At a Glance
- Tasks: Support commercial performance through analysis and insight in a fast-paced environment.
- Company: Investor-backed business focused on operational efficiency and data-led decision-making.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate of £450-500 for a 3-month assignment.
- Other info: Opportunity to work closely with operations and commercial teams in North Cambridge.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by influencing key financial decisions and collaborating with teams.
- Qualifications: Experience in commercial finance or FP&A, strong analytical skills, and stakeholder engagement.
Cedar is partnered with an investor‑backed, operationally intensive business to appoint an Interim Finance Business Partner. This is an initial 3‑month assignment, based in North Cambridge, offering a £450‑500 per day rate. The role sits within a fast‑moving environment where finance is expected to work closely with commercial teams and influence day‑to‑day decision‑making.
The business operates at scale within a high‑volume, commercially driven setting, supplying large national customers and running time‑critical operations. Pricing discipline, margin control and operational efficiency are central to performance, and finance plays an active role in supporting these outcomes. Backed by institutional investors, the organisation values data‑led insight and close collaboration between finance, operations and the commercial leadership team. The core operational site in North Cambridge requires finance to be embedded in the business rather than operating at arm’s length.
The Interim Finance Business Partner will support commercial performance through insight, analysis and challenge, working close to trading activity and building a strong understanding of the operational drivers behind financial results. This is a hands‑on, delivery‑focused role suited to a Finance Business Partner who is comfortable operating at pace and translating data into clear, practical insight.
Key Areas of Focus:- Producing and interpreting regular commercial performance reporting to support decision‑making.
- Analysing pricing, margin, volume and customer performance.
- Translating financial data into actionable insight for non‑finance stakeholders.
- Supporting month‑end activity through detailed analysis, commentary and issue resolution.
- Working closely with operational and commercial teams to improve performance understanding.
- Delivering ad‑hoc analysis, modelling and short‑term scenario work.
- Identifying and implementing improvements to reporting, processes and controls.
Your Profile:
- Commercial finance or FP&A background with demonstrable Finance Business Partnering experience.
- Comfortable operating in fast‑paced, high‑volume environments.
- Strong analytical capability with a practical, hands‑on approach.
- Confident engaging senior stakeholders and influencing commercial decisions.
- Experience in FMCG, manufacturing, logistics or similar operational settings is advantageous.
Compensation & Working Arrangements:
This assignment offers £450‑500 per day for an initial 3‑month period, reflecting the hands‑on, commercially focused nature of the role. The position is based in North Cambridge, with an expectation of 4 days per week in the office to support close engagement with operational and commercial teams. The £450‑500 per day rate is positioned to attract a high‑calibre Finance Business Partner who can deliver impact quickly in a fast‑moving, investor‑backed environment.
Finance Business Partner employer: Cedar
Cedar is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration in the field of major rail infrastructure projects. With a strong focus on employee growth, we provide ample opportunities for career progression alongside competitive benefits such as private medical insurance. Join us in a vibrant location where your expertise in M&E construction will be valued and rewarded.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Business Partner
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance world, especially those who have experience in commercial settings. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your analytical skills. Be ready to discuss how you've translated financial data into actionable insights in past roles. We want to see you shine and show how you can influence decision-making!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation and reiterate your interest in the role. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Let’s get you that Finance Business Partner role!
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Business Partner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Finance Business Partner. Highlight your experience in commercial finance and any hands-on roles you've had that align with the fast-paced environment we're looking for.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain how your analytical skills and experience in FMCG or similar settings make you the perfect fit for this role. Don’t forget to mention your ability to influence decisions!
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:In your application, be sure to include examples of how you've translated financial data into actionable insights. We want to see how you've supported decision-making in previous roles, especially in high-volume environments.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get you on our radar quickly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cedar
✨Know Your Numbers
Make sure you brush up on key financial metrics relevant to the role. Understand how pricing, margin control, and operational efficiency impact performance. Being able to discuss these concepts confidently will show that you're ready to hit the ground running.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare examples of how you've used data to drive decisions in previous roles. Be ready to explain your thought process when analysing commercial performance and translating financial data into actionable insights for non-finance stakeholders.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about how you've influenced senior stakeholders in the past. Prepare to share specific instances where your insights led to improved decision-making. This will demonstrate your ability to collaborate closely with commercial teams.
✨Be Hands-On and Practical
This role is all about delivering results quickly. Be prepared to discuss how you've tackled challenges in fast-paced environments before. Highlight your practical approach to problem-solving and your readiness to dive into month-end activities and ad-hoc analysis.
