DNO - 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.

Open to UK nationals only.

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours and Experience.

Candidates will be required to provide a CV and a Personal Statement of Suitability (maximum 500 words) that sets out your motivation for applying and shows how your skills and experience meet the essential/desirable requirements for the role.

At Sift, you will be assessed on your;

• CV
• Personal Statement

Success Profile Behaviours:

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

If a large number of applications are received, the sift will be based on the CV, Personal Statement and the lead behaviour Communication & Influencing only. However, evidence should be provided against all behaviours requested.

At Interview, you will be assessed on your Experience and;

Success Profile Behaviours:

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

The interviews will be conducted in person across the three locations advertised.

Further information:

The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

As a result of the changes to the UK immigration rules which came into effect on 1 January 2021, the Ministry of Defence will only offer sponsorship for a skilled worker visa under the points-based system, where a role has been deemed to be business critical. This role does not meet that category, and we will not sponsor a visa. It is therefore NOT open to applications from those who will require sponsorship under the points-based system.

Should you apply for this role and be found to require sponsorship, your application will be rejected and any provisional offer of employment withdrawn.

The Ministry of Defence requires all candidates who are successful at interview to declare any outside interests. These declarations will be discussed with successful candidates following the interview process and before a formal offer of employment is made, as some outside interests may not be compatible with MOD civilian roles. This will not, in the majority of cases, prevent employment in MOD, but it is a measure that must be taken to ensure that appropriate mitigations can be put in place to manage any potential, perceived or actual conflicts of interest from the first day of employment.

The Ministry of Defence adopts a zero-tolerance approach to unacceptable behaviours, which includes bullying, harassment, sexual harassment, discrimination, and victimisation. You will not be eligible and will not be considered for this post if you have been dismissed from a role for such unacceptable behaviours within the last five years. This will also apply if you resign or otherwise leave a role but, because of an adverse decision, would have been dismissed for gross misconduct had you continued in that employment. Pre-employment checks will be carried out.

Candidates who are found to meet an acceptable standard at interview but are not successful in this advertised post may be considered for similar roles within the Business Unit.

The Defence Nuclear Organisation plays a vital role in supporting the delivery of the UK’s independent strategic nuclear deterrent. To help enhance security, staff working for the DNO are encouraged to always exercise a high level of discretion in sharing information or talking about their work. As part of the application process, we ask that you do not tell anyone other than your partner or close family member about your application to join the DNO. You should not mention your application on social media or discuss it with anyone else at this stage.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.