Manager, FP&A Platform & AI Strategy

Darktrace is a global leader in AI-driven cybersecurity, helping organizations stay ahead of evolving threats every day.    

Darktrace was built on a genuinely differentiated idea: that Adaptive AI could detect and respond to novel, real-time cyber threats. That approach matters more than ever in the era of AI.  Today, our customers depend on us to stay ahead.   

At Darktrace, we are energized by that responsibility.  We work across teams and rally around a shared goal. We own outcomes end to end - step in, step up and see things through without waiting to be asked.   We make decisions with urgency, say the hard thing, and hold each other to high standards with care and directness. We move first and learn fast anticipating where our customers are going next, continuously challenging ourselves.  

We invest in the skills, learning and opportunities that help people deliver at the level their roles demand, and reward the aptitude and curiosity to grow beyond them. 

Our Values: Own It | Win as One | Raise Our Bar | Move First. Learn Fast 

Job Description:

We are looking for an experienced FP&A technologist to own the platforms and data behind our planning, forecasting and reporting, and help us become an AI-first finance function.

You will be the hands-on lead for Workday Adaptive Planning and the data that feeds it, while bringing broader experience of FP&A tools, technologies and approaches. We want someone who knows what good looks like beyond any one system and can use that perspective to make FP&A faster, smarter and more scalable.

You will report to the Director of FP&A, who owns corporate FP&A, strategic planning and FP&A systems, and work closely with the FP&A and Workday Systems teams. You will also help shape our approach to AI within FP&A and lead the delivery of the use cases we choose to take forward.

This is a hybrid role, with 2 days a week in our London office.

What you will do:

Run and evolve our planning platform

• Own the design, configuration and day-to-day running of Workday Adaptive Planning, including model structure, dimensions, versions, calculations and security across budgeting, forecasting, workforce planning and scenario modelling.
• Build and deliver the platform roadmap, covering new features, enhancements and long-term scalability.
• Manage upgrades, testing and releases with the Workday Systems team, and act as the internal technical owner for Adaptive.
• Challenge how we do things today, bringing ideas and best practice from other tools and organisations.

Own the data and integrations

• Build and maintain integrations between Adaptive, Workday HCM, Workday Financials and other source systems.
• Monitor data quality and system performance, troubleshooting and resolving issues quickly.
• Build and maintain BI dashboards and self-service reporting for FP&A and business stakeholders.

Deliver AI in FP&A

• Work with the Director of FP&A and wider team to shape our AI approach and strategy, including tool selection and sensible governance around data security, accuracy and review.
• Deliver prioritised use cases, such as automating month-end reporting and variance commentary, and developing AI-assisted forecasting and predictive models.
• Test new tools and approaches against our existing processes, turning experimentation into practical improvements and showing the team what works.

Enable the team

• Train FP&A and wider Finance colleagues on the platform and new AI-enabled ways of working.
• Create clear documentation and lead the change management needed to drive adoption.
• Translate business requirements into practical, scalable technology solutions.

What you will bring:

• At least 5 years' hands-on experience configuring and running planning and reporting platforms, ideally including Workday Adaptive Planning or an equivalent platform. Experience across more than one tool, such as Anaplan, Pigment, Planful or Hyperion, would be particularly valuable.
• Experience integrating planning platforms with core HR and finance systems, ideally including Workday HCM and Workday Financials.
• Strong SQL and data querying skills.
• Experience building reports and dashboards using a BI tool such as Power BI or Tableau.
• Solid financial modelling skills and a strong understanding of budgeting, forecasting and reporting processes.
• Practical experience applying AI or automation to finance, analysis or reporting, with examples of solutions you have tested, built or implemented.
• The ability to explain technical ideas clearly to non-technical colleagues and bring people with you through change.

Desirable

• Experience working in a SaaS or software business, with an understanding of metrics such as ARR, net revenue retention and churn.
• Scripting experience, for example Python, for automation or data work.
• Experience leading a system implementation or major platform upgrade.

Benefits:

• 23 days’ holiday + all public holidays, rising to 25 days after 2 years of service,

• Additional day off for your birthday,

• Private medical insurance which covers you, your cohabiting partner and children,

• Life insurance of 4 times your base salary,

• Salary sacrifice pension scheme,

• Enhanced family leave,

• Confidential Employee Assistance Program,

• Cycle to work scheme.

As a growing business strengthening its governance and controls, this role plays a part in supporting high standards of integrity and accountability. 

Darktrace is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Darktrace is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable laws. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, please contact your Talent Partner.