Senior Project Manager Plant Design

Senior Project Manager – Plant Design

📍 Location: Manchester/ Warrington or Derby (hybrid working available)

This role may require international Travel in 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.

This role combines hands‑on project leadership with stakeholder management across complex engineering and regulatory environments.

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
• Strong capability across planning, scheduling, budgeting and risk management
• Confidence using tools such as Primavera P6, MS Project or similar
  
  

Technical & Industry Experience

• Understanding of engineering environments and project delivery lifecycle
• Experience working in regulated industries (e.g. nuclear, infrastructure, energy) is beneficial
  
  

Communication & Stakeholder Management

• Ability to influence at all levels and simplify complex topics
• Strong relationship‑building skills across internal and external stakeholders
  
  

Leadership Behaviours

• You create clarity, motivate teams, and take accountability
• You are adaptable, organised and solution‑focused
  
  

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

Pay Range

£60,000.00

£78,750.00

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