Strategic Finance Business Partner - UKIFS Ltd

Strategic Finance Business Partner - UKIFS Ltd.

UK Industrial Fusion Solutions (UKIFS) Ltd, a subsidiary of the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA), is at the forefront of developing fusion sustainable energy. Through the design and delivery of the STEP (Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production) programme we aim to build a prototype fusion plant, targeting first operations around 2040. UKIFS will lead delivery, collaborating with industrial partners and building a fusion supply chain with an estimated global sector value of £7tn per year.

Onsite working is expected for 3 days each week, however we actively support requests for Flexible Working.

• Outstanding defined benefit pension scheme, details of which can be found at the end of this advert.
• Corporate bonus scheme up to 7% and a Relocation allowance (if eligible).
• Flexible working options including family friendly policies.
• Employee Assistance Programme and trained Mental Health First Aiders.
• Generous annual leave allowance starting with 25 days, plus 3 days Christmas closure and 2.5 privilege days, in addition to UK bank holidays.
• Wide range of career development opportunities.
• A vibrant culture committed to equality and being fully inclusive.

The salary for this role is £62,858.00 + excellent benefits including outstanding pension.

Closing date to apply: 23rd January 2026.

This UKIFS vacancy will be based at our site in West Burton, Nottinghamshire.

In this role you will act as a trusted and strategic business partner to Programme Directors, Integrated Project Teams (IPTs) Directors, and senior stakeholders across UKIFS and the STEP Programme. You will drive robust financial planning, forecasting, and value‑for‑money decision‑making, providing both challenge and authoritative advice to enable effective programme delivery. Critically you will represent the Finance Director/CFO within the IPT(s) you are embedded in and ensure that financial decisions are compliant with UKIFS Finance Governance.

You will therefore have a critical dual role in providing both strategic financial advice and financial assurance, ensuring compliance and safeguarding of company assets.

You will provide strategic financial analysis and advice to senior stakeholders, ensuring sound governance and compliance with financial standards, policies, and procedures. You will be accountable for ensuring that budget holders deliver financial outturns consistent with UKIFS’ budget allocation, working in close partnership with the Executive Team.

You will play a pivotal role in shaping a world‑class finance function within UKIFS, embedding finance in strategic decision‑making and enabling the successful delivery of the STEP Programme.

• Lead the development of financial strategies for assigned programmes and IPTs.
• Influence Programme Directors and senior leaders on investment, resourcing, and prioritisation decisions.
• Ensure interdependencies between projects and programmes are fully assessed and integrated into financial strategies.
• Provide authoritative financial challenge to senior stakeholders, ensuring decisions optimise value for money.
• Act as the primary source of strategic financial advice at programme and portfolio level.

• Embed financial policies, delegations, and controls within your IPTs, ensuring compliance with UKIFS‑wide frameworks and escalating issues where required.
• Ensure compliance with UK Government finance frameworks and sponsor reporting requirements.
• Lead financial risk management within your IPTs, ensuring risks are identified, quantified, and mitigated, and elevate material exposures to central finance and senior stakeholders.
• Exercise financial authority over Work Packages, ensuring that approvals demonstrate compliance with budgets, delegations, and value‑for‑money requirements at programme level.
• Provide financial oversight and assurance on requisitions, ensuring approvals are aligned with budgets, delegations, and programme priorities, and escalating any material issues or risks.

• Act as the senior finance…