At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the introduction of new parts in a cutting-edge nuclear energy environment.
- Company: Join Rolls-Royce SMR, a leader in clean energy solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, flexible working, and generous holiday allowance.
- Other info: Inclusive culture with opportunities for career growth in a rapidly scaling organisation.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of innovative energy technology and make a real difference.
- Qualifications: Extensive NPI experience and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 85000 - 113800 £ per year.
Our mission is to deliver clean, affordable energy for all. Rolls-Royce SMR provides a British solution to a global energy challenge, leading the way in Small Modular Reactor technology and shaping the UK’s premier green export opportunity. As we now scale our operations to deliver upon our contractual commitments, we aim to appoint a Head of New Part Introduction (NPI). The role will ensure that supply chain capability, industrialisation readiness, and supplier performance are fully aligned with engineering releases, customer programme requirements, commercial commitments, and long‑term business strategy.
The Head of NPI will provide enterprise leadership to deliver First‑of‑Fleet (FOAF) and ongoing NPI demand with strong governance, disciplined programme management, and high levels of operational, regulatory, and quality readiness and act as the primary integrator across functions, and suppliers, to ensure new parts are industrialised, qualified, and delivered on time to cost, quality, and performance targets. Managing a sizeable team, with up to nine direct reports, this will include:
- Defining and delivering the end‑to‑end NPI strategy across the global supply chain, and translating this into actionable supply chain capability and industrialisation plans.
- Developing and leading governance of all NPI activity across our global supply chain, creating and deploying standardised NPI frameworks (e.g., APQP, PPAP), integrated with risk management, reporting, and schedule control.
- Providing portfolio‑level oversight, prioritisation, and resourcing of NPI activity across multiple sites and customer programmes whilst ensuring alignment of NPI delivery with SIOP, Planning & Control, and broader business planning processes.
- Ensuring our supply chain meets all technical, regulatory, operational, and rate requirements to support NPI demand.
- Being a Senior Ambassador for RR SMR product development and delivery with customers, external bodies, and the RR SMR Board and Executives.
We seek an experienced NPI leader who, recognising that this role is the first of its kind in the nuclear sector, will embrace the challenge of creating a best-in-class team. Strategic, pragmatic, charismatic and disciplined, the Head of NPI must bring:
- Extensive NPI/NPD experience in a complex international business operating in a highly regulated sector.
- Large-scale project and programme management leadership, with evidence that their supply chain has successfully delivered on time and to plan.
- Fabulous management and influencing capabilities - across multi-disciplinary teams, senior executives, our supply chain and, of course, our customers.
This role can be based from our Derby, Manchester or Warrington offices, with hybrid working and regular engagement with stakeholders and suppliers.
The salary for this role is £85,000 – £113,800 dependent on the skills, experience and values you bring. You’ll also receive:
- Bonus: Up to 17% (performance related).
- Personal Benefits Allowance of £8,500.
- Pension: 12% employer / 6% employee.
- Holidays: 28 days + public holidays (option to buy/sell up to 5/4 days).
- Private Medical Insurance: BUPA.
- Life Assurance: 6× pensionable pay.
- Home Office Support: £250 one off payment for new starters.
We offer a flexible, inclusive and supportive working environment, with opportunities for career growth in a rapidly scaling organisation. We value 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.
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.
Head of New Part Introduction in Derby employer: Rolls-Royce SMR
As a Senior Layout and Assemblies Engineer at Rolls-Royce SMR, you will be part of a pioneering team dedicated to delivering clean, affordable energy solutions. With a strong focus on employee growth, we offer a competitive salary, performance-related bonuses, and a comprehensive benefits package, including private medical insurance and generous holiday allowances. Our hybrid working model supports work-life balance, while our commitment to inclusivity ensures a welcoming environment for all backgrounds.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of New Part Introduction in Derby
✨Join Engineering Meetups!
Get yourself along to local engineering meetups or tech conferences. These are great places to connect with like-minded folks and industry leaders who might just have a lead on that full-time Head of New Part Introduction role you’re after at Rolls-Royce SMR.
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✨Engage with Online Communities
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We think you need these skills to ace Head of New Part Introduction in Derby
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Head of New Part Introduction, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.
Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at Rolls-Royce SMR a clear picture of the value you can bring.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to Rolls-Royce SMR specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.
How to prepare for a job interview at Rolls-Royce SMR
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with Rolls-Royce SMR, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Relate Your Experience to the Role
In a full-time role, employers like Rolls-Royce SMR want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.
✨Know Your Tools and Software
Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.
