Finance Director - UK Cluster

Description Overview

The Cluster Finance Director is responsible for leading the financial strategy and performance for the region. This role requires a deep understanding of the CPG industry's financial dynamics, including product costing, inventory management, pricing strategies, and market trends. The Cluster Finance Director is a key member of the regional management team and collaborates with other departments to drive financial performance, optimize profitability, and support strategic decision-making.

Scope of the Role

1. Financial Strategy & Planning:
   1. Develop and implement the financial strategy to support the company's overall business objectives.
   2. Lead the long term and annual budgeting process, including setting regional financial targets, preparing integrated business planning, and monitoring financial performance.
   3. Provide financial insights and recommendations to the executive team to guide business decisions.
2. Business Partnership & Support:
   1. Serve as a key business partner to operational teams, providing financial guidance and support for new product launches, pricing strategies, and market expansion.
   2. Collaborate with marketing, sales, and supply chain teams to develop and evaluate business cases for strategic initiatives.
   3. Support M&A activities, including due diligence, valuation, and integration planning.
3. Risk Management & Compliance:
   1. Identify and manage financial risks, including currency, credit, and operational risks.
   2. Ensure compliance with relevant accounting standards, tax regulations, and corporate governance requirements.
   3. Liaise with external auditors, tax advisors, and other stakeholders as needed.
4. Financial Analysis & Reporting:
   1. Collaborate with the Financial Planning & Analysis Center of Excellence, on the preparation of financial statements, management reports, and analyses to provide accurate and timely financial information to stakeholders.
   2. Analyze financial performance against budget, forecast, and historical trends; identify areas for improvement and recommend corrective actions.
   3. Monitor key financial metrics, including revenue growth, profit margins, cost control, and cash flow.
5. Cost Management & Efficiency:
   1. Collaborate with the cost accounting function, to ensure accurate product costing and inventory valuation.
   2. Implement and maintain effective financial controls to safeguard company assets and ensure compliance with financial regulations, statutory regulations and corporate policies.
   3. Drive initiatives to improve operational efficiency, reduce costs, and optimize resource allocation.
6. Team Leadership & Development:
   1. Lead and mentor a team of finance professionals, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and professional development.
   2. Ensure the finance team is equipped with the necessary skills, tools, and resources to meet organizational goals.

Experience Required

• Bachelor degree in Finance, Economics, Accounting or recognized accounting qualification.
• Typically 10+ year’s experience in Finance roles with experience in a regional environment.
• In-depth knowledge of the CPG industry, including market dynamics, consumer behavior, and regulatory environment.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Strong business acumen and the ability to translate financial data into actionable insights.
• Excellent interpersonal / relationship-building capabilities with the ability to quickly form working relationships, gain credibility and influence solutions at a senior level.
• Proactive in identifying and solving problems/issues; a drive for continuous professional development in self and others.
• Excellent presentation preparation and delivery skills with an attention to detail and ability to “tell the story”.
• Ability to travel up to 20% at times.
• Excellent language skills in English and additional languages are an asset.