Deputy Finance Business Partner

The Defence Nuclear Organisation (DNO) is responsible for the provision of the nuclear deterrent, encompassing our submarines and nuclear warheads, while also advising on UK nuclear planning and fostering international co-operation on nuclear matters. With a multidisciplinary team of over 700 professionals, the DNO brings together expertise in science, engineering, finance, policy, programme delivery, and more. We work in partnership with the Royal Navy, the Submarine Delivery Agency and the Atomic Weapons Establishment as the Defence Nuclear Enterprise (DNE).

Here at DNO we strongly believe that diversity and inclusion is not only the right thing to do but is also essential for a thriving and successful organisation. We have a culture where differences are celebrated, and our people feel supported, included and empowered. Join us and be part of an organisation that truly values diversity and inclusion and makes a positive impact on the world.

This role sits within DNO Warhead Group. DNO Warhead programmes play a critical role in maintaining and developing the UK's nuclear deterrent capability through collaboration with key Defence partners and international stakeholders.

The role forms part of the DNO Finance Business Partnering team, which provides financial insight, challenge and assurance to support effective decision-making across a complex portfolio of programmes and activities. As a Deputy Finance Business Partner, the successful candidate will support senior leaders and budget holders by delivering high-quality financial advice and analysis, helping to ensure resources are managed effectively and aligned to strategic priorities.

The postholder will work closely with programme teams, commercial colleagues, senior finance stakeholders and delivery partners to support financial planning, forecasting, performance management and affordability assessments. The role will contribute to the development of robust financial strategies and provide insight to enable informed decision-making across a broad and complex portfolio.

The successful candidate will engage with a wide range of stakeholders across DNO, AWE, wider Defence and international partners, building strong relationships and influencing decision-making at both working and senior levels.

Operating within a unique and nationally significant area of Defence, this role offers an excellent opportunity to develop expertise in finance business partnering, strategic financial management and programme finance. The postholder will gain exposure to senior stakeholders, complex financial challenges and international collaboration, while playing a key role in supporting the delivery of critical Defence capabilities.

This post is advertised at 37 hours per week.

As a DNO Deputy Finance Business Partner, you will be responsible for:

• Supporting the financial management of a key programme within the Warhead Group, including both in-year forecasting and long-term financial planning. Developing a strong understanding of programme activities, stakeholders and deliverables to support the development of credible and affordable financial plans.
• Driving financial performance against agreed targets, business plans and objectives, working collaboratively with stakeholders across the business and other corporate functions.
• Providing financial scrutiny and input to business cases, review notes, investment decisions and change proposals, ensuring approving authorities can make informed decisions based on robust financial analysis.
• Exercising sound judgement to provide financial advice, constructive challenge and strategic insight. Influencing stakeholders to make informed decisions that align with organisational priorities, maximise value for money and balance short-term pressures with long-term sustainability.
• Acting as a bridge between Finance and the wider business, collaborating with stakeholders across Finance, Project Teams, Commercial, AWE and international partners to ensure senior leaders have access to accurate, timely and insightful financial information.

Additional Information

Due to the nature of the role, travel between DNO locations will be required. Hybrid and flexible working arrangements may be considered; however, regular workplace attendance is expected due to security requirements. Candidates are encouraged to discuss potential arrangements with the recruiting line manager prior to applying. Periodic international travel may also be required.

Hybrid working is a non-contractual arrangement. Employees are expected to spend a minimum of 60% of their working time in an office, subject to local estate capacity. Attendance at other MOD locations or official business-related travel will count towards this requirement.

Whilst flexible working requests will be considered in line with MOD policy, this role has been advertised as full-time due to the requirement for regular engagement with senior stakeholders, leadership of financial planning and forecasting activities, and the need to provide consistent financial advice and challenge in support of programme delivery.

Essential Skills

• Previous experience of working within a cost or finance management environment is essential for this role.
• Strong Stakeholder Management skills with a demonstrated ability to build and manage relationships with stakeholders across complex, multi-disciplinary projects.
• Strong understanding of government finance and budgeting processes; including both in-year and long-term forecasting.
• Confident communicator with the ability to influence senior stakeholders and present complex financial information clearly.
• Demonstrated ability to work and deliver at pace, managing competing priorities to meet tight deadlines.

Desirable Qualifications

• Qualified Level 7 - CCAB/CIMA or working towards qualification.

Desirable Skills

• Experience in effective finance business partnering providing insight and challenge to support strategic decision-making.

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Communicating and Influencing
• Leadership
• Working Together
• Making Effective Decisions

• Learning and development tailored to your role
• An environment with flexible working options
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
• A Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%

Where business needs allow, some roles may be suitable for a combination of office and working from home as part of a non-contractual hybrid working arrangement. All office-based employees will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of their working time in office, subject to site capacity and any required workplace adjustments. Requirements to attend other locations for official business, or work in another MOD workplace, will also count towards this level of office attendance. Applicants can request further information regarding how this and other flexible working arrangements may work in their team from the Vacancy Holder (see advert for contact details). Defence Business Services cannot respond to any questions about working arrangements.

The post does not offer relocation expenses.

External recruits who join the MOD who are new to the Civil Service will be subject to a six-month probation period.

Please Note: Expenses incurred for travel to interviews will not be reimbursed.

Please be advised that the Department is conducting a review of all pay related allowances which could impact on those allowances that the post currently being advertised attracts.

Any move to MOD from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax-Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/.

The Ministry of Defence is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for its staff which includes educating them on the benefits of not smoking, protecting them from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke and supporting those who want to give up smoking. Under the Smoke-Free Working Environment policy, Smoking and the use of all tobacco products (including combustible and chewing tobacco products) will not be permitted anywhere in the Defence working

environment however some exemptions are in place, please refer to local guidance. The policy is Whole Force and includes all Defence personnel, contractors, visitors and other non-MOD personnel. All applicants seeking, considering, or accepting employment with the Ministry of Defence should be aware of this policy and that it is already in place at a number of Defence Establishments.

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Job contact :

• Name : DNO External Recruitment Team
• Email : DNO-ExternalRecruiting@mod.gov.uk

Recruitment team

• Email : DBSCivPers-Resourcingteam3@mod.gov.uk

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