Lead Cost Analyst

Lockheed Martin; Havant; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Lockheed Martin in Havant, United Kingdom, is seeking a Lead Cost Analyst to oversee cost reporting, forecasting, and financial performance across a high-profile defence programme. You will shape budgets, monitor spend, and assess schedule impacts on overall cost outcomes to support decision making.

The role requires strong costing discipline, EV management experience, and the ability to communicate with senior stakeholders. Join us to contribute to secure space and national security initiatives.

Qualifications

• Senior-level communicator with confident presentation skills.
• Advanced MS Office capability, particularly within Excel.
• Strong background in financial control and reporting.
• Proven application of Earned Value Management principles.
• Extensive experience in project cost control and performance reporting.

Responsibilities

• Support and enhance Cost Control Systems
• Perform analysis and prepare reports aligned to contractual outputs
• Monitor costs and cost composition against agreed parameters and government cost principles
• Establish budgets for contracted work activities
• Conduct financial analysis of cost projections and baselines, reporting detailed variances and trends
• Prepare programme plans to ensure requirements within Statements of Work are effectively planned and captured
• Perform risk analysis to identify programme cost risks and potential issues; incorporate contractual changes into work systems to maintain accurate cost and sales baselines, forecasts, and analysis
• Ensure costs are allocated in line with established processes and controls.

Skills

Excel

Financial control

Reporting

Earned Value

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Job Description

Performs one or more multiple financial activities within various finance job functions (FP&A, Overhead, Program Finance, Accounting, Controller, etc.). Will include some or all of the responsibilities as defined. Performs financial analysis, establishes performance management budgeting, and forecasting activities to include variance analysis, trend identification, workforce planning drivers, risk and opportunities assessment and development of mitigation plans. Integrates information from multiple financial systems, processes and functions in order to consolidate the data forensics into actionable business solution recommendations. Timely and accurately consolidates financial results (Orders, Sales, EBIT, Cash, ROIC, Overhead, Discretionary Funding) and monthly, quarterly and year end reporting to internal and external customers to include government contractual cost and schedule earned value management reporting. Develops and utilizes forward‑looking data analytics, visualization and trend analysis to inform financial strategy and decision making. Develops and provides actionable recommendations to key stakeholders to make sound financial and operating decisions. Maintains applicable internal and external (FAR, CAS, SEC, US GAAP) policy, procedure, and controls for compliance to support internal process and external regulatory requirements. Provides subject matter expertise support to proposal development, basis of estimate and negotiations, as required.

Be part of a team delivering the next generation of secure military communications satellites for the UK Ministry of Defence. This work provides resilient, high‑performance connectivity for the UK, its allies and Defence personnel worldwide, playing a critical role in protecting national security as space becomes more contested and demand for secure data continues to grow. Joining Lockheed Martin also means helping to shape significant investment in the North East space sector, with more than £100 million proposed to support high‑skill jobs, advanced manufacturing and long‑term economic growth. Opportunities include potential satellite manufacturing in County Durham and collaboration with NESST – the North East Space Skills and Technology Centre at Northumbria University – helping to build a strong pipeline of talent, learning and innovation. This is your chance to work on mission‑critical technology, develop cutting‑edge skills and build a meaningful career, while delivering lasting impact for the region and the nation.

Role and Responsibilities

The Lead Cost Analyst will work closely with the Programme and PMO team within a newly established Programme delivery team, supporting the successful delivery of a high‑profile and complex programme. The role will play a key part in shaping and managing cost reporting, forecasting, and financial performance across programme delivery activities. A strong understanding of contractual and Financial Reporting Requirements will be important, alongside experience working within complex, multi‑layered programme environments. This role offers the opportunity to work closely with project and control account managers, providing valuable insight into programme performance and supporting informed decision‑making through accurate reporting and forecasting. Responsibilities will include preparing budgets for contractual work, monitoring actual spend against programme outputs, and assessing the impact of schedule changes on overall cost outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Support and enhance Cost Control Systems
• Perform analysis and prepare reports aligned to contractual outputs
• Monitor costs and cost composition against agreed parameters and government cost principles
• Establish budgets for contracted work activities
• Conduct financial analysis of cost projections and baselines, reporting detailed variances and trends
• Prepare programme plans to ensure requirements within Statements of Work are effectively planned and captured
• Perform risk analysis to identify programme cost risks and potential issuesIncorporate contractual changes into work systems to maintain accurate cost and sales baselines, forecasts, and analysis
• Ensure costs are allocated in line with established processes and controls.

Required Skills, Qualifications And Experience

• Senior‑level communicator with confident presentation skills
• Advanced MS Office capability, particularly within Excel
• Strong background in financial control and reporting
• Proven application of Earned Value Management principles
• Extensive experience in project cost control and performance reporting

Desired Skills

• Experience of project management within the Defence and Space industry
• Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills
• Knowledge of standard costing methodologies
• Experience working with Government Single Sourcing Regulations