At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead finance for marketing, operations, and studio projects while driving strategic initiatives.
- Company: Join Channel 4, a dynamic media organisation focused on collaboration and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary starting at £99,969, plus opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a culture that values diversity, collaboration, and continuous learning.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a key leadership role within a trusted finance team.
- Qualifications: Qualified Accountant with 10+ years in commercial finance and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 99969 - 99969 € per year.
The Head of Finance: Marketing, Operations and 4 Studio is a key leadership position within the Business Partnering function, reporting to the Director of Commercial Finance.
PURPOSE OF THE ROLE
Channel 4’s Finance team has a vision of being a collaborative and trusted business partner at the heart of the organisation, delivering actionable insight with accuracy and integrity whilst safeguarding long-term sustainability. The role is pivotal in executing the Fast Forward strategy, to drive Channel 4's strategic and operational objectives. The Head of Finance: Marketing, Operations and 4 Studio will lead a number of P&L areas: Marketing - £60m cost base, 4 Studio- £20m revenues, Corporate Costs and Commercial Affairs - £90m costs in total- as well as being the finance lead for some key strategic initiatives- Operating Efficiency, the sale of our Horseferry Road site and any additional special projects.
The successful candidate will be energetic, an excellent communicator, collaborator, and a credible leader managing a team of 5 heads. The Head of Finance is a member of the finance leadership Team (FLT) and will be expected to deputise for the Director of Finance where necessary.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Corporate Costs
- Oversight of £90m+ of corporate costs budget, including Finance, Nations and Regions, Workspace and Facilities Management, Commercial Affairs, People, DEI and Insight.
- Provide strategic financial insight, scenario analysis, and recommendations to influence executive decision‑making.
- Be a strategic and credible business partner, providing constructive challenge to the responsible execs to drive business performance.
- Support on key commercial negotiations, investment decisions, business cases and partnerships and identifying opportunities to drive efficiencies.
- Support budget, 3YP and forecasting process.
- Operating Efficiency
- Provide finance leadership on the operating efficiency programme, in partnership with 7 Steps Solutions and across the business.
- Identify and size opportunities, validate ideas and assess their applicability to C4.
- Lead the drive to execute savings by obtaining business buy in, identifying blockers and working through strategies to implement change.
- Champion ‘always on’ approach to cost management using cost analytics and external benchmarks, work cross‑functionally across departments.
- Input into and lead regular steerco meetings on OE and ensure there is a rigorous governance process.
- Work with FP&A team to ensure savings are baked into budget and long range forecast.
- Special Projects
- Able to perform deep dives where required into specific areas of, or activities across, the business, to deliver actionable insight and a recommended course of action.
- Key finance lead supporting the sale of the Horseferry Road building and the sourcing of a new home, ensuring that the transaction generates maximum value for Channel 4, owning and maintaining the business plan, and evaluation and management of key risks (financial and non‑financial).
- Support any other upcoming special projects as required by CFO/Director of Commercial Finance.
- Marketing, 4 Creative and 4 Studio
- Whilst the current SFM is on maternity leave, this role will provide additional support when required to the Chief Marketing Officer and MD of 4Studio and the rest of the Marketing and Creative senior leadership team- the mat cover will still be the day to day contact for all of the teams.
- Continue to identify and execute improvements in processes and ways of working in partnership with the business.
- Support key strategic priorities for the marketing and 4 Studio teams, including improving marketing effectiveness, scaling up 4 Studio to supercharge revenue and profitability.
- Support budget, 3YP and forecasting process.
- Leadership and People
- Build strong working relationships with executive team and other key stakeholders.
- Direct line management of Finance Manager, Corporate Costs and a Management Accountant, as well as a dotted line into the 7SS team who currently lead the Procurement and Operating Efficiency workstream.
- Direct line management of a Senior Finance Manager, Marketing and 4 Studio, Manager and Senior Finance Analyst – providing coaching and development.
- Will also require ability to deliver through others when leading special projects and cross‑functional initiatives.
- Foster a collaborative, learning‑driven, and performance‑oriented culture.
- Attract and nurture diverse finance talent, role‑modelling values and behaviours.
- Be a key member of the Finance Leadership Team, helping to drive the People Agenda.
Qualifications and Experience
- Qualified Accountant (ACA/ACCA/CIMA) with at least 10+ years’ post‑qualification experience.
- Proven track record in commercial finance, FP&A, and business partnering in complex organisations, preferably in the media and entertainment sector- with experience of managing cost centres as well as revenue lines.
- Able to ‘get stuck in’ but also see the big picture- should be able to distil key insights from many different data sources into a clear plan of action aligned with business strategy.
- Expert at simplifying complex financial information succinctly for a broad range of stakeholders and ‘telling the story’.
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, comfortable interacting with, and presenting to the C‑suite.
- Highly organised, able to perform under pressure and at pace, and comfortable with ambiguity.
- Advanced financial modelling and analytical skills – that can be shared with the team.
- Comfortable working in a highly results focused, complex organisation, undergoing significant change, and adept at working cross‑functionally.
- Be adept at attracting and nurturing diverse finance talent, role‑modelling the right values and behaviours.
- Able to prioritise and manage time effectively – with a wide remit.
- Experience of leading teams and developing talent- able to deliver through others.
- High levels of personal credibility, professionalism and ethical standards.
- Be committed to and aligned with the Channel 4 remit.
Basic salary per annum starting from: £99,969.00
Head of Finance: Marketing, Operations and 4 Studio in London employer: all
Channel 4 is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture, making it an ideal place for professionals seeking to make a meaningful impact in the media and entertainment sector. With a commitment to employee growth, Channel 4 offers extensive development opportunities, a diverse and inclusive environment, and the chance to lead strategic initiatives that shape the future of broadcasting. Located in a vibrant area, employees benefit from a dynamic atmosphere that encourages creativity and teamwork, ensuring a rewarding career experience.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Finance: Marketing, Operations and 4 Studio in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those who have experience in media and entertainment. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Channel 4’s recent projects and financial strategies. Show us you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate how your skills can directly contribute to their Fast Forward strategy.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your storytelling skills! Be ready to explain complex financial concepts in simple terms. This will help you connect with non-financial stakeholders during interviews and show off your communication prowess.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the Channel 4 team.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Finance: Marketing, Operations and 4 Studio in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific skills and experiences that match the Head of Finance role. Highlight your experience in commercial finance and business partnering, as these are key for us.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this is a leadership position, don’t forget to emphasise your experience in managing teams and developing talent. We want to see how you’ve fostered a collaborative culture in your previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to explain your achievements and how they align with our vision at Channel 4. Remember, we appreciate simplicity!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows your enthusiasm for joining our team at Channel 4.
How to prepare for a job interview at all
✨Know Your Numbers
As the Head of Finance, you'll be expected to have a firm grasp on financial metrics. Brush up on key figures related to corporate costs, P&L areas, and any relevant financial models. Be ready to discuss how you would approach budget management and forecasting in your previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
This role involves managing a team and collaborating with executives. Prepare examples that highlight your leadership style and how you've successfully developed talent in the past. Think about specific instances where you fostered a collaborative culture or navigated complex team dynamics.
✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions
Expect questions around strategic financial insight and decision-making. Familiarise yourself with Channel 4's Fast Forward strategy and be ready to discuss how you would contribute to its execution. Bring insights from your experience that demonstrate your ability to influence executive decisions.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
You'll need to simplify complex financial information for various stakeholders. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and succinctly. Consider preparing a brief presentation on a financial topic relevant to the role, showcasing your ability to 'tell the story' behind the numbers.
