Head of Commercial - Supply Chain

Role: Head of Commercial – Supply Chain

Location: Hybrid, based at our Derby site
Salary: £100,000 - £120,000, dependent on experience + bonus + excellent benefits

Our mission is to deliver clean, affordable energy for all. Rolls‑Royce SMR provides a British solution to a global energy challenge, leading the way in Small Modular Reactor technology and shaping the UK’s premier green export opportunity.

Our Commercial Supply Chain team plays a critical role in shaping the commercial foundations of our fleet of factory‑built power plants. We’re developing innovative contracting models, building strategic supplier partnerships, and creating the commercial frameworks needed to deliver multiple SMR deployments across the UK and internationally.

In this context, we’re looking for a Head of Commercial – Supply Chain to lead commercial strategy and contracting across one of our six defined scope areas. Reporting directly to the Head of Commercial Supply Chain, this is a pivotal leadership role shaping complex multi‑party arrangements, driving value, and enabling the successful delivery of our first‑of‑kind power plant.

We’ll need you to:

• Lead the commercial strategy for your category area, negotiating major supply chain agreements and ensuring robust risk allocation and value creation.
• Develop and maintain strong supplier relationships across UK and international markets to support long‑term fleet deployment.
• Lead and develop a team of commercial professionals, fostering a culture of proactive risk identification, governance and delivery excellence.
• Shape and implement innovative commercial models — including alliances and consortia — that align incentives and support multi‑party delivery.

A full role description is available on request.

As you can see, this is a high‑profile role at the heart of our commercial strategy, and you’ll bring a collaborative mindset, strong judgement and first‑class negotiation capability to help shape the UK’s clean‑energy future.

You’ll bring:

• A degree (or equivalent) in Business, Law, Finance or Supply Chain, or demonstrable professional experience.
• Significant experience negotiating high‑value, complex supply chain contracts, ideally within nuclear, engineering, or large‑scale infrastructure.
  Exceptional commercial acumen, with strong knowledge of contracting frameworks, risk governance, and supplier relationship management.
• Experience leading commercial teams and working with senior stakeholders in demanding, multi‑party environments.
• We’ll ask you about your experience shaping commercial strategy, negotiating complex agreements, and managing contractual risk.

This role is based at our Derby site, with hybrid working and regular weekly attendance expected. Some UK and international travel may be required depending on supplier engagement and project needs. Please also note that there is another Head of Commercial role which will be based at our Manchester/Warrington sites.

What’s In It for You?

The salary band for this position will reflect the skills, experience and values you bring. We also offer a comprehensive benefits package including bonus opportunities, generous annual leave, an excellent pension scheme, flexible working arrangements and access to wellbeing support.

We also offer excellent benefits including:

• Bonus – performance‑related up to 30%
• Benefits Allowance – £8,500 for a bespoke benefits package
• Pension – 12% employer and 6% employee contributions
• Holidays – 28 days (+ public holidays), with the 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 to support home‑office set‑up

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 people back from applying. There’s no such thing as a ‘perfect’ candidate — if you meet most of the requirements, we would love to hear from you. We also welcome applicants with transferable skills, including those considering a sector‑change.

Our Application Process

Due to safety regulations within the nuclear industry, applicants will be required to participate in additional screening. These include:

• 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-LK1 #LI-Hybrid

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
 

.