Lead, Finance Business Partner - Heritage

McLaren Automotive Limited; Woking; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

McLaren Automotive Limited is seeking a Lead, Finance Business Partner - Heritage to join our Finance team. You will partner with Heritage & TPC Operations, Engineering, Commercial, Production and Leadership to provide financial insight and challenge for Heritage programmes, customer projects and long-term strategy.

Based in the UK, you will strengthen governance, drive commercial decision-making and improve cash generation, margin, and asset utilisation while supporting growth and profitability

Qualifications

• You will be a qualified accountant with an ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualification and significant finance business partnering experience gained within a manufacturing, engineering, automotive or project-based environment.
• You will also bring:
• Strong knowledge of project accounting, inventory valuation and operational finance.
• Experience supporting senior leadership teams and influencing strategic decisions.
• Strong commercial acumen and the ability to evaluate opportunities and risks.

Responsibilities

• Act as the primary finance business partner to the Heritage Leadership Team, influencing decisions to improve profitability, margin performance and cash generation.
• Lead pricing reviews, business cases and investment appraisals, providing financial insight that shapes customer proposals, quotations and commercial terms.
• Coordinate cross-functional priorities across the TPC programme to maximise value for key stakeholders.
• Partner with the Car Financial Performance Team, applying knowledge of the F1 Financial Regulations to strengthen inventory governance, regulatory compliance and operational efficiency.
• Own the financial control of Heritage programmes, customer projects and restoration activities from approval through to delivery.
• Track costs, hours and margin against approved budgets, identifying risks, opportunities and corrective actions.
• Report programme profitability and delivery progress to Heritage and Finance leadership.
• Manage the cost cap treatment and deployment of Heritage Asset Personnel into F1 workstreams.
• Own financial governance for Heritage inventory, vehicle assets and work in progress, improving visibility, asset utilisation and working capital performance.
• Lead budgeting, forecasting and monthly performance reporting, developing meaningful KPIs and management information.
• Lead finance workstreams supporting operational and systems improvements, reducing manual activity and developing scalable financial processes and controls.
• Maintain strong financial controls and represent Finance within key business forums, providing insight, challenge and guidance.
• Operate with a high level of autonomy, escalating material financial, regulatory and investment decisions in line with Finance governance and delegated authority.

Skills

Project accounting

Inventory valuation

Operational finance

Stakeholder management

Financial modelling

Budgeting & forecasting

Governance & controls

Cross-functional teamwork

Communication skills

Education

ACA/ACCA/CIMA

Job description

Purpose of the Role

We have an exciting opportunity for a Lead, Finance Business Partner - Heritage to join our Finance team.

As the finance lead for the McLaren Heritage business, you will partner closely with Heritage & TPC Operations, Engineering, Commercial, Production and Leadership teams. You will provide the financial insight and commercial challenge needed to support Heritage and TPC programmes, customer projects and long-term strategic objectives.

Operating at the centre of the Heritage business, you will help shape its future direction by strengthening financial governance, commercial decision-making and operational discipline, while supporting growth and profitability.

Principal Accountabilities

• Act as the primary finance business partner to the Heritage Leadership Team, influencing decisions to improve profitability, margin performance and cash generation.
• Lead pricing reviews, business cases and investment appraisals, providing financial insight that shapes customer proposals, quotations and commercial terms.
• Coordinate cross-functional priorities across the TPC programme to maximise value for key stakeholders.
• Partner with the Car Financial Performance Team, applying knowledge of the F1 Financial Regulations to strengthen inventory governance, regulatory compliance and operational efficiency.
• Own the financial control of Heritage programmes, customer projects and restoration activities from approval through to delivery.
• Track costs, hours and margin against approved budgets, identifying risks, opportunities and corrective actions.
• Report programme profitability and delivery progress to Heritage and Finance leadership.
• Manage the cost cap treatment and deployment of Heritage Asset Personnel into F1 workstreams.
• Own financial governance for Heritage inventory, vehicle assets and work in progress, improving visibility, asset utilisation and working capital performance.
• Lead budgeting, forecasting and monthly performance reporting, developing meaningful KPIs and management information.
• Lead finance workstreams supporting operational and systems improvements, reducing manual activity and developing scalable financial processes and controls.
• Maintain strong financial controls and represent Finance within key business forums, providing insight, challenge and guidance.
• Operate with a high level of autonomy, escalating material financial, regulatory and investment decisions in line with Finance governance and delegated authority.

Company Description

High performance isn't a given. It's built on standards.

Standards that have driven McLaren for over 60 years.

And if you're ready for the challenge, that standard is yours to own.

Burning enthusiasm. Constant improvement. The thrill in the pursuit of better.

That's how we build a legacy. And how you build a career here.

Because racing isn't just something we do. It's who we are.

We are racers.

Are you?

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

You will be a qualified accountant with an ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualification and significant finance business partnering experience gained within a manufacturing, engineering, automotive or project-based environment.

You will also bring:

• Strong knowledge of project accounting, inventory valuation and operational finance.
• Experience supporting senior leadership teams and influencing strategic decisions.
• Strong commercial acumen and the ability to evaluate opportunities and risks.
• Experience developing budgets, forecasts and business cases.
• Advanced financial modelling and analytical skills.
• A strong understanding of financial controls and governance.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Experience working across cross-functional teams in a fast-paced environment.
• The ability to work effectively under pressure and manage competing demands.
• A creative, curious and improvement-focused approach to problem-solving.
• The drive, determination and commitment to deliver results and build effective relationships at every level.

Additional Information

Success in racing comes from bringing together talented people with different skills, perspectives and experiences. We're committed to building an inclusive environment where everyone feels supported and empowered to deliver their best work.
Every role has the potential to drive high performance. You'll be part of a team united by a shared ambition to push boundaries and embody our racing mindset. We invest in our people through opportunities to develop and grow, creating an environment where individuals and teams can thrive.
Alongside a range of wellbeing initiatives and development opportunities, we're committed to helping you build a rewarding career and make your mark at McLaren Racing.