Head of Business Partnering & Finance Transformation - Dounreay in Thurso

Nuclear Restoration Services Limited (NRS) is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA). NRS is responsible for decommissioning first generation nuclear power stations and research sites. NRS Dounreay is responsible for the clean-up and demolition of the former centre of fast reactor research and development.

NRS is an exciting place to be, and this role is the perfect opportunity for you to be part of our challenging mission - to safely and successfully manage the UK’s civil nuclear legacy on behalf of the nation. To deliver our commitment, we need people like you who want to perform at an industry leading standard and be part of a team that continues to develop, innovate and even exceed our greatest achievements.

At NRS, we understand, and acknowledge the value of an inclusive working environment, and celebrate the diversity this brings to our workplace.

About The Role

This is a pivotal role at the heart of our financial leadership at NRS Dounreay. We’re looking for someone who can bring strategic insight, challenge constructively, and lead transformation with confidence. If you’re passionate about driving value, enabling decision-making, and leading high-performing teams, we’d love to hear from you.

Purpose of the Role

The Head of Business Partnering & Finance Transformation – NRS Dounreay will lead the Finance Business Partnering function and drive finance transformation across the site. This senior leadership role is key to aligning financial strategy with operational goals, enhancing value for money, and ensuring robust governance and compliance with sanction expectations.

Key Deliverables

• Lead and develop the Finance Business Partnering team at Dounreay.
• Act as a strategic advisor to operational, functional, and project leaders.
• Drive finance transformation initiatives, including the implementation of the NRS three pillar model.
• Oversee business planning, budgeting, and forecasting processes.
• Lead the period-end close process and deliver accurate, insightful reporting.
• Monitor financial performance and support corrective actions.
• Provide financial challenge and assurance on business cases and investment proposals.
• Ensure compliance with governance frameworks, financial policies, and regulatory requirements.
• Support internal and external audits and contribute to enterprise risk management.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Contribute to the wider finance strategy as part of the Finance Extended Leadership Team.

Qualifications And Experience

Essential:

• Significant experience in senior finance leadership, ideally within complex or regulated environments.
• Proven success in leading finance business partnering and transformation.
• Strong commercial acumen and strategic financial insight.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Qualified accountant (CIMA, ACCA, ACA) with substantial post-qualification experience.

Desirable:

• Experience in the nuclear, energy, or public sector.
• Understanding of government funding models and public sector financial governance.
• Familiarity with project accounting, capital investment appraisal, and long-term financial planning.

Values & Behaviours

• Demonstrates integrity, accountability, and a commitment to safety.
• Champions collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Supports diversity, inclusion, and professional excellence.

Benefits Package

• Salary commensurate with skills & experience.
• Car / Car Allowance.
• Flexible working – where possible.
• Equivalent of 30 days (222 hours) annual leave plus Public Holidays (59.2 hours per year) - option to buy or sell up to one week each year.
• Flexible benefits scheme – including cycle to work and reduced gym membership fees.
• Participation in performance related personal bonus scheme at a percentage of salary.
• Employee Assistance Programme including 24-hour telephone support & personal assistance service and access to an online wellbeing App.
• Up to 13.5% employer pension contribution depending on individual contribution amount.
• Enhanced maternity and paternity pay (dependent on service).
• Access to training and development through the company performance management arrangements, supporting you in maintaining your personal Continuous Professional Development.

We have various different employee networks supporting our inclusion, diversity and wellbeing mission at Nuclear Restoration Services (NRS).

Please note: All successful candidates will need to provide proof of identity, eligibility to work in the UK and employment/education history (typically covering the last 3–5 years) in line with NRS Baseline Security requirements. Some roles may also require full Security Clearance, which involves additional checks.

We offer flexibility on base location for multi-site roles and are happy to discuss flexible working options. At NRS, we value diversity and inclusion and encourage applications from underrepresented groups.