Head of Infrastructure Functional Assurance

Job Description

Head of Infrastructure Functional Assurance - Submarines

Full Time – Hybrid

Derby

Why join Rolls-Royce?

At Rolls-Royce we are proud to be a business that has truly helped to shape the modern world and are committed to always being a force for progress; powering, protecting and connecting people everywhere.

By joining Rolls-Royce, you'll have the opportunity to work on world-class solutions, supported by a culture that believes individuality is our greatest strength, and all perspectives, experiences and backgrounds help us innovate and enable our high-performance culture.

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the team accountable for delivery of a significant site infrastructure regeneration and improvements portfolio, to meet the business vision and our customers growing demands.  It is anticipated that the role holder will carry significant experience of delivering high value infrastructure projects in complex, high hazard environments.

Key Accountabilities

• The Head of Capability & Assurance will be accountable for the definition, initiation, implementation and sustainment of a co-ordinated approach of the following Infrastructure functions, as part of the Major Infrastructure Projects Capability

  • Project engineering and Design strategy capability and assurance

  • Project Quality Assurance

  • Project Construction assurance. (standards, governance & delivery)

  • Asset management strategy capability and assurance

• The Head of Capability & Assurance will be responsible for the performance, management and continual improvement of the following wider RRSL business support functions services that are directly supporting and assigned to the Infrastructure Delivery Business Unit:

  • HSE functions capability & assurance (standards, governance & delivery)

  • IT Service functions capability & assurance (standards, governance & delivery

  • Security Services functions capability & assurance. (standards, governance & delivery)

• You will define the ways of working for the named functions, and deploy leads into the project delivery teams to meet the requirements of the programme delivery executive

• Effective collaboration with our internal customers, functions, and long-term delivery partners is a key success factor for the department

• A key aspect to the Head of Capability & Assurance role is to help leverage the capabilities of external partners, to optimise and enhance our internal capabilities and people, ensuring a legacy beyond the infrastructure programme, and a benchmark for the wider Rolls-Royce Group

• The role will be accountable for creating and maintaining an effective infrastructure assurance function, covering all departmental activities, across both fissile and non-fissile elements of our scope

• You will be a key influencer for our business, customer, and senior colleagues in the infrastructure 1st line leadership team, on matters relating to the capabilities and assurance required to deliver the infrastructure programme effectively

• Jointly accountable with other members of the Infrastructure DBU leadership team, for providing clarity, direction, support, and challenge - in equal measure, along with appropriate resources to achieve the Delivery Business Units vision and objectives

• This includes the co-leadership of operational relationships at the appropriate level, with the customer and respective agencies

Key Experiences and Qualifications

At Rolls-Royce we embrace agility, are bold, pursue collaboration and seek simplicity in everything we do.  These principles form our values and behaviours and are an essential component of our assessment process and are fundamental qualities that we seek for all roles.

• Significant experience in Major Project Delivery and assurance activities in regulated environments

• Have a strong technical background in an engineering/professional subject matter aligned to delivering within high hazard manufacturing and/or large Engineering, Procurement and Construction programmes

• Have strong leadership, diplomacy, interpersonal relationship, and people management skills.   You will be able to influence at all levels, share the techniques and approaches that you have used in a range of collaborative and adversarial situations, both in individual and team environments and with external parties to deliver results

• Business decision making using a balance and realistic approach taking into account competing scenarios of quality, operational risk, mandatory standards compliance and business performance

• A team player with exceptional communication skills, an engaging personality, and a creator of trust

• Ability to influence at all levels and build strong relationships

• Commitment to our company values and behaviours and leadership expectations

• Ability to travel within the United Kingdom, and if necessary, globally with a problem solving and flexible mindset

• Engaging personality, but realistic and a creator of trust

• Team player with exceptional communication skills

• A broad outlook and tolerance for exposure to different challenges, cultures, and ways of working

• Has excellent influencing and Supplier Relationship management skills at all relevant levels of seniority

• Has a proven track record delivering operational excellence in programme/project Management in both favourable and unfavourable conditions

• Dynamic and inspirational leadership

• Educated to degree level in a relevant discipline, or with significant relevant professional experience

• Track record of delivering results with an appetite and enthusiasm to improve our business

• Can demonstrate knowledge and application of major infrastructure investment Programme management and delivery

• People leadership and change management experience

Regional Benefits

• Generous Annual Leave

• Retirement Savings through the Rolls-Royce Retirement Savings Trust

• Group Life Assurance provides for a lump sum benefit if you die whilst employed by Rolls-Royce

• Group Income Protection provides an income in the event that you are unable to work due to illness or injury

• Your Shares: Matched is a simple way to own Rolls-Royce shares and invest in our future, together. Buy one share, get one free!

Our vision is to ensure that the excellence and ingenuity that shaped our history continues into our future. Our multi-year transformation programme aims to turn Rolls-Royce into a high-performing, competitive, resilient and growing company. Join us, and it can be your future vision too.

Rolls-Royce are committed to being a respectful, inclusive, and non-discriminatory workplace where individuality is valued, diverse perspectives fuel innovation, and everyone can thrive.

Please be aware that the priority will be given to employees identified as being at high risk. The professional level and salary of the position will be dependent on the skills and experience of the successful candidate.

This job is advertised at the grades shown, and this is the desired operating level for this role. We encourage applications from candidates with relevant experience from any grade.

It is advised that you inform your current manager of your application for this role.  

Grade: Management Level B

For more information, please contact: Alison Connaughton [email protected]

As part of our selection process, candidates in certain locations may be asked to complete an online assessment, which can include cognitive and behavioural aptitude testing relevant to the role. If required, full instructions for the next steps will be provided.

To work for Rolls-Royce Submarines you need to hold a Security Check (SC) clearance without any caveats to that clearance. Rolls-Royce will support the application for Security Clearance if you don’t currently already have this in place. Due to the nature of work the business conducts and the protection of certain assets, you must hold a UK nationality. Any dual nationals will require additional scrutiny and background checks prior to commencing work with RRSL.

Job Category

Project Management

Posting Date

17 Aug 2026; 00:08

Posting End Date

21 Aug 2026