Job Description

Reward Business Partner - 12 Month Fixed Term Contract

Location – Manchester/ Warrington/ Derby with Hybrid working Available

About Us

Rolls‑Royce SMR is here to transform how nuclear energy is delivered—cleaner, faster and at global scale. Our teams are developing one of the world’s most advanced small modular reactors, helping secure affordable, low‑carbon energy for generations to come.

We’re doing something that’s never been done before. We’re revolutionising an industry. That’s a once-in-a-career opportunity for those excited by such a challenge. This is more than just a job; this is a legacy.

Role Purpose

To act as a trusted reward subject matter expert and business partner, providing specialist advice and delivering reward solutions that support organisational growth, operational readiness and evolving workforce requirements.

The role combines day-to-day reward partnering activities, including job evaluation, market benchmarking, reward governance and compensation planning, with project-based reward design work to support new and emerging workforce populations, manufacturing operations and international expansion activities.

Working closely with business leaders, HR colleagues, Talent Acquisition, Finance and external partners, the role will develop practical, commercially effective and scalable reward solutions that enable the organisation to attract, retain and engage the talent required to deliver future business objectives.

What we’ll need you to do

• Delivery of specialist reward advice and solutions that support employee attraction, retention and engagement across the organisation.
• Consistent and effective application of Willis Towers Watson Global Grading System (GGS) methodology, maintaining governance and integrity of the company's job architecture and grading framework.
• Delivery of salary benchmarking and market analysis to support informed pay and reward decisions.
• Successful support of recruitment activity through the design of competitive and equitable compensation packages.
• Delivery of reward-related annual processes, including salary reviews, incentive programmes and compensation planning activities.
• Design and implementation of reward frameworks supporting workforce growth, operational readiness and emerging workforce populations.
• Development of reward solutions for operational and manufacturing employee populations, including salary structures, shift-related arrangements, allowances and associated reward policies where required.
• Effective partnership with HR, Talent Acquisition, Operations, Finance and business leaders to deliver reward initiatives and projects.
• Delivery of reward-related project activity supporting new sites, operational capability growth and international workforce requirements.
• Creation of sustainable reward processes and documentation that can transition into business-as-usual ownership following project completion.
• Identification and mitigation of reward-related risks associated with organisational growth, market competitiveness and workforce changes.
• Delivery of high-quality reward reporting, insight and analytics to support business decision-making.

What we’re looking for

• Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects independently and make decisions within defined frameworks.
• Proven track record of shaping outcomes through stakeholder engagement and persuasive communication. 
• Deep knowledge of compensation principles, market trends, and regulatory requirements.
• Confident using salary surveys, WTW experience preferable. 
• Advanced experience with Workday compensation modules and process optimization. 
• Ability to interpret data and provide actionable insights that influence business strategy. 
• Significant experience with stakeholder engagement across operations, finance, people, talent acquisition and senior leadership teams.

Location & Ways of Working

This role can be based in Manchester or Warrington with flexibility to work between home and the office depending on business needs. There may be some travel required on an ad hoc basis.

What’s in It for You

• Salary: £60,000 - £78,750
• £2,200 flexible benefits allowance
• 6x pensionable life assurance
• 50% income protection
• 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• £250 new joiner payment
• Flexible and hybrid working options where business needs allow

Selection Process

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a competency‑based interview and may be asked to provide evidence of document management capability. This role requires BPSS checks as part of our onboarding process.

Inclusion & Accessibility

We’re committed to building a diverse, inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued. If you meet around 75% of the criteria, we’d still love to hear from you. We’re happy to discuss reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process and offer flexible or part‑time working where possible.

 We are Rolls-Royce SMR

Rolls-Royce SMR is a rare employer because it blends the world-class brand of Rolls Royce with an exciting start-up that has a hugely challenging mission. We’re doing work that contributes to the survival of the planet. Because of our mission, there’s a pace and energy that is palpable, and our leaders draw you in with their passion, energy, and determination.

We’re one of a handful of employers who can genuinely say we’re a strengths-based organisation – our people are here because of what makes them great, and our job is to help them make the best contribution of their careers doing work they love.

The start-up mentality coupled with our strengths-approach to people means there are opportunities to grow in ways and jobs you probably would be barred from doing in more traditional companies.

Each Rolls-Royce SMR power station will have the capacity to generate 470MW of low carbon energy, equivalent to more than 150 onshore wind turbines and enough to power a million homes. It will provide consistent baseload generation for at least 60 years, helping to support the roll out of renewable generation and overcome intermittency issues

Pay Range:

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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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