Location
Elgin Ave., London

Hours
37 hours per week

Salary
£72,840 per annum

About the Role
The Finance Military Operations (J8) Head Finance Business Partner (Head FBP) is a senior leadership role within the Military Armaments Business (MAB) and part of the MAB Senior Leadership Team, primarily advising the 2* Commander MAB. The Head FBP acts as the senior financial advisor responsible for providing comprehensive financial advice, business intelligence, support, and assurance across all core and operationally funded spend within MAB. This includes oversight of MAB Operations and Core spend, coordination with the Chief Operating Officer, Business Management function, Cyber and Specialist Operations Command (CSOC) Unified Finance function, and the Finance Military Operations team.

The role delivers the J8 function within the headquarters and liaises with other Front-Line Commands and delivery organisations to support Commander-led operations. The Head FBP serves as the single point of contact for Commander MAB on all Core and Operational spend matters and maintains awareness of budgetary positions across operational regions and Core MAB finance business partners.

The post holder leads the embedded team responsible for financing military operations and core finance business partnering within MAB, maintaining operational context and enabling operations at the speed of relevance while preserving operational security. They hold delegated authorities to facilitate this and contribute to providing a unified financial picture to Commander CSOC, Military Strategic Headquarters, Department of State, and HM Treasury. The role supports the development of common services including assurance to ensure operational demand is reflected in finance processes and future systems.

The Head FBP maintains strong relationships with senior and wider stakeholders, bringing insight and influence through effective communication to ensure finance considerations support strategic plans and objectives. Reporting lines include accountability to CSOC’s Deputy Director FinMilOps and engagement with Commander MAB and his Command Team, Military Strategic Headquarters, Strategic Finance, Treasury senior officials, and other key stakeholders.

The role includes line management responsibilities for 3 direct reports and 7 countersigning roles, oversight of the J8 business management team for Core Finance with one additional direct report and ten further posts. The Head FBP is a member of the CSOC Finance Senior Leadership Team and the CSOC FBP Community of Practice.

The post holder is expected to work regularly from the West Brompton office, with a minimum of 80% office attendance due to operational requirements and access to higher-classification systems. There is potential for periodic visits to operational theatres for assurance checks and operational observation, subject to training and medical clearance.

This role supports the Ministry of Defence’s commitment to operational excellence, innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement across teams within Cyber & Specialist Operations Command (CSOC), the UK’s fourth Military Command.

Experience
Proven experience in financial specialisations including forecasting, financial planning, governance, requirement scrutiny, and transactional processes such as invoice payments, accruals, and prepayments. Experience in line management, mentoring, and countersigning is required, with responsibility for multiple direct reports and wider team oversight. Strong organisational skills and the ability to build effective working relationships with a variety of stakeholders both internally and externally are essential.

Familiarity with IT systems, particularly advanced Excel and Word skills, and experience with Oracle-based financial systems is required.

About you
You are a strong communicator and problem solver who can operate at pace while maintaining operational security. You demonstrate leadership and influence, bringing insight to strategic financial decision-making. You are able to manage competing priorities and deliver results in a complex and dynamic environment. You will be committed to fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

The role requires regular presence in the office and occasional travel to operational theatres, subject to training and medical clearance.

Qualifications
Candidates must hold a recognised professional accountancy qualification such as CCAB, CIMA, or equivalent.