At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide financial leadership and support to drive performance in a dynamic, international environment.
- Company: Join Safran, a global leader in aviation, defence, and space technology.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, performance bonuses, private medical insurance, and flexible leave options.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainable aviation while developing your financial expertise.
- Qualifications: Fully qualified accountant with strong analytical and stakeholder management skills.
- Other info: Opportunities for structured training and career progression in a collaborative culture.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Safran is an international high-technology group, operating in the aviation (propulsion, equipment and interiors), defense and space markets. Its core purpose is to contribute to a safer, more sustainable world, where air transport is more environmentally friendly, comfortable and accessible. Safran has a global presence, with 100,000 employees and sales of 27.3 billion euros in 2024, and holds, alone or in partnership, world or regional leadership positions in its core markets.
Safran Electronics & Defense offers its customers onboard intelligence solutions allowing them to understand the environment, reduce mental load and guarantee a trajectory, even in critical situations, in all environments: on land, at sea, in the sky or space. The company harnesses the expertise of its 13,000 employees towards these three functions: observe, decide and guide, for the civil and military markets.
What do we offer?
- Competitive salary
- Company performance bonus scheme
- Pension scheme - up to 10% employer contribution
- Private medical insurance
- Comprehensive health cash plan
- 25 days annual leave + bank holidays
- Flexible benefits programme (buy & sell holiday allowance, discounted gym memberships, Maternity/ adoption leave- up to 52 weeks, first 26 weeks at full pay, subsequent 26 at 50% (basic pay) and Paternity/Non-Pregnant Parent/ Co-adopter leave 4 weeks full pay)
- Structured training & opportunities to progress
What does the role look like?
As Aftermarket Finance Business Partner, you will act as the primary financial contact for the Actuation Aftermarket leadership team, providing robust analysis, insight and commercial support to drive performance and growth. You will hold accountability for the financial performance of the MRO Storefront, including Flightsense, overseeing forecasting, reporting, R&O processes and governance. Working closely with senior stakeholders across Aftermarket, MRO facilities and global finance teams, you will play a key role in shaping strategy, supporting investment decisions and ensuring strong financial control. This is a highly visible role within the ASA leadership team, combining commercial acumen with technical financial expertise in a fast-paced, international environment.
What will your day-to-day responsibilities look like?
- Provide financial leadership and decision support to the Aftermarket Director and ASA leadership team, including P&L oversight, strategic guidance and investment analysis.
- Manage all financial reporting for the MRO Storefront, including forecasting, planning and actuals reporting.
- Oversee the Flightsense EAC process, ensuring robust governance, risk and opportunity management and compliance with financial controls.
- Lead the R&O process for the MRO Storefront, identifying performance drivers and ensuring clear stakeholder communication.
- Support the development of long-term forecasting and strategic planning aligned with market expectations and site intelligence.
- Act as financial approver for ASA proposals and business cases.
- Drive continuous improvement across Aftermarket financial processes, models and reporting.
- Build strong working relationships across Actuation finance teams in the UK, Italy, USA and France.
- Support Safran ASA integration activities and ensure compliance with accounting policies and international standards.
What will you bring to the role?
Essential skills:
- Fully qualified accountant (CIMA, ICAEW or ACCA).
- Strong analytical capability with advanced Excel skills and experience managing complex data sets.
- Proven experience partnering with senior stakeholders in a matrix environment, influencing commercial decision-making.
Desirable skills:
- FP&A experience within a manufacturing or engineering environment.
- Experience in aftermarket or service-based sales models.
- Knowledge of Program Finance (EAC) and Power by the Hour contracts.
- Experience working across multiple geographies and cultures.
- Strong commercial acumen with experience supporting business cases and investment decisions.
Finance Business Partner in Birmingham employer: Safran Actuation Systems
Contact Detail:
Safran Actuation Systems Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Business Partner in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the finance and aerospace sectors, especially those at Safran. A friendly chat can open doors that applications alone can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Safran's latest projects and values. Show us how your skills align with their mission of creating a safer, more sustainable world.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your financial analysis skills and be ready to discuss real-world scenarios. We want to see how you can provide insights and support decision-making in a fast-paced environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance! Tailor your application to highlight your experience in financial leadership and stakeholder management, making it clear why you're the perfect fit for the Aftermarket Finance Business Partner role.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Business Partner in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Finance Business Partner role. Highlight relevant experience and skills that match the job description, especially your analytical capabilities and stakeholder management experience.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about the role and how your background aligns with Safran's mission. Don’t forget to mention your experience in financial leadership and decision support.
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your past roles, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your impact. Use numbers and examples to illustrate how you've driven performance and growth in previous positions.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, so don’t hesitate!
How to prepare for a job interview at Safran Actuation Systems
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Finance Business Partner, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics relevant to Safran's operations, especially in the MRO Storefront. Be ready to discuss how you’ve used data to drive performance and support strategic decisions.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Skills
This role involves working closely with senior stakeholders. Prepare examples of how you've successfully influenced decision-making in previous roles. Think about times when you’ve navigated complex relationships and how you’ve communicated financial insights effectively.
✨Understand the Industry Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the aviation, defence, and space markets. Research current trends and challenges that Safran faces. Being able to discuss these topics will show your genuine interest in the company and its mission towards a sustainable future.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions that test your technical knowledge, especially around forecasting, reporting, and financial controls. Review your experience with advanced Excel functions and any specific financial models you've used. Being confident in your technical skills will set you apart.