Head of Commercial Finance

Our Finance team plays a critical role in shaping NPL’s success. By partnering across the organisation, we create a clear strategy and vision, monitor performance, and provide insights that drive informed decisions and sustainable growth.

As our Head of Commercial Finance, you’ll be a senior leader within the Finance team, leading the Commercial Finance team and partnering with the business to drive informed decision making. You’ll provide analysis, insight, challenge and recommendations, while leading monthly performance reporting and shaping forecasts and strategic plans.

What you’ll be doing:

Strategic Leadership

• Partnering with the executive team to shape strategy and commercial decisions through clear insight and guidance.
• Championing NPL’s mission, driving engagement and effective delivery across teams and partners.
• Leading, coaching and develop a high performing Commercial Finance team.
• Building effective systems and data sources to support decision making and future business needs.
• Providing informed insight and challenge on complex strategic decisions.

Governance, Efficiency & Effectiveness

• Ensuring compliance with governance, quality, safety, security and environmental standards.
• Embedding continuous improvement to enhance reporting, analysis and insight.
• Maintaining strong financial governance, controls and risk management.

External relations

• Building strategic relationships that strengthen NPL’s mission, reputation and sustainability.
• Working with shareholders to ensure financial reporting meets DSIT requirements.
• Representing NPL externally as a credible brand ambassador.

Relationship with leadership team

• Driving a collaborative, “One NPL” approach across senior leadership.
• Acting as the primary Finance partner to leadership teams, coordinating support across Finance.
• Providing clear performance insight and forward‑looking analysis to support decision‑making.
• Leading forecasting, budgeting and strategic planning in partnership with FP&A and leadership colleagues.

We’re looking for a Head of Commercial Finance to sit at the heart of the decision-making and help drive sustainable, profitable growth. This is a senior, high-impact role partnering closely with the senior leadership team to provide insight and convert that insight into action

You’re a commercially minded finance leader who enjoys being close to the business and influencing outcomes. You’ll bring:

• A professional accounting qualification (ACA / ACCA / CIMA or equivalent)
• A strong and proven track record in commercial finance or business partnering roles
• A proven ability to influence senior stakeholders and challenge constructively, up to and including executive and board level
• Strong track record of driving commercial decision making
• Experience of developing budgets, forecasts, and long-range financial plans
• Excellent financial modelling and analytical skills
• Demonstrated leadership experience, including managing high-performing teams
• Strong presentation and communication skills

 We actively recruit citizens of all backgrounds, but the nature of our work in specific departments means that nationality, residency and security requirements can be more tightly defined than others. You will be asked about this throughout the recruitment process. To work at NPL, you will need to obtain BPSS security clearance.

Please note:  Applications will be reviewed, and interviews conducted throughout the duration of this advert therefore we may at any time bring the closing date forward.  We encourage all interested applicants to apply as soon as practical.

The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) is a world-leading centre of excellence that provides cutting-edge measurement science, engineering and technology to underpin prosperity and quality of life in the UK. Find out more about what it is like working here - The measure of us - Overview
 
NPL and DSIT have strong commitments to diversity and equality of opportunity, and welcome applications from candidates irrespective of their background, gender, race, sexual orientation, religion, or age, providing they meet the required criteria. Applications from women, disabled and black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates in particular are encouraged. All disabled candidates (as defined by the Equality Act 2010) who satisfy the minimum criteria for the role will be guaranteed an interview under the Disability Confident Scheme.
 
At NPL, we believe our success is a result of the diversity and talent of our people. We strive to nurture and respect individuals to ensure everyone feels valued by treating everyone on the basis of their own individual merits and abilities regardless of their own or perceived identity, as part of our commitment to diversity & inclusion, we ensure we’re creating an environment where all our colleagues feel supported and welcome. More about this on our Diversity & Inclusion page.
 
We are committed to the health and well-being of our employees. Flexible working and social activities are embedded in our culture to create a positive work-life balance, along with a broad range of rewards, benefits and recognition. Our values are at the heart of what we do, and they shape the way we interact, develop our people and celebrate success. To ensure everyone has an equal chance, we’re always willing to make reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process. If you would like to discuss, please contact us.