Senior Project Manager Plant Design; Nuclear

Position: Senior Project Manager Plant Design (Nuclear)
Senior Project Manager – Plant Design (Nuclear)

Location:

Manchester/ Warrington or Derby (hybrid working available)
This role may require some international travel to the EUAbout Rolls‑Royce SMRAt 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 DoWe 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 life cycles 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…