Global Head of Planning and Forecasting

Location: London, UK

Reporting to the Global Head of Group Reporting in London, this role leads a high‑calibre, three‑person team and oversees the Apex Group Planning and rolling forecast process following the go‑live of a new ERP system.

Responsibilities

• Develop the planning and rolling forecast model.
• Set strategic targets for the annual plan.
• Drive the plan sign‑off process with the regions.
• Prepare the Group plan and forecast presentation.
• Enhance the Workday Adaptive Planning model, leveraging forward‑looking inputs and scenario planning.
• Communicate with the C‑suite (CEO, CFO, COO, etc.) during reviews.
• Collaborate with FP&A colleagues, such as business partners and revenue reporting leads.
• Maintain a high level of financial, accounting, and analytical accuracy.

Job Specification

• Own the end‑to‑end group planning process, from written instructions to final board presentations.
• Develop strategic financial targets with the Group Head of FP&A and senior executives, ensuring bottom‑up plans meet these targets.
• Create plan dashboards for executive review, ensuring planning gaps are identified early.
• Design and prepare the plan board deck with senior leadership.
• Prepare FX risk analysis and maintain constant‑currency reporting.
• Track plan sign‑off status and engage directly with regional teams.
• Maintain and update the plan for geographic changes, such as product line changes.
• Develop driver‑based modeling for scenario planning and expand the current model to include full cash‑flow and balance sheet plans.
• Work with technical experts to establish integrations with source systems and monitor model performance.
• Oversee the ongoing maintenance of the Planning model.
• Review and understand monthly variances to plan, including key indicators such as organic growth and efficiency scores.
• Develop the rolling forecast process, including agreement and sign‑off by regional and product line heads.
• Provide insights to businesses on run‑rates needed to achieve the monthly plan and revised forecasts.
• Run ad‑hoc reporting and analysis for the Group Head of FP&A in response to C‑suite queries.

Skills Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance.
• Strong communication and writing skills, supporting commentary for senior executives.
• Technical proficiency with large data sets.
• Knowledge of Workday and Adaptive Planning is an added advantage.
• Attention to detail.
• Minimum 10 years of post‑qualification experience.
• Team player within a global team.
• Ability to build excellent working relationships with a broad range of stakeholders.
• Motivate and empower team members by developing their capabilities.
• Ensure deliverables are produced and reviewed to a high standard, delivered on time.
• Promote a healthy working environment for the team.

What you will get in return

• A unique opportunity to be part of an expanding global business.
• Competitive remuneration commensurate with skills and experience, plus training and development opportunities.
• High visibility within a large organisation on an upward trajectory.
• A high‑performing team with a strong team culture.

Disclaimer: Unsolicited CVs sent to Apex (Talent Acquisition Team or Hiring Managers) by recruitment agencies will not be accepted for this position. Apex operates a direct sourcing model and, where agency assistance is required, the Talent Acquisition team will engage directly with our exclusive recruitment partners.

Seniority level: Director

Employment type: Full‑time

Job function: Management and Manufacturing