Finance Business Partner - Supply Chain in Preston

We are looking for a commercially minded and analytically strong Finance Business Partner to support our UK Supply Chain function. Reporting to the Head of Finance, this role plays a key part in linking financial insight to operational performance, driving cost efficiency, and supporting strategic decision-making across logistics, inventory, and customer service operations.

A proactive and commercially aware finance professional, you are confident working in a fast-paced, operational environment. You bring strong analytical capability and the ability to translate data into meaningful insights that influence decision-making. You are comfortable challenging stakeholders, building relationships across functions, and driving continuous improvement. With a keen eye for detail and a structured approach, you balance strategic thinking with hands-on delivery.

The role partners closely with the UK Supply Chain leadership team to drive financial performance, cost control, and operational efficiency. You will lead on financial planning, reporting, and analysis for supply chain activities, including inventory, logistics, and distribution. The role also plays a key part in embedding World Class Manufacturing (WCM) methodologies, improving processes, and supporting strategic initiatives such as systems transformation and supply chain optimisation.

Responsibilities:

• Analysis & Insight
  • Deliver insightful financial analysis linking operational performance to business strategy
  • Develop and track KPIs aligned to BDR Group and WCM standards
  • Provide challenge and insight to drive improvements in cost, cash, and operational efficiency
  • Perform detailed analysis including cost-to-serve modelling, scenario planning, and cost-benefit analysis
  • Support inventory optimisation and supply chain performance improvements
• Financial Control
  • Implement and maintain effective financial and operational controls
  • Support and enhance inventory stock counting processes and controls
  • Coordinate inventory provisioning in line with Group policy
  • Ensure sourcing decisions consider inventory and financial impacts
• Financial Reporting
  • Improve the clarity, accuracy, and impact of financial reporting
  • Embed WCM Cost Deployment into reporting processes
  • Analyse and report on performance, including costs and inventory metrics
  • Review actuals vs forecasts and drive actions to improve performance
  • Validate and report on cost-saving initiatives
• Strategic Support
  • Provide financial insight to support strategic supply chain decisions
  • Contribute to WCM cost deployment and loss reduction initiatives
  • Support development of supply chain strategies (e.g. warehousing, transport)
  • Provide financial input into key projects and transformation initiatives (e.g. SAP S/4 HANA, warehouse consolidation)
  • Drive improvements in inventory metrics such as Days Inventory on Hand (DIOH)
• Relationship Building
  • Partner with the UK Head of Supply Chain and their leadership team
  • Build strong cross-functional relationships across operations, procurement, and sales finance
• Financial Planning, Budgeting & Forecasting
  • Support annual budgeting and forecasting processes
  • Develop and manage supply chain budgets aligned to business objectives
  • Lead monthly forecasting cycles, including costs and inventory
  • Align financial planning with the S&OP process
• Process Improvement
  • Identify and implement improvements across reporting, controls, and planning processes
  • Drive efficiency and standardisation through continuous improvement initiatives

Requirements:

• 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.
• Proven experience in a Finance Business Partner or similar role, ideally within supply chain, logistics, or manufacturing
• Strong analytical skills with experience in financial modelling and performance analysis
• Experience with budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning processes
• Understanding of inventory management and supply chain operations
• Knowledge of financial controls and governance frameworks
• Ability to influence and challenge stakeholders at all levels
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills
• Experience working with reporting tools (e.g. Power BI, data warehouses)
• Familiarity with ERP systems (e.g. SAP) and continuous improvement methodologies such as WCM (desirable)

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 Locations:

• Preston – Bamber Bridge – PR5 6FN
• Warwick – Brook House – CV34 4LL

Our Benefits:

Our package includes a competitive basic salary plus a variable incentive. We also offer: 25 days holiday + UK Bank Holidays, Income protection, Contributory pension, Enhanced maternity, paternity and sick pay, Staff discounts and additional benefits.

Our Approach:

Baxi is an equal opportunities employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of gender, sexual orientation, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, gender reassignment, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, disability, or age. At BDR Thermea Group, we believe that diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) are critical to our success. We are committed to creating a workplace where every potential future employee feels valued, respected, and empowered to bring their whole selves to work.