Customer Quality Assurance Manager
About Us
At Rolls‑Royce SMR, we’re on a mission to deliver clean, affordable and resilient energy through pioneering small modular reactor technology. We're building something that matters—innovative solutions that contribute to a safer, more sustainable future for everyone.
The Team
This opportunity sits within our Health, Safety, Environment & Quality (HSEQ) function, with close day‑to‑day integration alongside project delivery teams. You’ll work collaboratively with project managers, engineering leads, supply chain colleagues and customer representatives, as well as regulatory bodies accountable for quality standards.
Success in this role relies on strong influence, partnership and communication across a diverse group of stakeholders.
The Role
As a Customer Quality Assurance Manager (CQAM), you will be embedded within one or more project delivery teams, providing leadership on all quality‑related activities. You’ll be the primary contact for customer quality matters and play a key role in ensuring every SMR new‑build project meets its quality commitments throughout the full lifecycle.
You’ll develop and implement customer‑specific quality strategies and robust Project Quality Assurance Plans, integrating quality into each phase of delivery. Working alongside engineering, procurement, construction and commissioning teams, you will help embed the right processes, standards and assurance measures.
You will oversee key assurance activities—including audits, inspections, testing and non‑conformance management—while championing continuous improvement and integrating lessons learned from nuclear and other regulated industries.
Your leadership will support “right‑first‑time” project delivery and help ensure compliance with nuclear regulatory expectations, internal IMS procedures and contractual requirements.
What We Need You To Deliver
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Develop and maintain project‑specific Quality Management Plans and quality strategies across design, procurement, construction, commissioning and handover.
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Lead and coordinate assurance activities such as audits, inspections, testing and non‑conformance resolution.
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Build trusted, transparent relationships with customer quality teams, ensuring high‑quality communication on performance, risks and improvement opportunities.
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Champion quality within project teams and drive meaningful, measurable continuous improvement.
Short‑Term Success
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A fully approved Quality Management Plan for each assigned project.
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Project‑specific quality procedures (e.g., inspection and test plans, audit schedules) in place.
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Early audits—internal, supplier or customer—showing no major non‑conformances.
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Positive, constructive relationships established with customer quality representatives.
Long‑Term Success
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Delivery of major project milestones without quality‑related delays or regulatory challenges.
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Accurate, complete and controlled quality records handed over in line with licensing and operational requirements.
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A project quality approach recognised as a benchmark, supported by continuous improvements that drive efficiency and performance.
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A high‑performing, engaged quality team contributing to a strong quality and safety culture.
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A “right‑first‑time” outcome that enhances customer confidence and protects project cost, schedule and safety.
What This Role Offers You
This is a visible, influential role where your judgement, communication skills and commitment to quality will make a significant impact on complex, safety‑critical projects. It’s an ideal opportunity for someone who values collaboration, resilience and delivering trusted outcomes.
What You’ll Bring
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A degree in Engineering, Science or equivalent practical experience.
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Experience in quality assurance within safety‑critical or complex engineering projects.
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Strong capability in leading assurance activities such as audits, inspections and non‑conformance management.
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Experience in a Nuclear Environment or Project.
Location & Ways of Working
This role can be based in Derby, Manchester or Warrington. It includes travel to customer sites, suppliers and manufacturing or construction locations. Some international travel may be required.
Flexible and part‑time working options are available.
What’s In It for You
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Salary: £60,000 – £78,750
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£2,200 benefit allowance
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12.5% bonus opportunity
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6× pensionable life assurance
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50% income protection
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28 days holiday plus bank holidays
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£250 new joiner payment
Selection Process
Our process typically includes an initial conversation, a competency‑based interview and role‑specific assessments. Successful candidates will also complete BPSS screening and financial probity checks.
Inclusion Matters
We’re committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels respected and able to thrive. If you’re excited about the role but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every requirement, we encourage you to apply—your potential matters to us.
Pay Range:
£60,000.00
£78,750.00
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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