Senior Manager - Chemistry

Senior Manager - Chemistry

Full-Time 71000 - 93200 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Rolls-Royce SMR

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

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.

Rolls-Royce SMR

Contact Details:

Rolls-Royce SMR Recruitment Team

We think you need these skills to ace Senior Manager - Chemistry

Technical Leadership
Chemistry Design and Analysis
Regulatory Substantiation
Team Development
Pressurised Water Reactor Chemistry
Chemistry Control Regimes
Degradation Mechanisms