Senior Project Manager Plant Design (Nuclear) in Manchester

Location: Manchester/ Warrington or Derby (hybrid working available). This role may require some international travel to the EU.

About Rolls‑Royce SMR: At Rolls‑Royce SMR, we’re pioneering the future of clean energy. Our mission is to deliver affordable, low‑carbon nuclear power through small modular reactors (SMRs), helping to transform how the world generates electricity. We believe diversity of thought drives innovation. That’s why we’re committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and supported to do their best work.

Our Team & Mission: You’ll join our Programme Management function, working on the Temelin Plant Design programme—supporting the delivery of a next‑generation nuclear power station. This is a highly collaborative environment, bringing together engineering, procurement, regulatory and programme teams to deliver complex, high‑impact projects.

The Role: We need you to lead the delivery of specific design work packages within the Temelin programme. Reporting to the Programme Manager, you’ll work closely with Engineering Managers and multidisciplinary teams to ensure projects are delivered safely, efficiently, and to the highest standards.

What We Need You To Do: We need you to:

• Deliver projects safely, on time and within budget.
• Maintain robust project plans with support from Project Planners.
• Forecast and manage project finances alongside Cost Engineers.
• Lead cross‑functional collaboration with engineering and programme teams.
• Identify and manage risks, implementing clear mitigation plans.
• Provide clear reporting and escalate issues where needed.
• Create a positive, high‑performing team environment.
• Capture lessons learned and continuously improve ways of working.
• Support engagement with external stakeholders where required.
• Ensure compliance with project management governance.

What You’ll Bring:

• Project Management Expertise (High priority).
• Experience delivering complex, multi‑year engineering projects (often multi‑£M scale).
• Strong capability across planning, scheduling, budgeting, risk and change management.
• Confidence using tools such as Primavera P6, MS Project or similar.
• Nuclear & Conventional Island Experience (Critical for success).
• A strong understanding of nuclear industry principles, including working within highly regulated environments.
• Familiarity with nuclear safety culture, regulatory frameworks and design governance.
• Hands‑on experience delivering or supporting conventional island (Balance of Plant) programmes or equivalent large‑scale infrastructure/energy projects.
• Experience integrating multi‑disciplinary engineering scopes (e.g. mechanical, electrical, civil systems) within complex plant design programmes.
• Understanding of how engineering, procurement, construction and regulatory activities interface across major programmes.

We recognise that nuclear experience can come from a variety of routes—if your experience is transferable from adjacent highly regulated industries, we’d still encourage you to apply.

Technical & Regulatory Experience: Solid understanding of engineering project lifecycles and delivery models. Experience working in complex, regulated environments (e.g. nuclear, defence, infrastructure, energy). Exposure to licensing, consenting or working with regulatory bodies is highly beneficial.

Communication & Stakeholder Management: Ability to influence at all levels of the organisation. Confidence communicating complex technical topics clearly to diverse audiences. Strong relationship‑building skills with internal and external stakeholders.

Leadership Behaviours: You create clarity, motivate teams, and take accountability. You are organised, adaptable and solutions‑focused. You build inclusive environments where everyone can contribute and thrive.

Experience & Qualifications: We’re open to different backgrounds and career paths. You might bring:

• A degree in Engineering or equivalent practical experience.
• Project management certification (e.g. APM PMQ) or equivalent experience.
• Proven delivery of complex programmes or projects.
• Understanding of commercial, supply chain or procurement activities.
• Experience managing stakeholders in complex environments.

If you meet around 75% of the criteria, we’d still love to hear from you—there’s no such thing as a perfect candidate.

Why Join Us: Reward & Benefits. Salary: £60,000- £78,750. Benefits allowance: £2,200. Bonus opportunity: 12.5%. Pension: Standard Rolls‑Royce SMR pension 12%. Holiday: 28 days plus bank holidays. Life assurance: 6x pensionable salary. Income protection: 50%. £250 new joiner payment. Flexible and part‑time working options available.

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.