Finance Director (Hiring Immediately) in London

The Finance Director will lead the financial strategy required to achieve Final Investment Decision (FID) and secure long-term financing for a multi-billion dollar nuclear new-build project. The role is accountable for coordinating the total cost estimate, ensuring cost credibility at AACE Class 2/3 level, structuring the financing plan (ECA-backed and sovereign-supported), and establishing robust governance of project financial risk, contingency, and exposure management. This position ensures that cost, risk, schedule, and financing are fully integrated into a lender-grade and regulator-credible investment case.

Key Responsibilities

• Secure Project Financing and Funding Strategy
  • Lead the definition and execution of the financing roadmap up to FID.
  • Structure and coordinate funding solutions including Export Credit Agency (ECA) backed financing, sovereign guarantees, state support mechanisms, and commercial debt.
  • Support negotiations with international ECAs, commercial lenders, financial institutions, and government stakeholders.
• Financial Model Ownership (Bankability and LCOE Alignment)
  • Own and maintain the integrated project financial model, including CAPEX, IDC, OPEX assumptions, WACC, and funding structures.
  • Ensure the project remains within financial thresholds required for ECA credit approvals, FID decision packages, and international nuclear benchmarks (LCOE, NPV, IRR).
• Total Cost Estimate Governance
  • Coordinate the development of the project-wide cost estimate, integrating EPC price maturity, Owner’s scope, and risk-based contingency allocation.
  • Establish governance ensuring transparency of assumptions, traceability to quantities, and alignment with AACE RP N18R-97 best practices.
• Cost Estimation Coordination and Oversight
  • Lead coordination between the Owner and Contractor to ensure delivery of bottom-up EPC estimate maturity.
  • Ensure the Cost Breakdown Structure (CBS) is aligned and suitable for lender due diligence and contract negotiations.
• Project Risk Management and Financial Exposure Governance
  • Establish and lead the integration of risk management into financial planning, ensuring that project cost and financing are fully risk-informed.
  • Oversee the Project Risk Register, focusing on financial drivers: licensing/regulatory uncertainty, design maturity, supply chain constraints, and schedule-driven IDC growth.
  • Define and govern the project’s contingency strategy, ensuring risks are quantified, mitigation is embedded in the execution plan, and residual risks are transparently allocated (Owner vs. EPC Contractor).
  • Lead scenario and sensitivity analysis regarding schedule slippage, CAPEX escalation, and financing structure stress tests.
• Stakeholder Interface and External Alignment
  • Act as the primary financial and risk interface with the Board of Directors, Government authorities, and international regulatory bodies (e.g., State Aid and Competition commissions).
  • Support the preparation of Steering Committee and Board-level decision materials.
• Financial Controls and Decision Support
  • Establish project financial reporting systems, including CAPEX tracking, risk-adjusted cost reporting, and scenario-based decision dashboards.
  • Provide executive support on EPC commercial strategy, payment milestone structuring, and risk allocation.

Requirements

Education

• Degree in Finance, Economics, Engineering Management, or equivalent.
• MBA or advanced finance qualification (CFA/CPA) preferred.

Experience

• Minimum 15+ years in project finance and risk governance for energy or infrastructure mega-projects (typically >€5B).
• Proven track record in securing ECA-backed financing and managing lender due diligence.
• Strong familiarity with EPC contracting models and liability frameworks within highly regulated industries.

Core Competencies

• Expertise in nuclear CAPEX estimating maturity and governance.
• Advanced proficiency in risk-based contingency methodologies and financial modelling (WACC, IDC, sensitivities).
• Strategic understanding of contractual risk allocation between Owner and EPC.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Generation III+ nuclear programs or comparable complex energy builds.
• Familiarity with regional state aid frameworks and nuclear licensing environments.