Programme Manager - Construction

Overview

About Us:

We’re Rolls‑Royce SMR, and we’re doing something that’s never been done before. We’re revolutionising an industry and creating a once‑in‑a‑career opportunity for people excited by real impact. This is more than a job — this is a legacy.

Programme Manager (Construction)

About Us We’re Rolls‑Royce SMR, and we’re doing something that’s never been done before. We’re revolutionising an industry and creating a once‑in‑a‑career opportunity for people excited by real impact. This is more than a job — this is a legacy.

You’ll join our Operations & Construction Readiness function, a team focused on enabling the successful, safe and repeatable deployment of our SMR power plant design. We collaborate across engineering, supply chain, safety, and programme delivery to make this ambition a reality.

We’re looking for Programme Managers (Construction) to join our Construction Readiness team, reporting to the Deputy Heads of Construction Readiness. You’ll help shape our global construction capability, ensuring we can deliver a safe, predictable and repeatable SMR build programme across multiple geographies.

We’ll Need You To

• Develop and embed our construction readiness capability, including intelligent customer/client role definition.
• Work with engineering to codify repeatable constructability for modular, standardised deployment.
• Shape and support construction site launch and mobilisation, including site safety, on‑site factory setup, logistics, and off‑site manufacture.
• Collaborate with Programme Directors to ensure safe, timely and cost‑efficient project delivery.

This Role Will Suit Someone Who…

…wants to make a visible impact in a pioneering environment and is motivated by delivering major construction programmes with clarity, collaboration and confidence.

• Strong experience managing client‑focused construction projects (e.g. civils, nuclear, oil & gas, or international projects).
• Solid understanding of construction processes, safety, quality management and regulatory compliance.
• Skilled communicator with strong negotiation, leadership and problem‑solving capabilities.
• Experience managing complex programmes with multiple suppliers and stakeholder groups.

This role can be based in Derby, Manchester or Warrington, with hybrid working and travel to sites as required.

You’ll receive a salary between £68,000 – £89,000
, a £5,000 annual benefit allowance
, 17% bonus opportunity
, 6x pensionable life assurance
, 50% income protection
, 28 days holiday plus bank holidays
, and a £250 new joiner payment
.

Our process typically includes an initial conversation with Talent Acquisition, followed by capability‑based interviews with the hiring team. BPSS security checks will apply at offer stage.

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.

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