At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead global budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis across diverse studios.
- Company: Join BDP, a pioneering design practice committed to creating impactful spaces.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, profit sharing, private medical insurance, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive culture that values diversity and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the built environment while developing your finance career.
- Qualifications: Must be a qualified accountant with strong FP&A experience and financial modelling skills.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
Key responsibilities
- Lead the global budgeting and forecasting cycles, ensuring accuracy and clear accountability across all studios and sectors.
- Manage a team of 4-5 Finance Business Partners.
- Produce monthly group reporting packs with variance analysis, margin insights, and utilisation metrics.
- Analyse performance across regions, sectors, and service lines, identifying profitability drivers.
- Support improvements in commercial governance, pricing discipline, and project performance.
- Partner with senior operational leaders to improve resource planning and project controls.
- Ownership and continuous improvement of Planning and Reporting IT Tools.
- Model and analyse strategic initiatives including M&A, expansion, and major platform projects.
- Drive improved cash conversion through forecasting of WIP, debt, invoicing, and collection.
- Enhance FP&A processes, data quality, and financial systems; standardise reporting and dashboards.
- Coach and develop FP&A/Business Partner team members, raising capability across the finance function.
About you
Skills & Experience
- Fully qualified accountant (ACA/ACCA/CIMA or equivalent).
- Extensive experience in FP&A or commercial finance.
- Strong financial modelling skills, including scenario analysis and valuation.
- Understanding of project-based metrics such as utilisation, margin, WIP, and cost-to-complete.
- Experience in global or multi-entity organisations.
- Strong communication skills and ability to influence senior stakeholders.
- Experience with BI tools, analytics platforms, and ERP systems.
Attributes & Behaviours
- Curious, analytical, and commercially minded.
- Comfortable challenging assumptions constructively.
- Highly organized, resilient, and able to manage competing priorities.
- Collaborative approach with strong stakeholder engagement skills.
- Values-driven and aligned with the mission of improving the built environment.
BDP offers
In return, BDP can offer you a wide range of learning opportunities to encourage personal and professional career development. From sponsorship to profession led CPD events, we also offer annual appraisals and a mentoring scheme that is supported by our internal online learning platform. We are committed to being an employer of choice and offer a competitive remuneration and benefits package that includes an employee profit share scheme, tax efficient smart benefits, private medical insurance, life insurance, long term sickness insurance, interest free season ticket loans, health screening, opportunity to buy/swap holidays and enhanced maternity and paternity provision, plus many more. We offer regular international, and studio based social, sporting and charitable events. Some recent events include month-end socials, a hiking club, wellbeing webinars and toolbox talks. Our variety of employee forums gives everyone the platform to have a voice and be heard which drives cultural changes and helps to create an engaged, inclusive organisation. BDP is actively fostering an inclusive organisation where people can be themselves and everyone has a sense of belonging. We want our teams to be diverse at every level, reflecting the communities we design for. As designers, we will create spaces for all that promote equity, wellbeing and participation within the built environment. We actively encourage people from a variety of backgrounds with different skills, professional and life experiences, to join us and help us to achieve our aspirations. We also welcome applications from candidates who wish to work flexibly. BDP also operates a hybrid working policy which is usually three days in the office and two days working from home.
Head of Commercial Finance in Manchester employer: Building Design Partnership Limited
BDP is an exceptional employer that prioritises personal and professional growth, offering extensive learning opportunities, a competitive benefits package, and a vibrant work culture that fosters inclusivity and collaboration. With a commitment to designing a better world, employees are encouraged to engage in meaningful projects while enjoying a healthy work-life balance through flexible working arrangements and various social initiatives. Join us in shaping spaces that matter, where your contributions will be valued and your career can flourish.
Contact Details:
Building Design Partnership Limited Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Commercial Finance in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance world, especially those who work in commercial finance. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching BDP and its projects. Understand their mission and values, and think about how your skills in FP&A can contribute to their goals. Show them you’re not just another candidate!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your financial modelling skills before the interview. Be ready to discuss your experience with scenario analysis and project-based metrics. This will help you stand out as a strong candidate for the Head of Commercial Finance role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the BDP team and contributing to their mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Commercial Finance in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience mentioned in the job description. Highlight your financial modelling skills and any experience with FP&A or commercial finance to catch our eye!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you're passionate about the role and how your values align with ours. Share specific examples of how you've improved processes or driven results in previous roles.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:Since we're looking for someone curious and analytical, include examples of how you've used data to influence decisions or improve performance. This will help us see your problem-solving abilities in action!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right people and shows us you're serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Building Design Partnership Limited
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Head of Commercial Finance, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key metrics like utilisation, margin, and WIP. Be ready to discuss how you've used these metrics in past roles to drive profitability and improve project performance.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
You'll be managing a team of Finance Business Partners, so it's crucial to highlight your leadership experience. Prepare examples of how you've coached and developed team members, and how you've fostered collaboration within your team and across departments.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Analysis
Expect questions that test your financial modelling skills. Prepare to walk through a scenario analysis or valuation you've conducted in the past. This will show your analytical mindset and ability to influence senior stakeholders with data-driven insights.
✨Align with Their Values
BDP is all about creating inclusive and socially responsible designs. Familiarise yourself with their mission and values, and think about how your own values align. Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to their goal of improving the built environment.
