At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead design and construction safety, ensuring compliance and innovative practices.
- Company: Pioneering organisation focused on sustainable nuclear energy solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus opportunities, generous holiday, and career development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on safety in a groundbreaking industry.
- Qualifications: Chartered or working towards IOSH membership with design safety experience.
- Other info: Flexible working environment with a commitment to inclusivity and diversity.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 78750 £ per year.
Location: Manchester, Warrington, Derby with Hybrid working available
Package: We anticipate paying a salary between £60,000 - £78,750 DoE plus benefits.
About Us
We are building something that matters: safe, sustainable, repeatable small modular nuclear reactors that help power a net‑zero future. Our work is purposeful, ambitious, and grounded in making a meaningful impact on the world.
The Team
You will join a forward‑thinking Health, Safety & Environment function that is shaping how safety is embedded into every aspect of design and engineering. Our team exists to influence, guide and innovate so we can deliver a world‑class SMR product safely and responsibly.
Role Summary
We need a Design & Construction Lead to help shape and implement our health and safety approach across the design and construction phases. Reporting into the Head of HSEQ, you will ensure safety is built into design from day one and support teams in meeting their legal and regulatory duties. This role will be key in ensuring the Regulators have detailed technical submissions.
Key Deliverables
- Partner with the ONR and engineering teams to deliver clear, compliant health and safety documentation that supports the Safety Case.
- Lead the deployment of our Design & Construction safety policies, providing expert guidance so engineering teams fully meet their CDM responsibilities.
- Create meaningful safety insight through written reports on LRA, HAZOP, FMEA and other key design safety processes.
- Drive a culture of safety excellence across all phases of design and future construction, applying innovative thinking and best practice.
- Author documents for Public view relating to our design.
- Create technical submissions to regulators such as ONR/ GDA and/or Customers.
Why This Role Matters
This is a highly visible, strategically important role, suited to someone who wants to influence how an entire organisation designs and builds safely.
Essential Skills & Experience
- Chartered or working toward Chartered IOSH membership, or equivalent experience.
- Strong understanding of UK health and safety legislation, CDM regulations and ALARP principles.
- Proven experience in design safety in complex, regulated environments (e.g., nuclear, energy, infrastructure).
- Ability to coach, influence and build strong relationships across engineering, regulators and senior leaders.
- Ideally exposure to presenting to Regulators or Regulatory Bodies.
Location & Ways of Working
This role is based flexibly, with hybrid working and occasional travel to design offices, partner sites and test facilities as required.
What's in It for You
A base salary between £60,000 - £78,750, £2,200 benefits allowance, 12.5% bonus opportunity, 28 days holiday plus bank holidays, life assurance, income protection and £250 new joiner payment — alongside meaningful career development in a pioneering industry.
Selection Process
You can expect a fair and supportive process, including an initial conversation with Talent Acquisition followed by competency‑based interviews with the HSEQ leadership team. BPSS clearance will be required as part of the offer process.
Inclusion Matters to Us
We are committed to building an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and supported. If you meet 75% of the criteria, we would love to hear from you. We are happy to discuss flexible working or adjustments at any stage of the process.
Why Join Us?
You will 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 will let you in on a secret: there is 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
Locations
Design and Construction Lead in Cheshire, Warrington employer: Rolls-Royce SMR
Contact Detail:
Rolls-Royce SMR Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Design and Construction Lead in Cheshire, Warrington
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their approach to health and safety in design and construction. This will help you showcase your knowledge and passion during the conversation.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with the role of Design & Construction Lead. Highlight your understanding of UK health and safety legislation and your ability to influence teams.
✨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 hearing from candidates who are genuinely excited about making a difference in the nuclear industry.
We think you need these skills to ace Design and Construction Lead in Cheshire, Warrington
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in design safety and health regulations. We want to see how your skills align with our mission of building safe and sustainable nuclear reactors.
Showcase Your Expertise: Don’t hold back on sharing your knowledge of UK health and safety legislation and CDM regulations. We’re looking for someone who can demonstrate their understanding and experience in complex, regulated environments.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to convey your ideas, especially when discussing technical submissions or safety documentation. We appreciate clarity!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity to shape safety in design and construction.
How to prepare for a job interview at Rolls-Royce SMR
✨Know Your Safety Legislation
Make sure you brush up on UK health and safety legislation, CDM regulations, and ALARP principles. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you understand the legal framework that underpins the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work in design safety within complex, regulated environments. Highlight how you've influenced safety practices and built relationships with engineering teams and regulators.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions about LRA, HAZOP, and FMEA processes. Be ready to explain how you've applied these in your previous roles and how they relate to the responsibilities of the Design & Construction Lead position.
✨Demonstrate Your Coaching Skills
Think of instances where you've coached or influenced others in safety practices. This role requires strong relationship-building skills, so be prepared to discuss how you've successfully guided teams in meeting their CDM responsibilities.