Lead Finance Business Partner

Our client is a recognised leader in defence and aerospace technology, driven by innovation, excellence, and the development of its people. Joining the organisation offers the opportunity to contribute directly to national security while working in a collaborative, inclusive environment that supports long-term career growth.

The Lead Finance Business Partner will support the Head of Finance – Operations, providing high-quality financial insight across functions and playing a key role in the management of operational (OPEX) and capital (CAPEX) investments. This role is central to improving profitability and competitiveness and offers significant exposure to senior leadership, with involvement in both strategic and operational decision-making.

Working Patterns: This is a hybrid role with 3 days on site.

Functional Business Partnering

• Support the development of headcount, utilisation and overhead forecasts across IBP, LRP, AOP and monthly cycles, ensuring consistency across the business.
• Monitor performance against plans and actively drive cost optimisation initiatives.
• Prepare for and support monthly SLT Rate Review Boards, maintaining rate-related risk and opportunity registers.
• Track functional metrics, SLAs and service catalogues to identify and drive efficiency improvements.
• Support business restructuring activities, indirect cost initiatives and the implementation of new finance systems.

CAPEX & OPEX

• Monitor capital expenditure and change spend against forecasts, analysing ROI and benefit realisation.
• Support UK forecasts for asset capitalisation and depreciation.
• Assist with monthly SLT Investment Reviews and AR Gate Boards, tracking approvals and progress.
• Contribute to reviews of key projects and maintain investment risk and opportunity registers.
• Manage and analyse both operational and capital expenditure, supporting robust investment decisions and business cases.

• A university degree or equivalent qualification.
• Several years of relevant experience in finance roles.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to interpret data and communicate key insights clearly.
• Skilled at managing multiple tasks and issues simultaneously,
• Ability to prioritise effectively with an agile approach.
• Capable of supporting issue resolution and delivering practical, effective outcomes.
• Excellent written & verbal communication, including the ability to simplify financial information for non-financial audiences.
• Proficient in systems such as SAP and Microsoft Office.
• Proactive, solutions-focused, and able to identify innovative ways to add value to the business.

• 25 days holiday (increasing to 27 days) + statutory public holidays.
• Contributory Pension Scheme (up to 10.5% company contribution).
• 6 times salary ‘Life Assurance’.
• Flexible Benefits scheme.
• Discretionary Bonus scheme.
• Enhanced family friendly policies.
• 37hr standard working week, with an early finish on Fridays whilst operating a ‘Hybrid Working Model’*
• Canteen facilities are available in some sites.

Our client is committed to providing a diverse and inclusive workplace and welcomes applications from all backgrounds.

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You will be required to hold a minimum of SC Clearance. If you do not hold an active SC clearance, please familiarise yourself with the vetting process before applying.

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