Head of Factory in Derby

Rolls Royce SMR is on a mission to deliver clean, affordable energy for all. As the leading Small Modular Reactor programme in Europe, we’re building a British solution to a global energy challenge and shaping one of the country’s most significant green export opportunities. The appointment of a Head of Factory is a pivotal point in our growth and development - accountable for investments potentially valued in the hundreds of millions of pounds spanning facilities, equipment, infrastructure and operational capability, the Head of Factory will lead the establishment of our factory strategy and operating model, and deliver the organisational capability and industrial infrastructure required to support the manufacture of our ground-breaking products ... at scale! This will include:

• Leading factory design, methods, processes and operations, ensuring that manufacturing capability develops in line with business requirementsinitially in the UK, and subsequently in the Czech Republic

• Direct leadership of three senior functional leaders covering Factory Technology, Factory Build and Factory Operations with significant expected team growth during factory delivery and operation phases.

• Designing and embedding the governance, delivery framework and operational readiness processes required to transition factories from concept through construction, commissioning and into BAU

• Establishing the factory organisation and workforce capability to support production ramp up and long term sustainable operational performance

We seek an influential and resilient leader who must have experience delivering new factories, manufacturing facilities or major production capability transformations and we will need your application to showcase your experience and knowledge in the following areas:

• Development of factory operating models, manufacturing strategies and operational readiness frameworks, including production ramp-up and industrialisation activities

• Leadership of multidisciplinary teams and complex stakeholder environments, including the ability to influence senior leaders

• Experience in manufacturing, factory operations, industrialisation, facilities development and operational leadership within complex/matrixed, highly regulated or safety-critical organisations.

The above is but a summary, a full role profile is available from Alex Jordan (I am easy to find on LinkedIn) and the closing date for applications is 27-September-2026

Location & Ways of Working

This role can be based from our Derby, Manchester or Warrington office. Hybrid working is standard, with regular supplier travel required. Some international travel may also be required depending on supplier activity. In return we offer:

• A salary between £85,600 and £103,000 depending on experience

• 25% performance related bonus and a longer term incentive scheme

• A benefits allowance of £10,500 to build a personalised package

• Pension – 12% employer, 6% employee

• Holidays – 28 days + public holidays (option to buy/sell up to 4 days)

• Private Medical Insurance – BUPA

• Life Assurance – 6× pensionable pay

• £250 one-off home office setup payment

You’ll join a forward thinking, inclusive and innovative organisation offering:

• A flexible and supportive working environment

• Opportunities for career progression and professional development

• A culture that values diversity, innovation and continuous learning




Pay Range:

£85,600.00

-

£112,350.00


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

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