Role: Head of Commercial – Supply Chain
Location: Hybrid, based from Derby, Manchester or Warrington
Salary: £130,000 – £160,000, dependent on experience + bonus + excellent benefits
Our mission is to deliver clean, affordable energy for all. Rolls‑Royce SMR provides a British solution to a global energy challenge, leading the way in Small Modular Reactor technology and shaping the UK's premier green export opportunity.
Our Commercial Supply Chain team plays a critical role in shaping the commercial foundations of our fleet of factory‑built power plants. We're developing innovative contracting models, building strategic supplier partnerships, and creating the commercial frameworks needed to deliver multiple SMR deployments across the UK and internationally.
In this context, we're looking for a Head of Commercial – Supply Chain to lead all aspects of supply chain contracting and commercial strategy across RR SMR Ltd. Reporting directly to the Commercial Director, this is a pivotal leadership role shaping complex multi‑party arrangements, driving value, and enabling the successful delivery of our first‑of‑kind power plant and subsequent fleet deployment.
We'll need you to:
* Lead and develop the Commercial Supply Chain team, embedding a culture of proactive risk identification, governance and delivery excellence.
* Lead the commercial and contracting strategy for the full suite of goods and services required to deliver multiple RR‑SMR power plants.
* Negotiate major supply chain agreements, including complex, multi‑party arrangements such as alliances and consortia, ensuring robust risk allocation, outcome‑based incentives, and shared value creation.
* Develop and maintain strong supplier relationships across UK and international markets to support long‑term fleet deployment.
* Establish and maintain robust risk management frameworks for supply chain contracting, including governance, escalation protocols, and integration with enterprise risk processes.
* Provide leadership, guidance and oversight on commercial agreements including NDAs, MOUs, and high‑value supply chain contracts.
A full role description is available on request.
As you can see, this is a high‑profile role at the heart of our commercial strategy, and you'll bring a collaborative mindset, strong judgement and first‑class negotiation capability to help shape the UK's clean‑energy future.
You'll bring:
* A degree (or equivalent) in Business, Law, Finance or Supply Chain, or demonstrable professional experience.
* Significant experience negotiating high‑value, complex supply chain contracts, ideally within nuclear, engineering, or large‑scale infrastructure.
* Exceptional commercial acumen, with strong knowledge of contracting frameworks, risk governance, and supplier relationship management.
* Experience leading commercial teams and working with senior stakeholders in demanding, multi‑party environments.
* Experience making independent, high‑level decisions and advising on complex strategic arrangements.
* Strong communication skills, with the gravitas to influence at senior levels.
This role can be based from Derby, Manchester or Warrington, with hybrid working and regular weekly attendance expected. Some UK and international travel may be required depending on supplier engagement and project needs. Please also note that there is another Head of Commercial role which will be based at our Derby site.
What's In It for You?
The salary band for this position will reflect the skills, experience and values you bring. We also offer a comprehensive benefits package including bonus opportunities, generous annual leave, an excellent pension scheme, flexible working arrangements and access to wellbeing support.
We also offer excellent benefits including:
* Bonus – performance‑related up to 52.5%
* Benefits Allowance – £10,500 for a bespoke benefits package
* Pension – 12% employer and 6% employee contributions
* Holidays – 28 days (+ public holidays), with the option to buy/sell up to 4 days
* Private Medical Insurance – BUPA single cover
* Life Assurance – 6× pensionable pay
* £250 one‑off payment for new starters to support home‑office set‑up
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 people back from applying. There's no such thing as a 'perfect' candidate — if you meet most of the requirements, we would love to hear from you. We also welcome applicants with transferable skills, including those considering a sector‑change.
Our Application Process
Due to safety regulations within the nuclear industry, applicants will be required to participate in additional screening. These include:
* 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-LK1 #LI-Hybrid
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
.