At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy for UK Defence, overseeing £19bn in annual expenditure.
- Company: Join the National Armaments Director Group at the heart of UK Defence.
- Benefits: Influential role with opportunities for professional growth and impact.
- Other info: Be part of a mission that enhances national security and military capability.
- Why this job: Shape the future of UK Defence while driving financial innovation and efficiency.
- Qualifications: Proven strategic financial leadership experience in large organisations.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 117800 € per year.
The National Armaments Director Group sits at the heart of UK Defence at a moment of genuine consequence. As the UK faces a more contested and unpredictable security environment, the mission is clear: to ensure our armed forces are equipped, supported and sustained with the speed, resilience and credibility the moment demands. Bringing together procurement, science, digital, infrastructure and support under a single enterprise, the Group exists to maximise the nation's war‑fighting capability, strengthen industrial partnerships and steward public money in a way that delivers both military advantage and long‑term national value.
This is a role with extraordinary scale and influence. As Chief Financial Officer, you will be the senior financial leader across an organisation of nearly 30,000 people, overseeing some £19bn of annual expenditure across thousands of complex, high‑risk programmes. Sitting on the Executive Committee, you will shape strategy as much as you enable it, combining rigorous stewardship with the judgement to support pace, innovation and intelligent risk‑taking.
From sustaining confidence with Ministers, HM Treasury and Parliament, to unlocking new commercial models and private capital, the role is central to turning ambition into delivery at scale. The context is one of reform and opportunity. Defence is being reshaped to move faster, operate more commercially and partner more deeply with industry and allies. The CFO will be a key architect of that change, driving a step‑change in financial, operational and programme management capability, while building a high‑performing finance function that is curious, outward‑looking and relentlessly focused on value for money.
This is about more than control; it is about enabling better decisions, sharper prioritisation and sustained delivery confidence. We are looking for an enterprise‑minded leader with the credibility to operate at the most senior levels and the resilience to lead through complexity and scrutiny. You will bring deep experience of strategic financial leadership in large organisations, strong commercial instincts and a track record of translating strategy into execution. You will be intellectually curious, calm under pressure and motivated by purpose. Above all, you will recognise the significance of this mission and be ready to play a defining role in shaping the future of UK Defence.
Recruitment Timetable
- Closing date: 23:55 on Sunday 14 June 2026
- Preliminary interviews: Week commencing 22 June 2026
- Short listing: Week commencing 29 June 2026
- Final panel: Tuesday 14 July 2026
How to apply
- Your CV, with educational and professional qualifications and full employment history, including an explanation of any gaps in your employment history, and details, where possible, of budgets and numbers of people for which you have been responsible;
- A supporting statement (no more than 2 pages) outlining how you consider your personal skills, leadership attributes, qualities and experience match the essential criteria outlined in the Person Specification. Applications that exceed the page limit or that are submitted without a supporting statement will not be considered.
- For assistance with your supporting statement, please reach out to GatenbySanderson;
- A diversity monitoring form (provided upon application);
- A declaration of interest form (provided upon application).
For a confidential discussion about the role, please contact Zoe.Bennett@gatenbysanderson.com
Chief Financial Officer in Bristol employer: GatenbySanderson
As a pivotal player in UK Defence, the National Armaments Director Group offers an unparalleled opportunity for the Chief Financial Officer to lead financial strategy at a time of significant transformation. With a commitment to fostering a high-performing culture, the organisation prioritises employee growth and innovation, ensuring that you will be part of a mission-driven team dedicated to enhancing national security while managing substantial resources. Located at the heart of defence operations, this role not only provides a platform for impactful decision-making but also allows you to engage with senior leaders and industry partners, making it an exceptional environment for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Financial Officer in Bristol
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to connections in the defence sector or finance world. Attend industry events, webinars, or even local meet-ups. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that CFO role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation and its current challenges. Understand their financial strategies and be ready to discuss how your experience can help them navigate the complexities of UK Defence.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be prepared to share examples of how you've driven change and improved financial performance in previous roles. This is your chance to demonstrate that you can lead through complexity and scrutiny.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Financial Officer in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling CV:Your CV is your first impression, so make it count! Highlight your educational and professional qualifications clearly, and don’t forget to include those impressive budgets and team sizes you've managed. Keep it concise and relevant to the role!
Nail the Supporting Statement:This is your chance to shine! Use the two pages wisely to showcase how your skills and experience align with the essential criteria. Be specific about your leadership attributes and how they relate to the mission of UK Defence.
Mind the Page Limit:Remember, less is more! Stick to the two-page limit for your supporting statement. Applications that go over this will be tossed aside, so make every word count and get straight to the point.
Apply Through Our Website:We want to hear from you! Make sure to submit your application through our website for the best chance of being considered. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves.
How to prepare for a job interview at GatenbySanderson
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Chief Financial Officer, you’ll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics relevant to the role, such as budget management and expenditure oversight. Be ready to discuss how you've managed large budgets in the past and the impact of your decisions.
✨Understand the Mission
Familiarise yourself with the UK Defence's current challenges and objectives. Show that you understand the importance of the role in shaping strategy and enabling delivery. This will help you articulate how your experience aligns with their mission and how you can contribute to their goals.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your ability to handle complex situations. Prepare examples from your past where you’ve had to make tough financial decisions or lead through scrutiny. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses effectively.
✨Showcase Leadership Qualities
Highlight your leadership style and how it has evolved in large organisations. Discuss how you build high-performing teams and foster a culture focused on value for money. Be prepared to share specific instances where your leadership made a significant difference in financial outcomes.
