Senior Manager - Chemistry

Our Mission: At Rolls-Royce SMR, we are pioneering next-generation nuclear power to deliver clean, reliable and affordable energy. Our mission is to enable a low‐carbon future through world‐class engineering, innovation and safety.

The Team: You will join the Materials & Chemistry function within Nuclear Engineering & E3S Analysis, supporting the full lifecycle of the SMR power station and working closely with systems, safety, manufacturing, supply chain and external regulators.

The Role: As Senior Manager – Chemistry, you will provide senior technical and programme leadership for all aspects of SMR power station chemistry, owning delivery, governance and regulatory substantiation while developing team capability and ensuring alignment to E3S objectives.

What We’ll Need You To Do:

• Lead the chemistry design and analysis programme across the SMR lifecycle
• Own chemistry inputs to the E3S case and regulatory submissions
• Provide technical assurance, governance and approval of outputs
• Lead and develop a multidisciplinary chemistry team
• Manage key suppliers and research partners
• Represent the business with regulators and industry bodies

What You’ll Bring:

• A degree‐level qualification in chemistry or a relevant discipline, with chartered status through an appropriate professional body or actively working towards it
• Significant experience leading and delivering complex technical or engineering programmes within the nuclear industry or a similarly highly regulated environment
• Deep expertise in pressurised water reactor chemistry, chemistry control regimes and degradation mechanisms across the power station lifecycle
• Strong understanding and application of Environmental, Safety, Security and Safeguards principles, including ALARP and Best Available Technique
• Proven people leadership experience with the ability to lead, coach and develop multidisciplinary technical teams
• Experience engaging with regulators, suppliers, research bodies and senior internal stakeholders, providing credible technical leadership
• Strong communication, collaboration and influencing skills within complex programme environments

Location: This role offers flexible and hybrid working arrangements. You will be expected to attend a UK office location as required to support collaboration, stakeholder engagement, and programme delivery.

What’s in It for You: We anticipate paying a salary of between £71,000.00 - £93,200.00 DOE plus:

• Bonus - Performance related target opportunity 12.5%
• Benefits Allowance – £2,200 per annum, enabling you to create a bespoke package
• Pension - 12% employer and 6% employee contributions.
• Holidays - 28 days holiday (+ public holidays) and the ability to buy or sell up to 4 days.
• Private Medical Insurance - BUPA single cover health care
• Life Assurance - 6x pensionable pay
• £250 - One-off payment for new starters for home office purchases

You’ll be joining a rapidly growing organisation at a critical stage of its development, offering excellent opportunities for learning, professional development, and long-term career progression within a purpose-driven and innovative environment.

Selection Process: The selection process will consist of staged interviews. Due to the nature of the role, successful candidates will be required to complete:

• Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) clearance
• Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check
• Basic financial probity checks

Inclusion & Diversity: We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds. Inclusivity is central to our culture, and we are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and supported. We are happy to discuss flexible working arrangements and will make reasonable workplace adjustments where required to support individuals in performing at their best.

Confidence can sometimes hold us back from applying, but there’s no such thing as a ‘perfect’ candidate. If you feel you meet around 75% of the requirements, we would love to hear from you. We also welcome applications from individuals considering a sector move, particularly those with transferable experience from other regulated or safety-critical industries.

Pay Range: £71,000.00-£93,187.50

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