Role: Head of FP&A

18 Months Fixed Term Contract

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. 

• Strong MSExcel skills. 

• 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.

Pay Range:

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Why Join Us?

You’ll be joining a forward-thinking organisation that values transparency, fairness, and innovation. We offer:

•    A flexible, inclusive, and supportive working environment.
•    Opportunities for career growth in a rapidly scaling business.
•    A culture that values diversity, innovation, and continuous learning.

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds. Inclusivity is important to us, and as a Disability Confident organisation, we are committed to fair, supportive, and continually improving recruitment practices that ensure everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Confidence can sometimes hold us back from applying for a job. But we'll let you in on a secret: there's no such thing as a 'perfect' candidate. If you feel you meet 75% of the requirements for this role, we would love to hear from you.

Also, if you are considering a career move or a sector-jump, please get in touch – we welcome applications from people with transferable skills.

Our Application Process

Due to the safety regulations within the nuclear industry, applicants will be required to participate in additional screening. These are:

•    Obtaining Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) clearance
•    Satisfactory completion of a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check
•    Satisfactory completion of a basic financial probity check
 

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