Overview
Role: Head of Programme - Generic Product Development
We anticipate paying a salary between £80,000 - £100,000 DOE
We are Rolls-Royce SMR and we’re doing something that’s never been done before. We’re revolutionising an industry. That’s a once-in-a-career opportunity for those excited by such a challenge. This is more than just a job; this is a legacy.
RR SMR is designing a standardised, modular nuclear power station, with the aim of >90% of the design being common across each deployment, regardless of customer or site. Reporting to the Project Director for Generic Product Development, the Head of Programme is responsible for the overall budget and schedule performance for the project, integrating complex data sets from across the entire scope of work.
Responsibilities
* Develop and maintain programme plans, schedules, budgets, and resource allocations.
* Manage interdependencies across projects and ensure cohesive delivery of programme outcomes.
* Develop and maintain an integrated schedule for the entire design and GDA programme, delivering planning updates on a rolling wave basis.
* Oversee budgeting, forecasting, and financial tracking across the programme.
* Develop and maintain programme dashboards and KPIs to track progress, benefits, and performance.
* Identify, assess, and mitigate programme-level risks and issues.
* Implement structured change management processes to manage scope change and associated impacts.
* Provide leadership and direction to project managers and cross-functional teams.
* Ensure effective communication and reporting to stakeholders at all levels.
* Define and manage schedule interdependencies between the generic design development and other projects, both internal and customer funded.
* Drive continuous improvement in programme delivery methodologies and practices.
* Ensure compliance with governance frameworks, policies, and standards.
* Support business case development and benefits realisation tracking.
* Provide direction and support to project managers and delivery teams.
* Lead programme governance, including steering groups, assurance reviews, and audit readiness.
* Provide accurate, timely reporting to senior stakeholders and governance boards.
* Use data-driven insights to inform decision-making and continuous improvement.
* Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders at all levels.
* Communicate programme vision, progress, and challenges clearly and effectively.
* Work closely with the business Finance team to support business planning and operations.
Key Results
Key Results & What Can Be Achieved in The Role:
* Delivery of programme milestones to plan
* Delivery of programme to budget, both in year and across the full programme life span
* Delivery of programme KPIs and maturity metrics
* Proactive risk management to achieve ongoing reduction of risk profile and budgetary contingency across the programme
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.
Qualifications & Experience
Qualifications
* Degree level qualification in a science, engineering or technology-related subject, or practical experience to an equivalent level
* Member or Fellow of relevant professional institution, either technical or project management
* Chartered Engineer of equivalent
* APM, PRINCE or similar project management qualification
Experience
* Strong understanding of systems engineering, product lifecycle management, and design assurance.
* Demonstrated success in managing multi-disciplinary teams and large budgets.
* Experience of design programmes for a complex engineering product in a highly regulated environment. Experience with regulatory bodies or licensing programmes would be beneficial but not mandatory.
Communication and Influencing Skills
* The ability to communicate effectively with individuals across multiple organisations and at all levels of seniority; the ability to build strong working relationships across a range of roles both inside and outside the Rolls-Royce SMR organisation.
* The ability to take complex topics and communicate them simply and quickly. The ability to communicate formally and informally and in a range of media. The ability to make data tell a story.
Process compliance and governance
* The ability to define and implement project governance, to define processes such as change management, forecasting and planning updates, and apply them consistently.
* To be able to select the right process and apply it at the right level for the task at hand.
* To connect processes across different functions, especially between projects, finance and human resources.
Drive for Results
* The ability to work across a complex programme to achieve a number of technical, programme and financial outcomes for both the Rolls-Royce business and its customers. The ability to overcome challenges and maintain programme objectives, the ability to identify and focus on what matters. The desire to make a difference through achievements and not just being busy. The ability to achieve objectives whilst also managing within a budget.
* Programme and project management skills and experience of a major infrastructure project in a highly regulated environment that oversees the coordination of multiple elements to ensure integration of the project delivery.
* Previous experience of producing assembly build instructions and standard work on major complex engineering projects.
Data Management and Analysis
* The ability to process and manage complex data sets. The ability to use and develop data analysis tools and methods.
* The ability to understand data quality, apply verification and appreciate the limitations and shortcomings of data.
* The ability to draw insights and conclusions from data, and to link them to real world project activities and outcomes, ensuring data are consistent with the realities of performance.
* The ability to ensure data integrity and consistency are maintained throughout data analysis, and that data quality levels are assigned appropriately.
Next Steps
Closing date: 19/09/2025
About Rolls-Royce SMR
We are Rolls-Royce SMR. Rolls-Royce SMR is a rare employer because it blends the world-class brand of Rolls-Royce with an exciting start-up that has a hugely challenging mission. We’re doing work that contributes to the survival of the planet. There’s a pace and energy that is palpable, and our leaders draw you in with their passion, energy, and determination.
We’re one of a handful of employers who can genuinely say we’re a strengths-based organisation – our people are here because of what makes them great, and our job is to help them make the best contribution of their careers doing work they love.
The start-up mentality coupled with our strengths-approach to people means there are opportunities to grow in ways and jobs you probably would be barred from doing in more traditional companies.
Company facts
Each Rolls-Royce SMR power station will have the capacity to generate 470MW of low carbon energy, equivalent to more than 150 onshore wind turbines and enough to power a million homes. It will provide consistent baseload generation for at least 60 years, helping to support the roll out of renewable generation and overcome intermittency issues.
Culture
At Rolls-Royce SMR, we are committed to ensuring that our teams reflect the communities we serve and that everyone can be themselves at work. We know that diverse teams are more innovative and get better results, and that our people can thrive and be more successful in truly inclusive cultures. Join us and help shape our culture. Find out more about our inclusion pledge.
Rolls-Royce SMR is a place where everyone can grow, so whatever background you bring with you, please apply if this is a role that would make you excited to come into work every day and help shape our culture.
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