At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial planning and analysis, guiding strategic decisions and managing a talented finance team.
- Company: Join Draken, a dynamic leader in defence and aerospace with a commitment to fair rewards.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salaries, generous pension contributions, bonuses, and wellbeing programmes.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team that values respect and collaboration.
- Why this job: Shape financial strategy in a growing organisation and make impactful decisions.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with experience in long-term contract accounting and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
Draken believes in fair reward and recognition for our employees. As such, we offer competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package including up to 12% matching pension contributions, bonus incentives, discounted PMI, electric car scheme, tech vouchers, wellbeing programmes and much more.
We’re looking for a Head of Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) to join Draken at a pivotal stage of growth. This is a senior leadership role, responsible for managing a team of 6 Finance Business Partners and 1 FP&A Analyst and driving robust financial planning to support strategic decision-making across the organisation. Acting as a trusted partner to the Programmes team and senior leadership, you’ll provide insightful, forward‑looking financial analysis across complex, long‑term contracts. This role plays a key part in shaping commercial decisions, assessing risk, and ensuring strong financial performance. You’ll also support the VP Finance in enhancing forecasting processes and building a high‑performing FP&A function, with clear succession planning and capability development.
Key Responsibilities
- Act as a trusted finance partner to senior operational leaders across Draken
- Provide financial insight and challenge on contract performance, changes, and negotiations
- Clearly communicate financial risks, opportunities and sensitivities to leadership
- Lead budgeting, forecasting, and long‑range planning processes
- Develop and maintain complex financial models (covering contracts, cash flow, profitability and scenario analysis)
- Ensure forecasts reflect key drivers such as contract structures, milestones, inflation and performance obligations
- Provide oversight of long‑term defence contracts, ensuring appropriate revenue recognition and margin management (e.g. IFRS 15)
- Align commercial forecasts with financial reporting and statutory results
- Monitor contract performance, identifying emerging risks and recommending corrective actions
- Lead and develop a team of Finance Business Partners and FP&A analysts
- Coach and mentor team members, building strong commercial finance capability
- Strengthen governance across financial models and forecasting processes
- Drive continuous improvement in tools, reporting and processes
- Act as a key member of the finance leadership team and deputise for the VP Finance where required
About You
- Commercially focused with strong analytical skills
- Able to balance detail with strategic thinking
- Comfortable operating in a senior, high‑accountability role
- Pragmatic, resilient and solutions‑oriented
- A collaborative leader who invests in developing others
Why Join Draken?
- Play a key role in shaping financial strategy within a growing, complex organisation
- Work closely with senior leadership on high‑impact decisions
- Lead and develop a high‑performing FP&A function
- Be part of a dynamic, mission‑driven business in the defence and aerospace sector
Draken is committed to eliminating unlawful and unfair discrimination and we celebrate the differences that a diverse workforce brings. A range of perspective and talent supports our values and drives our success, with a mix of voices generating better discussions, business decisions and outcomes for all. At all our sites internationally, every member of the Draken team is accountable to ensure that we are all treated fairly and with respect. We are also an Armed Forces friendly organisation, and as part of our commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant, welcome applications from veterans and services spouses and partners who met the criteria in our job specifications. In line with our Disability Confident Commitments, we provide reasonable adjustments to facilitate our interview process, please liaise with us if any reasonable adjustments are required.
Whether it is adversarial support, electronic attack or customised rotary‑wing training, we offer the most accurate and advanced readiness training in the industry. Our vast, differentiated fleet, cutting edge hardware and experienced instructors are engaged to help your mission take off. Being ready is not only a matter of when. But where. We provide services in the UK, US and across the NATO countries. Making sure that our allies can manoeuvre around defeat and prepare to prevail.
Head of Financial Planning & Analysis in Bournemouth employer: Draken Europe
Draken is an exceptional employer that prioritises fair reward and recognition, offering competitive salaries alongside a comprehensive benefits package, including generous pension contributions and wellbeing programmes. As a Head of Financial Planning & Analysis, you will play a pivotal role in shaping financial strategy within a dynamic, mission-driven organisation in the defence and aerospace sector, with ample opportunities for professional growth and development in a collaborative and inclusive work culture.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Financial Planning & Analysis in Bournemouth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance and defence sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings at Draken or other companies.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your financial modelling skills. Be ready to discuss complex financial concepts and how you've tackled challenges in previous roles. Show them you can simplify the complicated stuff – that’s what they’re looking for!
✨Tip Number 3
Research Draken thoroughly! Understand their mission, values, and recent projects. This will help you tailor your conversations and show that you’re genuinely interested in being part of their team. Plus, it’ll give you some great talking points during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Let’s get you on board!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Financial Planning & Analysis in Bournemouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Financial Planning & Analysis role. Highlight your experience in financial modelling, long-term contract accounting, and team leadership. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for Draken. Mention your experience in the defence sector and how you can contribute to our financial strategy. Keep it engaging and personal!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this is a senior role, we want to see your leadership style. Share examples of how you've developed high-performing teams and driven financial performance in previous roles. We love a collaborative leader who invests in others!
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows us you're serious about joining the Draken team. We can't wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Draken Europe
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Head of Financial Planning & Analysis, you’ll need to demonstrate your expertise in financial modelling and long-term contract accounting. Brush up on key metrics and be ready to discuss how you've used financial analysis to drive strategic decisions in previous roles.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
This role involves managing a team, so be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully led and developed high-performing teams. Highlight your coaching and mentoring experiences, as well as any initiatives you've implemented to enhance team performance.
✨Communicate Clearly
You’ll need to simplify complex financial concepts for senior stakeholders. Practice explaining intricate financial scenarios in straightforward terms. This will not only show your communication skills but also your ability to act as a trusted finance partner.
✨Understand the Business Context
Familiarise yourself with Draken's operations and the defence sector. Be ready to discuss how your financial insights can support commercial decisions and risk assessments. Showing that you understand the broader business context will set you apart from other candidates.
