Project Manager - Construction

Location: Manchester, Warrington or Derby with Hybrid Working.

International Travel will be required for this role.

About the role

We need you to join Rolls-Royce SMR as a Project Manager - Construction, supporting the delivery of complex construction activities within the development of a new nuclear power station.

Reporting to the Construction Senior Project Manager, you'll take a hands-on role in day-to-day construction delivery, working closely with site teams, contractors, engineers and planners to ensure work is delivered safely, on time and to quality expectations.

This role is suited to a practical, execution-driven project manager who enjoys being close to the work on site and supporting construction delivery rather than owning strategic or enterprise-level accountability.

What you'll be doing

You'll be trusted to manage the detail and rhythm of construction delivery. This includes:

• Managing day-to-day construction project delivery, including schedules, risks and site activities
• Supporting construction planning, sequencing and permitting activities
• Coordinating contractors, site teams and internal engineering functions
• Maintaining accurate project plans, progress updates and forecasts
• Identifying delivery risks and putting practical mitigations in place
• Escalating issues clearly and early to the Construction Senior Project Manager
• Supporting performance reporting across cost, schedule and quality
• Contributing to a strong safety culture and right-first-time delivery mindset
• Capturing lessons learned and supporting continuous improvement

What you'll bring

We're not looking for a "perfect" candidate. If you meet around 75% of the criteria, we'd really encourage you to apply.

Core skills

• Hands-on construction project management experience
• Strong understanding of construction execution and site activity
• Confidence managing short- and mid-term schedules and delivery risks
• Clear, practical communication with site teams, contractors and senior stakeholders

Key experience

• Experience working within construction phases of projects
• Exposure to full lifecycle construction delivery, without full strategic ownership
• Experience supporting planning, sequencing and permitting activities
• A delivery-focused background, ideally reporting into a senior construction or project lead
• Comfortable working within complex engineering or regulated environments

Technical and professional background

• Experience managing multi-discipline construction work packages
• Understanding of engineering interfaces within construction delivery
• Familiarity with project controls, planning and cost management processes
• Experience using tools such as Primavera P6, Microsoft Project, SAP, Excel or Power BI (or willingness to learn)
• Awareness of UK nuclear or large-scale regulated environments is beneficial but not essential

How you'll work

You'll succeed in this role if you are:

• Delivery-driven and pragmatic in your approach
• Comfortable working on site and engaging directly with delivery teams
• Organised, structured and proactive
• Confident raising risks and challenging constructively
• Collaborative, respectful and inclusive in how you work with others
• Calm and adaptable in fast-moving project environments

Qualifications

• Engineering degree, construction-related degree, or equivalent practical experience
• Project management qualification such as APM PMQ (or equivalent) is desirable, or significant experience managing construction projects
• Membership of a relevant professional body is advantageous

Reward and benefits

• Salary: £50,650 - £66,500
• Benefits allowance: £2,200
• Bonus opportunity: Up to 12.5%
• Pension: Company pension scheme
• Life assurance: 6x pensionable salary
• Income protection: 50%
• Holiday: 29 days plus bank holidays
• New joiner payment: £250
• Flexible and part-time working options available

Inclusion and flexibility

Reasonable adjustments will be made in line with the Equality Act 2010 throughout our recruitment process and employment. Flexible working arrangements - including part-time hours - are fully supported.

Security and background checks

All offers of employment are subject to background and security checks, including BPSS and DBS checks. These are not 'pass or fail' and individual circumstances are considered fairly.

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

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