Head of Quality Safety & Regulatory Affairs Locations: Derby, Manchester or Warrington (with flexibility) Why we need you We’re looking for a Head of Quality to shape, lead and deliver the Quality strategy that underpins our success. You’ll champion a culture of quality across our organisation, setting out the systems, standards and behaviours that enable us to deliver safe, efficient and compliant outcomes in line with our ambitions for industrialisation. Working closely with the Director of HSEQ, you will bring organisational independence, professional authority and a solutions‑focused mindset—ensuring quality and nuclear safety are never compromised. You’ll lead a growing group of Quality Managers and specialists, strengthening our Integrated Management System, assurance programme, controlled documentation, and continual improvement capability. If you’re motivated by building high‑performing teams, enabling people to succeed, and shaping a quality culture in a highly regulated environment, we’d love to hear from you. What you’ll be responsible for You will lead the Quality function across the organisation and: Set, evolve and embed a coherent Quality strategy aligned to regulatory, industry and organisational needs. Lead the Integrated Management System, ensuring it is enabling, scalable and capable of supporting the organisation through growth. Deliver a value‑add, risk‑based assurance programme that drives compliance, improvement and continued ISO certification (9001, 19443). Define and oversee quality requirements across engineering, design, manufacturing and supply chain activities. Manage controlled documents and records, ensuring accuracy, traceability and governance. Oversee deviation, corrective and preventative action processes, including effective containment, action management and reporting. Lead and develop a team of Quality, Assurance and Improvement professionals, supporting their growth and competency. Champion a healthy nuclear safety culture and drive behaviours that reflect our company values. Act as a senior Quality and Nuclear Safety voice, with the independence and authority to escalate and influence where required. What success looks like In your first 6 months, you will: Review and strengthen the Quality strategy. Define and communicate SMART quality metrics aligned to business needs. Build an organisation‑wide engagement plan for quality, including across manufacturing and supply chain assurance. Longer‑term, you will: Embed quality arrangements that scale with the business as we move toward industrialisation. Establish a strong benchmark for quality delivery across projects, programmes and functions. What you’ll bring There’s no such thing as the “perfect” candidate — if you meet around 75% of what we’re looking for, we encourage you to apply. We’re looking for: Significant experience in developing and managing Quality strategies, systems, processes and assurance programmes in the nuclear industry or another highly regulated environment. Strong understanding of nuclear safety culture traits, ASME III/NQA‑1 and relevant UK/international standards. Experience working across multiple programmes, with strong planning, prioritisation and reporting skills. Demonstrated leadership of multi‑disciplinary Quality teams. Experience designing organisational structures, defining competencies and leading development and performance. Skilled communicator, influencer and facilitator—confident engaging stakeholders at all levels. Ability to challenge appropriately, uphold standards and work independently of delivery pressures. Values‑led leadership that promotes safety, inclusion, wellbeing, quality and continuous improvement. Required qualifications & experience Degree or equivalent professional experience. Significant hands‑on experience in Quality management within nuclear or similar high‑hazard, regulated environments. Strong working knowledge of international standards, regulatory expectations, and ASME III/NQA‑1 requirements. Experience working within large, complex organisations with multiple stakeholders. 6. Beneficial qualifications & experience Experience in other regulated industries (aerospace, defence, rail, oil & gas). ISO 9001 Lead Auditor or similar advanced quality qualifications. Broader experience in assurance, improvement or operational readiness roles. What we offer A Salary between £ 85,600 to £112,200 £5,000 annual benefit allowance 17% bonus opportunity 6x pensionable life assurance 50% income protection 28 days holiday plus bank holidays £250 new joiner payment Working environment & adjustments We’re committed to creating an inclusive, supportive and accessible workplace. We welcome requests for flexible or part‑time working. We make reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process and employment. Security and financial checks are part of our offer process; these are not “pass/fail” and are reviewed in context. About Rolls‑Royce SMR At Rolls‑Royce SMR, diversity and inclusion are central to how we work. We value the unique perspectives each person brings and create an environment where everyone feels respected, supported and able to contribute. If you need adjustments at any stage, just let us know—we’re here to help. 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 LI-VS1 LI-Hybrid