Overview
Join to apply for the Head of Category role at Rolls-Royce SMR
Ref: 511
Department: Supply Chain
Location: Derby, Manchester, Warrington
Employment type: Full-time
Salary: £80,000 - £100,000
Closing date: 29/09/2025
Role
Head of Category. Reporting to the Head of Procurement - Enterprise, this role leads a team to deliver the procurement of specialised materials and services required in the build of a RR SMR powerplant. It uses Category Management to source, manage, monitor and control a specific group of categories for the supply of direct materials and services for the RR SMR powerplant. It is responsible for leading a large team to deliver across the core procurement process.
In enacting this role the individual will build strong supplier relationships, demonstrate market knowledge, leverage data and analytics to drive innovation and risk mitigation in their categories and negotiate deals for the business globally. They will lead a category team in sourcing, negotiating, and managing contracts for the goods and services that support power plant build. They must foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement within their remit across functions and develop a high performing team integrated with the business. They will monitor and assess supplier performance and adherence to cost, schedule and quality objectives in support of customer requirements. They will drive cost reduction initiatives and negotiate favourable terms to achieve significant cost savings while maintaining quality and service. They will ensure all procurement practices comply with legal, ethical, and regulatory requirements and are sustainable across the product lifecycle.
Key Results & Achievements
* Delivery on time and to cost of direct goods and services within their category for RR SMR fleet
* Demonstrate value for money and cost saving across the product lifecycle and fleet deployment
* A robust, collaborative and capable supply base that supports business objectives such as localisation
* Demonstrate compliance with legal, regulatory, ethical and sustainable requirements
* Implementation of all of the above
Culture & Selection
Our culture: Rolls-Royce SMR is committed to diversity and inclusion, believes diverse teams deliver better results, and supports a strengths-based organisation where people grow and contribute. The organisation offers opportunities to grow in ways traditional companies may not.
Key Selection Criteria
* Knowledge of complex category management and procurement with demonstrated outcomes in value for money and business impact
* Proven track record in managing complex supply arrangements, contract management, and supplier relationship management with compliance to budgets
* Strong negotiation, strategic thinking, and data-led decision making
* Construction or Manufacturing supply chain experience
* Strategic influence at senior levels; high ethical standards and integrity in procurement practices
Due to safety regulations within the nuclear industry, applicants will be required to participate in additional screening: BPSS clearance, DBS check, and a basic financial probity check.
Pay & Benefits
Salary: £80,000 - £100,000 depending on experience
* Bonus - Short Term Incentive - 20% target
* Benefits Allowance - £8,500 for bespoke packages
* Pension - 12% employer and 6% employee contributions
* Holidays - 28 days + public holidays, with ability to buy/sell up to 4 days
* Private Medical Insurance - BUPA single cover
* Life Assurance - 6x pensionable pay
* £250 one-off home office purchase allowance
Company & Location
Rolls-Royce SMR blends a world-class brand with a startup mission to deliver low-carbon power. Each RR SMR power station will generate about 470 MW of low-carbon energy, providing baseload for 60 years.
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