Senior Finance Business Partner

Watkin Jones plc; Milton Keynes; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading property development firm in the UK seeks a Senior Finance Business Partner to shape the financial direction of their Construction and Refurb functions. The ideal candidate will have proven experience in FP&A within a construction environment, strong financial modelling skills, and the ability to influence senior stakeholders. This high-impact role involves monthly performance reporting, budgeting, and supporting financial compliance. The company offers a hybrid working model, competitive salary, and excellent benefits.

Benefits

25 days of annual leave

Access to wellbeing programmes

Discretionary annual bonus

Health cash plan

Exclusive shopping discounts

Qualifications

• Proven FP&A or business partnering expertise in a construction environment.
• Strong skills in financial modelling, forecasting, and performance analysis.
• Ability to turn complex data into clear, actionable insights.

Responsibilities

• Shape financial direction for Construction and Refurb functions.
• Lead monthly performance reporting and budgeting.
• Support financial planning and compliance with Building Safety Act.

Skills

Financial modelling

Forecasting

Performance analysis

Stakeholder influence

Data analysis

Job description

About the role

Are you a strategic thinker with a passion for driving financial performance? We’re looking for Senior Finance Business Partnerto join our Group FP&A team to play a key role in shaping the financial direction of our Construction and Refurb functions.

This is a high-impact role, partnering closely with senior leaders including the Managing Director, Group CFO, and Group Development Project & Cost Director. You’ll be the primary finance contact for the Construction senior leadership team, delivering financial planning and analysis that informs strategic decisions, improves cashflow, and challenges margin assumptions and will also support financial planning and compliance with the Building Safety Act, ensuring transparency, risk management, and cost control across safety-related projects.

You’ll lead monthly performance reporting, support budgeting and forecasting, and provide insight and challenge across a range of financial activities—from overhead tracking to audit support and delivery cashflow consolidation.

This role involves travel to our Bangor, Chester and London offices and project sites for meetings, with a hybrid working model offered outside of those times.

What we’re looking for

We’re looking for a commercially minded finance professional with proven FP&A or business partnering expertise, gained within a construction environment. This experience is critical for navigating the complexities of phased budgets, milestone payments, and cost variability inherent in large-scale projects. You’ll bring strong skills in financial modelling, forecasting, and performance analysis, coupled with the ability to turn complex data into clear, actionable insights.

Success in this role goes beyond technical ability, you’ll need the confidence to challenge assumptions, influence senior stakeholders, and drive strategic conversations. A proactive mindset, exceptional analytical skills, and the ability to build trusted relationships across both finance and operational teams will be key to thriving in this dynamic setting.

Why choose Watkin Jones Group?

Watkin Jones Group is the UK’s leading developer, builder, and manager of residential-for-rent homes, with a rich history dating back to 1791. With 54,000+ homes developed and in-build across over 254 schemes, we have a proven track record of success. Our operating arm, Fresh, manages over 18,500 units across 58 schemes, representing approximately £1.7bn of assets under management.

Joining us means becoming part of a company that’s not only deeply rooted in history but also firmly focused on the future. We’re committed to creating high-quality rental homes, fostering vibrant communities, and driving sustainable development.

At Watkin Jones, we believe in investing in our people. Here’s what we can offer you:

• Work-Life Balance: 25 days of annual leave (increasing with tenure), agile working arrangements, and discounted gym memberships.
• Wellbeing: Access to ‘Your Wellbeing’ programme & OpenUp – a confidential wellbeing platform is available.
• Rewards: Discretionary annual bonus, health cash plan, life insurance, and more.
• Benefits: Exclusive shopping discounts, and a contributory pension scheme.

This is an opportunity to take on a high-impact role within a forward-thinking company. In return, we offer a competitive salary, excellent benefits, and the chance to work on major projects that shape the built environment.