Procurement Manager

Location: Hybrid, based from Derby, Manchester or Warrington
Salary: £63,750 – £78,750 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 Procurement function is central to building the commercial and supply chain foundations required to deliver our first SMR and enable long‑term fleet deployment across the UK and Europe. Direct procurement plays a critical role in this — covering capital equipment, engineered systems, construction and highly technical, multi‑layered commodity environments that underpin a first‑of‑a‑kind nuclear programme.

To support this growth, we’re looking for a Procurement Manager – Direct Categories to develop category strategies from the ground up, lead complex CAPEX sourcing activity and manage strategically critical supplier relationships. Reporting to a Senior Category Manager or Lead Procurement Manager, you’ll shape commercial strategy, influence technical decisions and help establish a high‑performance procurement capability for one of the UK’s most ambitious engineering programmes.

What you’ll be doing

• Lead the development of direct category strategies from first principles, aligned to FOAK programme needs and long‑term NOAK scalability

• Manage procurement across complex, CAPEX‑driven categories, including engineered equipment, construction, modular plant, EC&I and safety‑critical components

• Work in close partnership with Engineering and Programme teams to shape requirements, influence design‑for‑supply decisions and manage technical interfaces

• Establish and lead cross‑functional sourcing teams, ensuring collaboration, transparency and alignment with programme priorities

• Run end‑to‑end procurement activity, including sourcing, tendering, negotiation, contract development, award and supplier mobilisation

• Lead commercial negotiations for complex contracts, long‑term frameworks and strategic partnerships

• Manage supplier relationships and performance, ensuring robust governance, delivery assurance, commercial compliance and continuous improvement

• Act as a category subject‑matter expert, providing commercial leadership, market insight and strategic direction within technically complex environments

• Ensure strong governance, documentation and adherence to best‑practice sourcing processes throughout the procurement lifecycle

• Contribute to capability‑building initiatives, including category framework development, supplier readiness, risk mitigation and value optimisation

• Manage, coach and develop Buyers or Senior Buyers, creating a high‑performing, technically credible procurement team

This is a pivotal role supporting programme delivery, cost optimisation and long‑term supply chain resilience. You’ll operate comfortably in ambiguity, bring strong technical curiosity and have the confidence to influence decisions in a fast‑paced, highly regulated environment.

What you’ll bring

• Proven experience building and deploying category strategies from the ground up, rather than operating within established frameworks

• Strong background in CAPEX procurement, ideally within engineering‑led, infrastructure or asset‑intensive programmes

• Technical savvy, with experience managing multi‑tier, multi‑interface commodity portfolios

• Experience working with suppliers in regulated sectors such as nuclear, energy, construction, aerospace, rail, defence or major infrastructure

• Strong commercial acumen with a track record of complex negotiations and long‑term agreement structuring

• Ability to work effectively across Engineering, Programme, Commercial, Manufacturing and Finance teams

• Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills, including at senior levels

• Strong planning, organisation and project management capability

• Degree (or equivalent experience) essential; MCIPS desirable

Location & Ways of Working

This role can be based from our Derby, Manchester or Warrington office.
We operate hybrid working, with regular weekly office attendance expected.
Some travel may be required depending on supplier or programme needs.

What’s in it for you?

Salary: £63,750 – £78,750 depending on experience

Benefits include:

• Performance‑related bonus (up to 12.5%)

• £2,200 benefits allowance for a bespoke package

• 12% employer pension / 6% employee

• 28 days holiday + public holidays (option to buy/sell up to 4 days)

• Private Medical Insurance (BUPA)

• Life Assurance – 6× pensionable pay

• £250 home office setup payment

You’ll join a forward‑thinking organisation that values transparency, fairness and innovation, offering:

• A flexible, inclusive and supportive working environment

• Opportunities for development and career growth within a scaling nuclear enterprise

• A culture built on diversity, collaboration and continuous learning