Head of FP&A

Rolls-Royce SMR; East Midlands; Hybrid; GBP 86,000 - 114,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefit allowance 8,500 GBP

Annual bonus up to 20%

Long-term incentive cash plan 15%

Pension: Rolls-Royce SMR pension 12%

Life assurance 6x pensionable

Income protection 50%

28 days’ holiday + bank holidays

New-joiner payment £250

Job summary

Rolls-Royce SMR is seeking a senior finance leader to own planning, budgeting and forecasting for the SMR business. You will drive quarterly reviews with the CEO and ELT, deliver insightful financial performance reporting and manage cash flow and liquidity to maximise returns.

The role requires a qualified accountant with SAP experience and strong people and budget management capabilities. Hybrid work from Derby, Manchester or Warrington with occasional travel.

Qualifications

• Qualified accountant: CIMA, ACCA or equivalent.
• SAP experience would be an advantage.
• People and budget management experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the annual budget for the SMR business.
• Develop the five-year plan and rolling forecast with KPI tracking.
• Prepare periodic financial performance reporting for ELT and Board.
• Drive cash forecasting, liquidity planning and risk management.
• Analyse and report cost rates, overhead recoveries and variances.
• Partner with Business Development on the SMR business model and funding
• Support headcount planning and budgeting through SWP process.
• Oversee reporting via Fermi systems and SAP Analytics (SAC) implementation.
• Coordinate with funders (NWF, banks, shareholders) and lead payroll/finance activities.
• Deputise for Head of Finance – Planning and Performance when required.

Skills

Qualified accountant

People management

Budget management

SAP experience

Tools

SAP

Job description

Location: Hybrid, based from one of our offices in Derby, Manchester or Warrington

About Us

Rolls‑Royce SMR is here to transform how nuclear energy is delivered—cleaner, faster and at global scale. Our teams are developing one of the world’s most advanced small modular reactors, helping secure affordable, low‑carbon energy for generations to come.

We’re doing something that’s never been done before. We’re revolutionising an industry. That’s a once-in-a-career opportunity for those excited by such a challenge. This is more than just a job; this is a legacy.

Role Purpose

To lead and manage the financial planning and forecasting processes for the whole SMR business, including the annual budget, quarterly updates and the five year plan. To lead the periodic financial performance reporting for presentation to the Executive Leadership Team, the Board of Directors and the SMR shareholders, adding business analysis and insight to drive business performance.

What we’ll need you to do

• Lead and manage the processes to deliver an annual budget and a five year plan for the whole SMR business.
• Partner with the Business Development team on the overall SMR business model, providing financial diligence and managing the relationship with the five year plan.
• Maintain a rolling forecast to track financial KPIs against annual targets and formalise into quarterly forecast updates. Lead the quarterly reviews with the SMR CEO and ELT.
• Maintain a rolling cash forecast and partner with the business to ensure business liquidity and to ensure cash surpluses and potential deficits are managed to maximise returns and minimise risks.
• Periodic financial performance reporting and partnering to the business leaders, shareholders and departmental budget owners to drive financial performance.
• Manage the cost rates to be used across the business for customer contracts and internal cost allocations, including overhead recoveries, balancing profitability and risk in an uncertain environment of rapid growth.
• Manage, analyse and report on cost rate under/over recovery and partner with the business to manage variances.
• Be the finance lead for the Strategic Workforce Planning (SWP) process and secure business approval for an achievable, affordable and appropriate headcount plan and budget.
• Manage and improve the business reporting from the Fermi systems. Identify and implement system changes, including the introduction of SAP Analytics (SAC).
• Manage the funding plan and the additional reporting requirements with the business funders, including NWF, banks and shareholders.
• Deputise for the Head of Finance – Planning and Performance on all matters.

What we’re looking for

• Qualified accountant: CIMA, ACCA or equivalent.
• SAP experience would be an advantage.
• People and budget management experience.

Location & Ways of Working

This role can be based in Derby, Manchester or Warrington, with flexibility to work between home and the office depending on business needs. There may be some international travel required on an ad hoc basis.

What’s in It for You

A salary between £85,600 - £114,400, £8,500 benefit allowance, Up to 20% bonus opportunity plus 15% long term incentive cash plan, Pension: Standard Rolls-Royce SMR pension 12%, 6x pensionable life assurance, 50% income protection, 28 days’ holiday plus bank holidays, and a £250 new‑joiner payment—alongside opportunities for development and progression.

Selection Process

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a competency‑based interview and may be asked to provide evidence of document management capability. This role requires BPSS checks as part of our onboarding process.

Inclusion & Accessibility

We’re committed to building a diverse, inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued. If you meet around 75% of the criteria, we’d still love to hear from you. We’re happy to discuss reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process and offer flexible or part‑time working where possible.