At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial planning and forecasting to drive strategic decision-making at Boots UK.
- Company: Join Boots UK, a leading health and beauty retailer with a commitment to inclusivity.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, generous discounts, flexible benefits, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team focused on continuous improvement and innovation.
- Why this job: Shape the financial future of a major brand while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Must be a qualified accountant with FP&A experience and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 € per year.
We’re looking for you to join the Boots UK Finance team as Head of Finance – Planning & Forecasting. This is a senior leadership role within the finance function. It is responsible for coordinating enterprise-wide and leading Boots UK’s financial planning, forecasting and performance insight. This insight supports strategic decision‑making across the business. You will play a critical part in shaping the financial direction of the organization, ensuring insight‑led planning processes that increase performance, accountability and long‑term value creation. The Head of Finance – Planning & Forecasting will work with Finance Business Partners, FLT, FP&A and Financial Control. You will report into the FP&A Director and will lead core forecasting and 3‑Year Planning (3YP) processes, with direct line management responsibility for roles supporting the delivery of key outputs.
Key responsibilities
- Financial Planning & Performance Management: Coordinate enterprise‑level and lead BUK’s financial planning, including Budget, Forecasts and 3‑Year Planning cycles. Own planning assumptions, scenarios and sensitivities, ensuring agreement to priorities and market dynamics. Drive accountability across the business, holding leaders to financial commitments through disciplined planning and review cycles. Translate complex financial data into clear applicable business insight.
- Planning Governance & Financial Control: Ensure governance, consistency and integrity across all planning and forecasting activities. Own planning methodologies and standards, aligning with group and valuation frameworks. Work with FP&A teams and Financial Control to ensure strong understanding between plans, forecasts and actual performance.
- Insight, Decision Support & Strategic Thinking: Shape long‑term plans using evidence‑based analysis, scenario modelling and performance trend evaluation. Operate with a future‑focused mindset, anticipating risks and opportunities through forward‑looking insight. Ground recommendations in financial logic and align them to overall business strategy.
- Influence & Leadership: Exceptional influencing capability, able to shape decisions at senior levels and confidently challenge assumptions. Build trusted relationships across FP&A, Finance and leadership teams. Clear, compelling communicator who can distil complex financial issues for non‑finance team members. Act as a credible finance leader, representing FP&A across the wider business and finance community.
- Resilience & Change Leadership: Lead the transformation of forecasting, strengthening accuracy, discipline and decision making through improved tools and ways of working. Maintain focus and clarity in a fast‑paced, complex environment with multiple priorities. Adapt quickly to changing priorities, ensuring planning remains value‑adding. Champion continuous improvement in planning capability across finance and the wider business.
- Leadership & Team Development: Lead and develop Finance Managers responsible for Planning and 3‑Year Planning. Create a high‑performance, collaborative culture with clear accountability and coaching. Encourage challenge, business partnering and continuous improvement. Build future planning capability through talent development and succession planning.
What you’ll need to have (our must‑haves)
- Qualified accountant (ACA / ACCA / CIMA or equivalent).
- Experience within FP&A or enterprise planning functions.
- Experience running Budget, forecasting and 3‑Year Planning cycles in a complex organisation.
- Experience communicating Executive‑level decisions through insight‑led analysis.
- Experience improving forecasting accuracy and advocating planning disciplines.
- People leadership experience with direct line management responsibility.
- Understanding of end‑to‑end P&L and financial performance drivers.
- Experience of reporting systems (e.g. TM1, Power BI, SAP).
Rewards designed for you
- Boots Retirement Savings Plan
- Discretionary annual bonus
- Generous employee discounts
- Enhanced maternity/paternity/adoption leave pay and gift card for anyone expecting or adopting a child
- Flexible benefits scheme including option to buy additional holiday, discounted gym membership, life assurance, activity passes and much more.
- Access to free, 24/7 counselling and support through TELUS Health, our Employee Assistance Programme.
We are looking for you to complete a Pre‑employment check after receiving an offer.
At Boots, we’re proud to be an equal opportunity employer, creating a place where everyone feels welcome, supported and free to be themselves. We believe that when our people feel valued and included, they thrive, so we’re committed to creating a brilliant Boots for our people so they can make a difference for our customers and colleagues every time.
If you apply, our team will be in touch to let you know the outcome of your application or to arrange next steps. If you require additional support as part of the application and interview process, we are happy to provide reasonable adjustments to help you to be at your best. Boots is a Ban the Box employer and will consider the suitability of applicants with criminal convictions on a case‑by‑case basis. We hope to hear from you soon. Be brilliant with Boots.
Head of Finance – FP&A Planning & Forecasting in London employer: Boots
Boots UK is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Nottingham where finance professionals can thrive. With a strong focus on employee development, competitive benefits including a generous retirement savings plan and flexible working options, Boots fosters a culture of inclusivity and support, ensuring that every team member feels valued and empowered to contribute to the company's success.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Finance – FP&A Planning & Forecasting in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance world, especially those who might know someone at Boots. A friendly chat can open doors that applications alone can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by diving deep into Boots' financial strategies. Show us you understand their planning and forecasting processes, and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You’ll want to clearly communicate your experience in FP&A and how it aligns with Boots’ needs. Keep it concise but impactful – we want to hear your story!
✨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 serious about joining the Boots team.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Finance – FP&A Planning & Forecasting in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Finance role. Highlight your experience in FP&A, budgeting, and forecasting, and don’t forget to showcase your leadership skills. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've driven financial planning and performance management in previous roles. We love a good story!
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:Since this role involves translating complex financial data into actionable insights, make sure to highlight your analytical skills. Give us examples of how you've used data to influence decision-making in your past positions.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Don’t miss out!
How to prepare for a job interview at Boots
✨Know Your Numbers
As the Head of Finance, you'll need to demonstrate a solid grasp of financial metrics and forecasting techniques. Brush up on your knowledge of budgeting, P&L statements, and financial performance drivers. Be ready to discuss how you've improved forecasting accuracy in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role requires strong people leadership experience. Prepare examples of how you've developed teams and fostered a high-performance culture. Think about specific instances where you’ve influenced senior-level decisions and how you built trusted relationships across departments.
✨Communicate Clearly
You’ll need to distil complex financial data into clear insights for non-finance team members. Practice explaining intricate financial concepts in simple terms. This will not only showcase your expertise but also your ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences.
✨Be Future-Focused
The role involves anticipating risks and opportunities through forward-looking insights. Prepare to discuss how you've used scenario modelling and evidence-based analysis to shape long-term plans. Highlight your adaptability in fast-paced environments and your commitment to continuous improvement.
