VP Finance

Your Impact

As the VP Finance for Radar & Advanced Targeting Systems (RATS), you will be the senior financial leader responsible for driving business performance, strategic financial direction, effective governance, and robust financial control across a £600m business. You will partner closely with the SVP RATS and lead a team of 20 finance professionals to deliver the Line of Business (LoB) and site financial commitments. You will operate as a trusted advisor and co‑pilot to the business shaping strategy, influencing senior stakeholders, and ensuring strong financial stewardship across operations, bids, investments, and long‑term planning.

What you’ll do:

• Lead the production, analysis, and presentation of monthly management accounts and reporting for review with the Electronics UK Finance Director.
• Provide objective challenge through the line of business PPR and QBR cycles, including presenting line of business performance to the EUK Deputy Managing Director.
• Manage the cash inflow forecast and working capital performance on a monthly, quarterly, and annual basis.
• Drive delivery of the line of business financial commitments across Orders, Sales, Revenues, EBIT, Cash Flow, OWC, and Investment.
• Own the preparation of the annual budget and strategic plan, including scenario analysis and strategic option development, and present to the DMD.
• Oversee financial control of site cost base, recoveries, and charging rates.
• Evaluate line of business investments (R&D, ONR, Capex, PBP) and provide clear recommendations.
• Lead financial reviews of all bids and tenders, with a strong focus on cash flow, dependencies, and risk.
• Develop finance capability within the RATS line of business, promoting career development, coaching, and a culture of continuous improvement.
• Ensure full compliance with IAS, Leonardo Group Directives, and Electronics Division Finance policies.
• Collaborate closely with the Electronics UK finance community to drive alignment, consistency, and excellence in financial management.

What you’ll bring:

• BA/BSc (or equivalent) in Accounting or Business, plus ACA / CIMA / ACCA qualification.
• A considerable amount of progressive finance experience, including finance leadership within a medium to large organisation.
• Experience in manufacturing or a similar environment; aerospace sector experience is advantageous.
• Strong influencing and stakeholder management skills at senior levels.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with an inclusive, collaborative approach.
• Results driven mindset with high levels of motivation and accountability.
• Proven ability to present complex financial information clearly to internal and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated leadership capability with a track record of building high performing teams.
• Ability to create strategic alignment and drive organisational engagement across objectives and teams.
• Commitment to building a culture of ownership, insight, and partnership, positioning finance as a strategic co‑pilot rather than a scorekeeper.
• Passion for coaching, talent development, and enabling internal mobility and succession growth.

Security Clearance

This role is subject to pre‑employment screening in line with the UK Government’s Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). An additional range of Personnel Security Controls referred to as National Security Vetting (NSV) may apply, this could include meeting the eligibility requirements for The Security Check (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV).

Why join us

At Leonardo, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We offer a comprehensive, company‑funded benefits package that supports your wellbeing, career development, and work–life balance. Whether you’re looking to grow professionally, care for your health, or plan for the future, we’re here to help you thrive.

• Time to Recharge: Enjoy generous leave with the opportunity to accrue up to 12 additional flexi‑days each year.
• Secure your Future: Benefit from our award‑winning pension scheme with up to 15% employer contribution.
• Your Wellbeing Matters: Free access to mental health support, financial advice, and employee‑led networks championing inclusion and diversity.
• Rewarding Performance: All employees at management level and below are eligible for our bonus scheme.
• Never Stop Learning: Free access to 4,000+ online courses via Coursera and LinkedIn Learning.
• Refer a friend: Receive a financial reward through our referral programme.
• Tailored Perks: Spend up to £500 annually on flexible benefits including private healthcare, dental, family cover, tech & lifestyle discounts, gym memberships and more.
• Flexible working: Flexible hours with hybrid working options.

For a full list of our company benefits please visit our website. Leonardo is a global leader in Aerospace, Defence, and Security. Headquartered in Italy, we employ over 53,000 people worldwide including 8,500 across 9 sites in the UK. Our employees are not just part of a team—they are key contributors to shaping innovation, advancing technology, and enhancing global safety. At Leonardo we are committed to building an inclusive, accessible, and welcoming workplace. We believe that a diverse workforce sparks creativity, drives innovation, and leads to better outcomes for our people and our customers. If you have any accessibility requirements to support you during the recruitment process, just let us know. Be part of something bigger - apply now!