Head of Financial Strategy and Planning (Fixed Term Contract 12 months)

Put simply, we set the standards by which everything is measured. In doing so, the National Physical Laboratory is helping to combat issues on a global scale such as climate change, curing diseases and the development of cutting-edge communications technology.

As our Head of Finance Strategy and Planning, you'll lead and deliver our financial strategy to become even more competitive and commercial as we work towards achieving our goals. This is a fixed term contract role for up to 12 months.

At NPL, we're working to broaden our commercial horizons, to do so we need to ensure our decisions are backed by accurate financial modelling and planning. In this role, you'll provide strategic leadership and work closely with stakeholders to relay your proposals, all whilst helping them understand the business drivers and checking the information provided is suitable to their needs. You will also be managing a team who deliver the budgeting and 5 year planning whilst working closely with the CFO providing analysis and information ahead of board meetings.

You'll be a qualified Accountant who is highly analytical and numerate, your financial know-how will be backed by your astute commercial awareness. We're looking for someone who has the expertise to translate our plans into financial deliverables.

What you can bring to the role:

• You'll be a Qualified accountant (ACA or CIMA)


• A wealth of experience of inspirational leadership; the ability to coach and develop staff; challenging and supporting colleagues to deliver the mission and vision of an organisation with comparable scale and complex funding landscape.


• Established experience of strategic planning from concept to embedding


• Experience of directing the financial elements of complex bid submissions, including tax and structuring considerations


• An understanding and experience of ensuring the financial success of large programmes to deliver significant benefits.


• Strong ability in preparing materials for and reporting to the company Board.


• Ability to assimilate complex information to underpin decisions quickly.


• Excellent engagement, relationship building and influencing skills - with stakeholders at all levels.


• Sound Microsoft Excel skills including financial modelling and consolidation


We would also welcome the following experience of:

• Spin outs or setting up new entities


• Working with Microsoft D365


• Working in, or in partnership with, research and technology organisations, or Higher Education institutions


Please note: Applications will be reviewed, and interviews conducted throughout the duration of this advert therefore we may at any time bring the closing date forward. We encourage all interested applicants to apply as soon as practical.

We actively recruit citizens of all backgrounds, but the nature of our work in specific departments means that nationality, residency and security requirements can be more tightly defined than others. To work at NPL, you will need to obtain BPSS security clearance. Some departments may require a higher level of security clearance., The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) is a world-leading centre of excellence that provides cutting-edge measurement science, engineering and technology to underpin prosperity and quality of life in the UK.

NPL and DSIT have strong commitments to diversity and equality of opportunity, and welcome applications from candidates irrespective of their background, gender, race, sexual orientation, religion, or age, providing they meet the required criteria. Applications from women, disabled and black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates in particular are encouraged. All disabled candidates (as defined by the Equality Act 2010) who satisfy the minimum criteria for the role will be guaranteed an interview under the Disability Confident Scheme.

At NPL, we believe our success is a result of the diversity and talent of our people. We strive to nurture and respect individuals to ensure everyone feels valued by treating everyone on the basis of their own individual merits and abilities regardless of their own or perceived identity, as part of our commitment to diversity & inclusion, we hold memberships and accreditations to ensure we're creating an environment where all our colleagues feel supported and welcome, please see our Diversity & Inclusion page.

We are committed to the health and well-being of our employees. Flexible working and social activities are embedded in our culture to create a positive work-life balance, along with a broad range of benefits. Our values are at the heart of what we do, and they shape the way we interact, develop our people and celebrate success.

To ensure everyone has an equal chance, we're always willing to make reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process. If you would like to discuss, please contact us.