Engineering Capability: Competency Acquisition Lead
Location: Derby, Manchester, Warrington
Salary: £48,000 - £62,500 DOE, with 12.5% performance‑related bonus opportunity.
We are Rolls‑Royce SMR and we’re doing something that’s never been done before. We’re revolutionising an industry and this is a once‑in‑a‑career opportunity for those excited by such a challenge. This is more than just a job – it is a legacy.
The Competency Acquisition Lead will support the implementation and ongoing development of the Engineering Competency Acquisition Strategy, ensuring the engineering function has the skills, behaviours, and experience required to deliver the power station design safely, effectively, and in line with organisational objectives. The role will work closely with internal stakeholders—including Human Resources (HR), Development & Capability (D&C), and technical teams—to translate strategic requirements into actionable plans, frameworks, and processes that enable competency acquisition, assurance, and continuous improvement.
Key Results & Responsibilities
* Lead the execution of key activities outlined in the Engineering Competency Strategy, coordinating and tracking progress against immediate priorities and longer‑term milestones.
* Review and evaluate technical training requests, ensuring alignment with engineering competency requirements and strategic priorities; collaborate with stakeholders to prioritise training investments and maximise value.
* Support the design, development, and integration of competency frameworks across engineering disciplines and professional levels, ensuring alignment with organisational governance, quality assurance, and regulatory expectations.
* Build and maintain relationships with HR, Development & Capability, and other functions to ensure engineering needs are understood and embedded in relevant processes; facilitate cross‑functional collaboration to support workforce planning, training, and succession initiatives.
* Contribute to the selection, implementation, and optimisation of tools and systems that support competency tracking, assessment, and reporting.
* Identify and implement opportunities to refine and evolve the strategy based on feedback, business changes, and emerging needs; promote a culture of learning and continuous professional development.
* Provide clear, timely updates to senior stakeholders on progress, risks, and outcomes; develop materials that communicate the strategy’s purpose, progress, and impact.
* Promote best‑practice learning and skills tools within the engineering function, leveraging existing capabilities such as EPRI and INPO resources.
* Monitor and track competency acquisition activities across the engineering programme—including mandatory training—and maintain relevant metrics and KPIs.
Selection Criteria
* Experience delivering complex engineering programmes within regulated environments, ideally in nuclear or similarly high‑integrity sectors.
* Experience working across multiple engineering disciplines; applicants from non‑engineering backgrounds with transferable skills are welcome.
* Familiarity with lifecycle stages from concept through to commissioning.
* Exposure to safety‑critical systems and quality assurance processes.
* Strong interpersonal and stakeholder engagement skills; able to build relationships across technical and enabling functions.
* Skilled in influencing without authority; comfortable facilitating workshops and cross‑functional discussions.
* Ability to translate technical requirements into business‑aligned actions and drive improvements in competency acquisition.
* Analytical mindset; ability to interpret data, identify trends, and develop KPIs.
* Experience evaluating training requests and assessing value against strategic goals.
* Proactive in identifying gaps and proposing solutions.
* Knowledge of competency frameworks and workforce capability planning.
* Experience developing or implementing competency strategies.
* Understanding of regulatory expectations around SQEP and training assurance.
* Project management skills; strong organisational ability to manage multiple workstreams.
* Experience managing budgets or funding streams related to training and development.
* Familiarity with project management tools and reporting frameworks.
Salary and Package
* Salary: £48,000 – £62,500 DOE
* Bonus: Performance‑related target opportunity 12.5%
* Benefits Allowance – £2,200 p.a. (customisable)
* Pension – 12% employer + 6% employee contributions
* Holidays – 28 days + public holidays; 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 for home office purchases
Why Join Us?
* Forward‑thinking organisation that values transparency, fairness, and innovation.
* Flexible, inclusive, and supportive working environment.
* Opportunities for career growth in a rapidly scaling business.
* 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.
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
* Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) clearance
* Satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check
* Satisfactory basic financial probity check
Rolls‑Royce SMR is a rare employer that blends world‑class brand with the excitement of a start‑up, contributing to the survival of the planet. Our culture is inclusive, supportive, and strengths‑based. Join us to shape a future where clean, reliable energy powers millions of homes for decades.
#J-18808-Ljbffr