Advanced Research and Invention Agency (ARIA)

Salary: Competitive
Location: ARIA will initially be based in London, but is flexible on location.

We are seeking an experienced and dynamic leader to serve as the inaugural Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for the Advanced Research and Invention Agency (ARIA).  Modelled after the ARPAs in the United States, ARIA’s mission is to pursue high-risk, high-payoff research in breakthrough technologies that create a strategic advantage for the United Kingdom.

The agency will have a high degree of freedom and autonomy from central Government, minimal bureaucracy, and maximal financial flexibility. The Government is committed to providing at least £800m in funding for the agency till 2025/26.

As a member of ARIA’s Board and an integral part of the senior leadership team, you will work closely with our newly announced Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Ilan Gur, to inform and execute the strategic vision for ARIA.  You will lead and develop a respected and collaborative finance team and provide leadership on short and long-term financial objectives, including the ongoing set-up of ARIA, whilst overseeing all aspects of the finance and accounting functions, to instil an enabling culture of accountability, value for money and risk-optimisation.

The successful candidate will be a qualified accountant with a substantial track record of success as a financial and operational leader within a large and complex organisation, with experience of managing multi-million-pound budgets.  You will be a proactive, team-oriented leader who can thrive in a new and growing organisation, and a persuasive and confident communicator with stature and credibility.

The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy is committed to the principle of public appointments on merit with independent assessment, openness, and fairness of process and to providing equal opportunities for all. Applications are welcome from all, but we particularly encourage applications from women, people from an ethnic minority, people with disabilities and other underrepresented groups.

Saxton Bampfylde Ltd is acting as an employment agency advisor to the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy on this appointment. For further information about the role, including details about how to apply, please visit www.saxbam.com/appointments using reference QAPASD. Alternatively telephone +44 (0)20 7227 0880 (during office hours). Applications should be received by noon on Monday 5 Sepember 2022.