At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead global finance strategies and enhance financial performance across a dynamic architecture practice.
- Company: Join a global architecture firm committed to innovation and inclusivity.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, profit share, private medical insurance, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Embrace a culture of inclusion and continuous improvement in a fast-paced setting.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on financial strategies in a creative and collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: Fully qualified accountant with extensive FP&A or commercial finance experience.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
Full-time, permanent contract
About the role
The Head of Commercial Finance is a critical leadership role within a global, multidisciplinary architecture practice. Partnering directly with the CFO and senior leadership teams, the role is responsible for driving financial performance, strategic insight, and operational discipline across a complex, multi-studio, multi-sector international environment. This position will play a central role in strengthening the firm's financial planning and reporting processes, improving global forecasting accuracy, supporting the implementation of the Target Operating Model (TOM), and driving the standardisation and automation of reporting. The role requires a blend of commercial acumen, analytical capability, stakeholder influence, and experience managing financial processes within a project-based professional services business.
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
We are looking for a candidate with the following qualifications and attributes.
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 organised, 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.
Benefits
We 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, enhanced maternity and paternity provision, and additional holiday options.
Commitment to Inclusion
BDP is actively fostering an inclusive organisation where people can be themselves and everyone has a sense of belonging. We welcome applications from a variety of backgrounds and encourage flexible working arrangements.
Head of Commercial Finance in Manchester employer: Building Design Partnership
At BDP, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters collaboration and innovation. As the Head of Commercial Finance, you will not only lead a talented team but also play a pivotal role in shaping the financial future of our global architecture practice. With a strong commitment to employee growth, competitive benefits including profit sharing and private medical insurance, and a culture that values diversity and inclusion, BDP is dedicated to creating a workplace where every individual can thrive and contribute meaningfully to improving the built environment.
Contact Details:
Building Design Partnership 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 and architecture sectors. Attend industry events or webinars where you can meet potential employers or colleagues. Remember, sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company inside out. Understand their financial performance, recent projects, and their approach to commercial finance. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you’re genuinely interested in the role and the firm.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your skills in FP&A and commercial finance can directly benefit the company. Use specific examples from your past experiences to demonstrate your impact on financial performance and stakeholder engagement.
✨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, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage with us directly.
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 experience in FP&A or commercial finance, as these are key for the Head of Commercial Finance role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've driven financial performance and improved processes in previous positions, and don’t forget to mention your collaborative approach!
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:Since the role requires strong analytical capabilities, include examples of how you've used data to influence decisions or improve financial outcomes. This will help us see your curious and commercially minded nature in action.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows your enthusiasm for joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Building Design Partnership
✨Know Your Numbers
As the 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 performance and decision-making.
✨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 influenced senior stakeholders in previous positions.
✨Understand the Bigger Picture
This role requires a strategic mindset. Familiarise yourself with the company's mission and values, and think about how you can align financial strategies with their goals. Be prepared to discuss how you've contributed to strategic initiatives like M&A or expansion in the past.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Analysis
Strong financial modelling skills are essential for this position. Prepare to discuss your experience with scenario analysis and valuation. You might even want to bring a sample model or two to showcase your analytical capabilities during the interview.
