Overview
Role: Head of Programme - Generic Product Development
We anticipate paying a salary between £80,000 - £105,000 DOE
Locations: Derby, Manchester, Warrington
We are Rolls-Royce SMR and we are delivering a once-in-a-career opportunity to revolutionise an industry. 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 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 & 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
Key Selection Criteria
- Programme Management
- Strong theoretical and practical programme management skills and experience, including with project management methodologies and tools. They should also have a good understanding of scheduling, risk management, budget management, and change management.
- Considerable experience of managing projects, including setting up and delivering complex engineering projects (multiyear, multi £100M+ projects).
- Knowledge of software and tools (training can be provided): Primavera P6, Microsoft Project, ARM, SAP, Excel, Power BI and Power Apps.
Communication and Influencing Skills
- Ability to communicate effectively across organisations and levels of seniority; build strong working relationships across roles inside and outside Rolls-Royce SMR.
- Ability to simplify complex topics, communicate formally and informally, and tell a data-driven story.
Process compliance and governance
- Ability to define and implement project governance, and apply processes such as change management, forecasting, and planning updates consistently.
- Ability to select the right process and apply at the right level for the task; connect processes across functions, especially between projects, finance and human resources.
Drive for Results
- Ability to work across a complex programme to achieve technical, programme and financial outcomes for Rolls-Royce and its customers; maintain objectives and manage within budget.
- Experience managing a major infrastructure project in a highly regulated environment with multi-element integration.
- Experience producing assembly build instructions and standard work on major complex engineering projects.
Data Management and Analysis
- Ability to process and manage complex data sets; develop data analysis tools and methods.
- Understand data quality, verification, and limitations; draw insights and link to real-world activities.
- Ensure data integrity and consistency throughout analysis; assign appropriate data quality levels.
Ideally You Will Have
- Degree-level qualification in a science, engineering or technology-related subject, or practical equivalent
- Member or Fellow of relevant professional institution, either technical or project management
- Chartered Engineer or equivalent
- APM, PRINCE2 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.
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.
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
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