Finance Director Portfolio, Innovation, Digital & Sustainability

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Company Description

Every minute of every day, Smiths Detection's threat detection and security screening technology helps to protect people and infrastructure, making the world a safer place.

Smiths Detection, part of Smiths Group is a global leader in the development, manufacture and management of security and detection solutions designed to make the world a safer place. Our technology provides threat detection and screening solutions for customers in our key markets: aviation, ports and borders, defence, and urban security.

Our expertise spans 21 global offices, seven manufacturing sites and five R&D centres, with a global network of 3,000 dedicated colleagues contributing towards over 40 years at the frontline of advances in safety and security.

This results in careers built on variety and the opportunity to work on a range of state-of-the-art solutions, where you can develop your knowledge and experience every day.

Job Description

Smiths Detection is searching for a Finance Director of Divisional FP&A and Finance Business Partner for Portfolio, Innovation & Digital (PID) & Sustainability. This is a pivotal, director-level role responsible for steering financial strategy, analysis, and business partnership.

Reporting directly to the Vice President of Finance, this senior leader will manage a team of four direct reports, driving impactful initiatives across Financial Planning & Analysis, Portfolio Innovation & Digital, and Sustainability. The role is a member of the Divisional Finance Leadership Team (FLT) and the Portfolio, Innovation & Digital (PID) Leadership Team.

This role will provide financial oversight and guidance in:

• Divisional FP&A: Leading the division's financial reporting, forecasting, and investment strategies with an eye on long-term value creation
• Finance Business Partnering: Collaborating with leaders in Portfolio, Innovation & Digital (PID), covering critical areas like Portfolio, Sales Enablement, Market Communications, M&A, and regulatory and sustainability strategies
• Sustainability: Partnering with sustainability on initiatives that align with our net zero goals, supporting the Smiths Excellence System (SES) for continuous improvement in sustainability practices.

Key Responsibilities:

• People Leadership: Oversee and develop the team, fostering a culture of growth, accountability, and high performance within the finance function
• Financial Planning & Analysis: Lead budgeting, forecasting, and reporting efforts for PID and Sustainability, ensuring data-driven insights guide strategic decisions
• Financial Controls & Compliance: Ensure a robust control environment by enforcing policies, procedures, and audit readiness
• Continuous Improvement: Collaborate with the SES team to implement process improvements, drive efficiencies, and support the division's broader strategic goals.

Qualifications

• Qualifications: Bachelor's degree and a professional accounting qualification (ACA, CIMA, CPA, CA, or equivalent).
• At least 6 years of post-qualification experience, including a minimum of 2 years in FP&A or Business Partnering at a senior or director level.
• Leadership Abilities: Demonstrated experience in leading, coaching, and developing teams, with a focus on building future finance leaders.
• Strategic Vision: Proven ability to synthesize complex financial data and communicate actionable insights to executive leadership.
• Influential Communication: Skilled at building strong relationships and influencing stakeholders across various functions and levels.
• Change Driver: Passion for identifying opportunities for improvement and driving continuous enhancement in financial and operational processes.

Additional Information

We offer...

Join us and we'll help build your career, with excellent training and opportunities for career growth across the business, both locally and globally. You'll experience an inclusive environment, with strong leadership and a focus on safety and wellbeing. You'll also have the flexibility to choose from a wide range of benefits to suit your lifestyle, offering you and your family support from a health and wellbeing, financial and lifestyle perspective.

Join us and work for a world-leader, with the benefits and training to reward your dedication and skills. Be part of a team where we are making the world a safer place.

We believe that different perspectives and backgrounds are what make a company flourish. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment regardless of race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, economic status, disability, age, or any other legally protected characteristics. We are proud to be an inclusive company with values grounded in equality and ethics, where we celebrate, support, and embrace diversity.

At no time during the hiring process will Smiths Group, nor any of our recruitment partners ever request payment to enable participation - including, but not limited to, interviews or testing. Avoid fraudulent requests by applying jobs directly through our career's website (Careers - Smiths Group plc)