Job Title: Lead Finance Business Partner
Location: Ashton Vale, Bristol, (Bristol) or Corsham, (Wiltshire)_
Compensation: Competitive Salary + Benefits
Role Type: Full time / Permanent
Role ID: SF
At Babcock, we’re working to create a safe and secure world, together. If you join us, you can play your part as a Lead Finance Business Partner at Ashton House (Bristol).
The role
As a Lead Finance Business Partner, you’ll play a pivotal role in supporting the Skynet programme, one of the UK’s most vital defence and satellite infrastructure contracts. You’ll partner with operational teams, lead a small finance team, and take ownership of contract accounting and financial performance across a growing portfolio.
This is a high-impact role where you’ll influence strategic decisions, drive growth, and help shape the future of our Space Business Unit within Mission Systems. You’ll have the autonomy to lead your area, backed by strong governance and support, while developing your leadership and commercial acumen in a dynamic and fast-evolving environment.
This role is full time, 37 hours per week and provides hybrid working arrangements with X days in the office/onsite and X days working from home based in Ashton House (Bristol) or Corsham (Wiltshire).
Day-to-day you’ll be:
You’ll lead financial planning and performance for a major defence contract, empowering teams with insights and driving operational excellence.
1. Providing Directors and Heads of Business with accurate financial insights to drive performance
2. Producing clear, meaningful reports showing contract performance and variances
3. Collaborating with Project Managers to identify and mitigate financial risks
4. Building strong relationships with business leads and bidding teams
5. Supporting contract reviews and presenting to senior stakeholders
Essential experience of the Lead Finance Business Partner
6. Qualified Accountant (ACA, ACCA, or CIMA preferred)
7. Strong Excel modelling and Microsoft Office skills
8. Experience with IFS finance systems (desirable)
9. Proven ability to meet tight deadlines and manage multiple priorities
10. Confident, self-motivated team player with leadership potential
Qualifications for the Lead Finance Business Partner
11. Qualified Accountant (CIMA, ACCA or ACA)
12. Bachelor’s degree or equivalent (desirable)
13. Clean driving licence
Security Clearance
The successful candidate must be able to achieve and maintain Standard (BPSS) / Security Check (SC) security clearance for this role.
Many of the positions within our company are subject to national security clearance and Trade Control restrictions. This means that your eligibility for certain roles may be affected by your place of birth, nationality, current or former citizenship, and any residency you hold or have held. Further details are available at