At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the chemistry design and analysis for next-gen nuclear power stations.
- Company: Join Rolls-Royce SMR, a pioneer in clean energy innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and generous holiday allowance.
- Other info: Inclusive culture with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on a low-carbon future with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: Degree in chemistry and experience in regulated environments required.
The predicted salary is between 71000 - 93200 £ per year.
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.
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.
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
Senior Manager - Chemistry employer: Rolls-Royce SMR
At Rolls-Royce SMR, we pride ourselves on being a forward-thinking employer that champions innovation and inclusivity. Our flexible working arrangements and commitment to employee development create an environment where you can thrive both personally and professionally, while contributing to a low-carbon future through world-class engineering. Join us to be part of a rapidly growing organisation that values diversity, offers excellent career progression opportunities, and fosters a culture of continuous learning.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Manager - Chemistry
✨Get Involved in the Chemistry Community
Engage with local chemistry societies and attend their events. Whether it's a conference or a seminar, these gatherings can be gold mines for networking and spotting job openings at companies like Rolls-Royce SMR. Plus, being face-to-face with industry professionals can leave a lasting impression!
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✨Showcase Your Research & Projects
Create a professional online portfolio that highlights your chemistry projects or research. This could be a blog or a simple website that showcases your skills and experience. When you apply to Rolls-Royce SMR, you want them to see what you can do beyond the CV.
✨Connect With Recruiters Specialised in Chemistry
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We think you need these skills to ace Senior Manager - Chemistry
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Lab Skills:When applying for a chemistry position, make sure to highlight any lab experience you've got. Mention specific techniques and instruments you've worked with, as they can set you apart from other candidates. For us, demonstrating your practical skills is as important as your theoretical knowledge!
Tailor Your CV to Chemistry:It's essential to structure your CV in a way that’s appealing for a chemistry role. Highlight relevant projects, research publications, and coursework that demonstrate your expertise. If you’ve completed specific certifications, make sure to list those as well—they can really boost your chances!
Craft a Chemistry-Focused Cover Letter:In your cover letter, share your enthusiasm for the field of chemistry and why you want to work at Rolls-Royce SMR. Talk about any research or projects that inspire you, and express your willingness to contribute to the team. We love seeing genuine passion for chemistry in applications!
Include Relevant References:Since chemistry roles can be quite specific, having reference letters from professors or previous employers in the field can be a huge plus. Make sure to include contacts who can vouch for your skills and dedication, as it adds credibility to your application.
How to prepare for a job interview at Rolls-Royce SMR
✨Know Your Experiments
Get ready to chat about your hands-on experience in the lab. We should be prepared to discuss specific experiments we've conducted, the results, and any challenges we faced. This shows them we don't just know the theory but can apply it in practice!
✨Master the Technical Speak
Brush up on the relevant terminology and concepts in chemistry. Make sure we can discuss different chemical processes, analytical techniques, and safety protocols fluently, as they might throw some technical questions our way. Being precise and confident can really set us apart!
✨Show Off Your Projects
Make a portfolio showcasing our best lab work and any research projects we've been involved in. It's a great way to demonstrate our skills and passion for chemistry. We should tailor it to highlight the aspects most relevant to Rolls-Royce SMR and the Senior Manager - Chemistry role.
✨Be Ready for Problem Solving
Expect some scenario-based questions where we might need to solve chemical problems on the spot. They could ask about unexpected results or how to improve a process. Let's practice thinking on our feet and explaining our thought process clearly!
