Senior Manager – Core Performance

Job description

Location: Flexible (UK) – with regular collaboration across Derby, Warrington and Manchester Our Mission At Rolls-Royce SMR, we are redefining the future of clean energy. Our small modular reactor technology will provide reliable, low-carbon power to millions—helping the UK and global communities transition to a more sustainable future. We are building a world-class engineering capability to deliver this ambition, combining nuclear expertise with modern design and manufacturing approaches. The Team You will join our Nuclear Core Engineering function, working at the heart of reactor design. This role leads a critical part of the organisation responsible for reactor core performance, spanning thermal hydraulics, fuel performance, and advanced simulation capabilities. You’ll oversee a multidisciplinary team of approximately 30 engineers and specialists, structured across multiple sub-teams, and collaborate closely with a wider core organisation. The team plays a central role in delivering the core design programme, supporting regulatory engagement, and enabling key design milestones. The Role As Senior Manager – Core Performance, you will provide technical and programme leadership for one of the most complex and safety-critical areas of the SMR design. You will be accountable for developing and delivering the reactor core performance strategy, including simulation methods, analytical capability, and thermal and fuel performance. You will lead the development of robust, integrated solutions that underpin the safety case and overall reactor design. This is a senior leadership role with significant influence across the engineering organisation. You will shape technical direction, drive programme delivery, and play a key role in engagement with regulators, partners, and internal stakeholders. What We’ll Need You to Do Lead and deliver core performance activities across design, analysis, and simulation Define and implement the technical strategy for core thermal and fuel performance, including analytical method development Manage multidisciplinary engineering teams, providing leadership, coaching, and capability development Own delivery of programme milestones, ensuring outputs meet quality, safety, and regulatory requirements Oversee and govern technical outputs, including safety case substantiation and design documentation Manage key supplier and vendor relationships, including fuel development and analysis contracts Establish and maintain robust engineering governance, configuration control, and best practice processes Engage with internal stakeholders, regulators, and external partners to support programme progression Identify and resolve complex technical and programme challenges, driving continuous improvement across the function What You’ll Bring Degree-qualified in a relevant engineering discipline and Chartered Engineer (or equivalent) Significant experience in nuclear engineering, with strong expertise in reactor core design, thermal hydraulics, or fuel performance Proven track record of leading complex engineering programmes and delivering against challenging milestones Experience managing large teams (10–30+ people) and developing high-performing engineering organisations Strong understanding of nuclear regulatory frameworks and safety case development (e.g. ALARP, BAT principles) Experience working with advanced simulation and analysis tools (e.g. core physics or thermal hydraulics codes) Demonstrable experience managing suppliers, contracts, and external technical delivery Strong leadership and influencing skills, with the ability to engage and align stakeholders at all levels A collaborative, proactive approach with the ability to drive decisions in a complex, evolving programme Passion for innovation and continuous improvement in a highly regulated engineering environment Location This role offers flexible and hybrid working options. You will be expected to spend time on-site across our key locations in Derby, Warrington and Manchester to support collaboration and programme delivery. What’s in It for You We anticipate paying a salary of between £71 ,000 - £93 ,2 00.00 DOE plus:- Bonus - Performance related target opportunity 17% Benefits Allowance – £5000 per annum, enabling you to create a bespoke package Pension - 12% employer and 6% employee contributions. Holidays - 28 days holiday (+ public holidays) and the ability to buy or sell up to 4 days . Private Medical Insurance - BUPA single cover health care Life Assurance - 6x pensionable pay £250 - One-off payment for new starters for home office purchases You’ll be joining a rapidly growing organisation at a critical stage of its development, offering excellent opportunities for learning, professional development, and long-term career progression within a purpose-driven and innovative environment. Inclusion & Diversity We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds. Inclusivity is central to our culture, and we are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and supported. We are happy to discuss flexible working arrangements and will make reasonable workplace adjustments where required to support individuals in performing at their best. Confidence can sometimes hold us back from applying, but there’s no such thing as a ‘perfect’ candidate. If you feel you meet around 75% of the requirements, we would love to hear from you. We also welcome applications from individuals considering a sector move, particularly those with transferable experience from other regulated or safety-critical industries. Pay Range: £71,000.00 - £93,187.50 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. 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. 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 #LI-SZ1 #hybridworking #engineeringjobs #chemistry #weareSMR