At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide financial insights to support manufacturing operations and drive continuous improvement.
- Company: Join BAXI, a leader in sustainable energy solutions with a rich manufacturing heritage.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, pension scheme, and employee discounts.
- Other info: Diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our workplace culture.
- Why this job: Be part of a transformative journey in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: Qualified Accountant with experience in finance business partnering and manufacturing.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 ÂŁ per year.
We are looking for a commercially minded Finance Business Partner with experience supporting manufacturing operations to join our Finance team based in Preston. As one of our Finance Business Partners, you will work closely with operational leaders to provide financial insight and support the business through an exciting period of transformation.
As part of our ongoing operational evolution, the business is introducing World Class Manufacturing (WCM) principles to further strengthen our manufacturing excellence and drive continuous improvement across our operations. This role will support manufacturing leadership in linking financial performance with operational improvement initiatives such as lean manufacturing, waste reduction, productivity optimisation, and cost efficiency. This role will play a key part in strengthening financial control, improving operational performance, and supporting strategic decision‑making across the organisation.
Working closely with senior stakeholders, you will translate financial data into meaningful business insights while contributing to budgeting, forecasting, and performance analysis.
The Person
We are looking for an experienced Finance Business Partner with strong commercial awareness and the ability to translate financial information into meaningful business insight. You thrive in a collaborative environment, enjoy influencing stakeholders, and are comfortable working in a fast‑paced, evolving business. You will be analytical, proactive, and solutions‑focused, with the ability to build strong relationships across the organisation while driving improvements in financial processes and reporting. Ideally, you will also have experience supporting manufacturing environments where operational excellence frameworks such as World Class Manufacturing (WCM), Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, or similar methodologies are used to drive performance improvements.
The Role
Working within the Finance team, with colleagues based across our Preston and Warwick offices, you will be an integral member of the team supporting key finance activities across the business. As the business continues its transformation over the coming years, our Finance team will play a crucial role in providing strategic support, improving financial insight, and strengthening commercial decision‑making. This role will focus on delivering financial analysis, supporting financial planning cycles, strengthening financial controls, and partnering with business leaders to drive performance and identify opportunities for improvement.
You will also work closely with manufacturing and operational teams to support initiatives aligned to World Class Manufacturing (WCM), helping to link financial outcomes with operational performance, productivity improvements, and cost optimisation.
Responsibilities
- Provide financial analysis and deliver insights that link financial performance to wider business strategy.
- Support financial reporting to improve clarity, impact, and understanding of business performance.
- Implement and maintain effective commercial procedures and financial controls.
- Partner with business stakeholders to support strategic decision‑making and financial performance.
- Assist with financial planning processes including budgeting, forecasting, and performance monitoring.
- Identify risks and opportunities within financial performance and recommend actions.
- Build strong relationships with senior managers and operational teams.
- Support the monitoring of strategic initiatives and their financial impact.
- Identify and implement process improvements to enhance financial reporting, controls, and planning activities.
- Partner with manufacturing leaders to support World Class Manufacturing and operational excellence initiatives, linking operational improvements to financial performance and cost management.
Requirements
Education
- Qualified Accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) with post‑qualification experience.
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business, Economics, or a related field.
Experience
- Experience working in a Finance Business Partnering or similar commercial finance role.
- Experience supporting manufacturing or operational environments.
- Exposure to or understanding of World Class Manufacturing (WCM) or similar operational excellence frameworks such as Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, or Six Sigma.
- Strong understanding of the relationship between the Income Statement, Balance Sheet, and Cash Flow.
- Experience supporting financial planning, analysis, and translating business strategy into financial plans.
- Strong commercial acumen with the ability to identify risks and opportunities.
Skills
- Excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills with the ability to evaluate business performance.
- Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
- Advanced IT skills including Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint.
- Experience using ERP systems and data analytics tools such as Power BI.
- Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills.
- Ability to present financial information clearly to non‑finance audiences.
- Strategic mindset with the ability to identify future opportunities and trends.
- Comfortable working in a fast‑paced and evolving environment while driving change.
About BAXI
We’re leading the energy transition to zero carbon by offering complete residential and commercial heating and hot water solutions. As one team across the UK and Ireland, and with the backing of our global parent company, BDR Thermea Group, we work together with a collective knowledge and expertise that’s literally centuries in the making. We’re proud of our heritage, manufacturing in the UK since 1866, and we’re experienced in adapting to changing needs. Our portfolio includes trusted brands such as Baxi, Main, Megaflo, Remeha, Andrews Water Heaters, Potterton Commercial, Heatrae Sadia, and Packaged Plant Solutions.
Whether you’re joining us in the field or working at one of our established hub locations, you’ll be part of a team that offers opportunities in a historically rich British manufacturing company focused on sustainable, greener, and cleaner energy solutions.
Our Benefits
- 25 days holiday plus UK bank holidays
- Contributory pension scheme
- Income protection
- Maternity, paternity and enhanced sick pay schemes
- Employee discounts and additional benefits
Our Approach
At BDR Thermea Group, we believe that diversity, equity, and inclusion are critical to our success. We are committed to creating a workplace where every employee feels valued, respected, and empowered to bring their whole selves to work.
Finance Business Partner -Manufacturing employer: BDR Thermea Group
Contact Detail:
BDR Thermea Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Business Partner -Manufacturing
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance and manufacturing sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself to potential employers. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company’s recent projects and financial performance. Tailor your insights to show how your experience aligns with their goals, especially around World Class Manufacturing principles. This will demonstrate your genuine interest and understanding of their operations.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your storytelling skills! Be ready to share specific examples of how you’ve driven financial improvements in previous roles. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and make them memorable.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. Mention something specific from your conversation to reinforce your enthusiasm for the role and the company.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Business Partner -Manufacturing
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in finance and manufacturing. We want to see how your skills align with our needs, so don’t be shy about showcasing relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Analytical Skills: Since this role is all about linking financial performance with operational improvements, include examples of how you've used data analysis to drive decisions. We love seeing candidates who can turn numbers into actionable insights!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language and avoid jargon unless it's relevant. We appreciate candidates who can communicate complex ideas simply, especially when it comes to financial information.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at BDR Thermea Group
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Finance Business Partner, you’ll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics and how they relate to manufacturing operations. Be ready to discuss how you've used financial data to drive operational improvements in past roles.
✨Understand WCM Principles
Familiarise yourself with World Class Manufacturing principles and how they can be applied to enhance financial performance. Prepare examples of how you've supported similar initiatives in the past, showcasing your ability to link financial outcomes with operational excellence.
✨Build Relationships
This role requires strong stakeholder management skills. Think about how you can build rapport with operational leaders. During the interview, share experiences where you successfully influenced stakeholders or collaborated with cross-functional teams to achieve financial goals.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills. Practice articulating how you would approach financial challenges in a manufacturing context, such as identifying cost-saving opportunities or improving budgeting processes. Use the STAR method to structure your responses.