The National Armaments Director Group sits at the heart of UK Defence at a moment of genuine consequence. As the UK faces a more contested and unpredictable security environment, the mission is clear: to ensure our armed forces are equipped, supported and sustained with the speed, resilience and credibility the moment demands. Bringing together procurement, science, digital, infrastructure and support under a single enterprise, the Group exists to maximise the nation's war‑fighting capability, strengthen industrial partnerships and steward public money in a way that delivers both military advantage and long‑term national value.
This is a role with extraordinary scale and influence. As Chief Financial Officer, you will be the senior financial leader across an organisation of nearly 30,000 people, overseeing some £19bn of annual expenditure across thousands of complex, high‑risk programmes. Sitting on the Executive Committee, you will shape strategy as much as you enable it, combining rigorous stewardship with the judgement to support pace, innovation and intelligent risk‑taking. From sustaining confidence with Ministers, HM Treasury and Parliament, to unlocking new commercial models and private capital, the role is central to turning ambition into delivery at scale.
The context is one of reform and opportunity. Defence is being reshaped to move faster, operate more commercially and partner more deeply with industry and allies. The CFO will be a key architect of that change, driving a step‑change in financial, operational and programme management capability, while building a high‑performing finance function that is curious, outward‑looking and relentlessly focused on value for money. This is about more than control; it is about enabling better decisions, sharper prioritisation and sustained delivery confidence.
We are looking for an enterprise‑minded leader with the credibility to operate at the most senior levels and the resilience to lead through complexity and scrutiny. You will bring deep experience of strategic financial leadership in large organisations, strong commercial instincts and a track record of translating strategy into execution. You will be intellectually curious, calm under pressure and motivated by purpose. Above all, you will recognise the significance of this mission and be ready to play a defining role in shaping the future of UK Defence.
Recruitment Timetable
Closing date: 23:55 on Sunday 14 June 2026
Preliminary interviews: Week commencing 22 June 2026
Short listing: Week commencing 29 June 2026
Final panel: Tuesday 14 July 2026
How to apply
Your CV, with educational and professional qualifications and full employment history, including an explanation of any gaps in your employment history, and details, where possible, of budgets and numbers of people for which you have been responsible;
A supporting statement (no more than 2 pages) outlining how you consider your personal skills, leadership attributes, qualities and experience match the essential criteria outlined in the Person Specification. Applications that exceed the page limit or that are submitted without a supporting statement will not be considered. For assistance with your supporting statement, please reach out to GatenbySanderson;
A diversity monitoring form (provided upon application);
A declaration of interest form (provided upon application).
For a confidential discussion about the role, please contact Zoe.Bennett@gatenbysanderson.com
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