven by meaningful engineering challenges and want to help shape the future of low‑carbon nuclear energy, we’d love to hear from you.

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.

At Rolls-Royce SMR, our reward offering is focused on recognising you for your efforts and motivating you to succeed.