At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and governance for critical defence programmes.
- Company: Join Babcock, a global leader in defence and engineering.
- Benefits: Generous holiday, pension scheme, health support, and professional development.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to building a better future.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on national security while enjoying flexible working arrangements.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with experience in financial reporting and stakeholder management.
Location: UK, Flexible + Agile Working Arrangements
Compensation: £57,300 - £71,600 Depending on Experience + Benefits
Role Type: Full time / Permanent
Shape financial strategy and governance across critical defence programmes. At Babcock we’re working to create a safe and secure world, together, and if you join us, you can play your part as a Lead Finance Business Partner at our Devonport Royal Dockyard site.
The role:
- As a Lead Finance Business Partner, you’ll play a key leadership role in supporting financial governance, compliance and strategic decision‑making across the Single Source Rates programme.
- You’ll ensure that pricing, reporting, and cost structures align with regulatory requirements, while enabling accurate and insightful financial planning.
- Day‑to‑day, you’ll have the opportunity to work at the centre of finance, regulation and programme delivery in a defence environment.
- Your expertise will directly support critical national infrastructure and defence programmes, while giving you exposure to senior stakeholders, complex financial frameworks, and opportunities to drive improvement across systems and processes.
Key Responsibilities:
- Providing financial leadership and oversight across the Single Source Rates Programme.
- Ensuring compliance with Single Source regulations, governance standards, and reporting requirements.
- Supporting pricing activities through robust cost classification, analysis, and financial reporting.
- Building strong relationships with finance teams, bid teams, auditors, and senior stakeholders across the business.
- Driving continuous improvement of financial processes, systems, controls, and reporting activities.
Essential Experience:
- Demonstrable knowledge of Single Source regulations and regulatory compliance requirements.
- Experience in financial reporting, cost classification, pricing activities, and financial analysis.
- Ability to interpret complex financial information while maintaining a strategic business perspective.
- Strong stakeholder management and communication skills, with experience influencing at all levels.
- Experience supporting audits, governance activities, and process improvement initiatives.
Qualifications:
- Essential: Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent).
- Desirable: Experience working within defence, engineering, manufacturing, regulated industries, or complex project environments. Familiarity with ERP systems, cost modelling, and regulatory reporting processes.
Security Clearance:
The successful candidate must be a sole UK National who is able to achieve and maintain Security Check (SC) security clearance for this role.
What We Offer:
- Generous holiday allowance.
- Matched contribution pension scheme, with life assurance.
- Access to a Digital GP, annual health check, and nutritional consultations through Aviva DigiCare+.
- Employee share scheme.
- Employee shopping savings portal.
- Payment of Professional Fees.
- Reservists in the armed forces receive 10‑days special paid leave.
- Holiday Trading is a benefit that allows UK Babcock employees to buy additional leave or to sell up to one working week of annual leave from their annual entitlement.
- ‘Be Kind Day’ enables employees to take one working day’s paid leave a year (or equivalent hours) to undertake volunteering work with their chosen organisation or registered charity.
- Excellent development opportunities and benefits package including an employee assistance programme supporting physical, mental and financial wellbeing.
Babcock is a global FTSE 100 organisation with over 26,000 people working together to make a difference. Here, you’ll be part of something bigger. From initial design to final decommissioning, your work will contribute to products and services that are essential to national security and public infrastructure. Together, we’re building a future that lasts — not just through the impact we make, but through meaningful careers that respect your work‑life balance.
We are a disability confident committed employer. If you have a disability or need any reasonable adjustments during the application and selection stages, please email careers@babcockinternational.com with the subject header “Reasonable adjustments requirement”. We’re committed to building an inclusive culture where everyone’s free to thrive. We are happy to talk about flexible working – please ask about alternative patterns of work at interview.
Closing date: 28/07/2026
Lead Finance Business Partner in Plymouth employer: Babcock International Group
Babcock International Group is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration in the automotive sector. With a focus on employee growth, you will have access to professional development opportunities and a supportive environment in Walsall, where your contributions directly impact project success. Enjoy competitive salaries, generous holiday allowances, and comprehensive health benefits that reflect our commitment to employee well-being.
Contact Details:
Babcock International Group Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Finance Business Partner in Plymouth
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Babcock International Group. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Finance Business Partner in Plymouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Babcock International Group.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Babcock International Group's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Babcock International Group
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Babcock International Group.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Babcock International Group will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Babcock International Group employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.