At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead finance for marketing, operations, and studio projects while driving strategic initiatives.
- Company: Join Channel 4, a dynamic media organisation committed to innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development opportunities, and a vibrant work culture.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team fostering a collaborative and performance-driven environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a leadership role at the heart of a creative powerhouse.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with 10+ years in commercial finance and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 € per year.
Channel 4’s Finance team has a vision of being a collaborative and trusted business partner at the heart of the organisation, delivering actionable insight with accuracy and integrity whilst safeguarding long‑term sustainability. The Head of Finance: Marketing, Operations and 4 Studio is a key leadership position within the Business Partnering function, reporting to the Director of Commercial Finance. The role is pivotal in executing the Fast Forward strategy, to drive Channel 4's strategic and operational objectives.
The Head of Finance: Marketing, Operations and 4 Studio will lead a number of P&L areas: Marketing - £60m cost base, 4 Studio- £20m revenues, Corporate Costs and Commercial Affairs - £90m costs in total- as well as being the finance lead for some key strategic initiatives- Operating Efficiency, the sale of our Horseferry Road site and any additional special projects. The successful candidate will be energetic, an excellent communicator, collaborator, and a credible leader- managing a team of 5 heads. The Head of Finance is a member of the finance leadership Team (FLT) and will be expected to deputise for the Director of Finance where necessary.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Corporate Costs
- Oversight of £90m+ of corporate costs budget, including Finance, Nations and Regions, Workspace and Facilities Management, Commercial Affairs, People, DEI and Insight.
- Provide strategic financial insight, scenario analysis, and recommendations to influence executive decision‑making.
- Be a strategic and credible business partner, providing constructive challenge to the responsible execs to drive business performance.
- Support on key commercial negotiations, investment decisions, business cases and partnerships and identifying opportunities to drive efficiencies.
- Support budget, 3YP and forecasting process.
- Provide finance leadership on the operating efficiency programme, in partnership with 7 Steps Solutions and across the business.
- Identify and size opportunities, validate ideas and assess their applicability to C4.
- Lead the drive to execute savings by obtaining business buy in, identifying blockers and working through strategies to implement change.
- Champion ‘always on’ approach to cost management using cost analytics and external benchmarks, work cross‑functionally across departments.
- Input into and lead regular steerco meetings on OE and ensure there is a rigorous governance process.
- Work with FP&A team to ensure savings are baked into budget and long range forecast.
- Special Projects
- Able to perform deep dives where required into specific areas of, or activities across, the business, to deliver actionable insight and a recommended course of action.
- Key finance lead supporting the sale of the Horseferry Road building and the sourcing of a new home, ensuring that the transaction generates maximum value for Channel 4, owning and maintaining the business plan, and evaluation and management of key risks (financial and non-financial).
- Support any other upcoming special projects as required by CFO/Director of Commercial Finance.
- Marketing, 4 Creative and 4Studio
- Whilst the current SFM is on maternity leave, this role will provide additional support when required to the Chief Marketing Officer and MD of 4Studio and the rest of the Marketing and Creative senior leadership team- the mat cover will still be the day to day contact for all of the teams.
- Continue to identify and execute improvements in processes and ways of working in partnership with the business.
- Support key strategic priorities for the marketing and 4 Studio teams, including improving marketing effectiveness, scaling up 4 Studio to supercharge revenue and profitability.
- Support budget, 3YP and forecasting process.
- Leadership and People
- Build strong working relationships with executive team and other key stakeholders.
- Direct line management of Finance Manager, Corporate Costs and a Management Accountant, as well as a dotted line into the 7SS team who currently lead the Procurement and Operating Efficiency workstream.
- Direct line management of a Senior Finance Manager, Marketing and 4 Studio, Manager and Senior Finance Analyst – providing coaching and development.
- Will also require ability to deliver through others when leading special projects and cross‑functional initiatives.
- Foster a collaborative, learning‑driven, and performance‑oriented culture. Attract and nurture diverse finance talent, role‑modelling values and behaviours.
- Be a key member of the Finance Leadership Team, helping to drive the People Agenda.
Qualifications and Experience
- Qualified Accountant (ACA/ACCA/CIMA) with at least 10+ years’ post‑qualification experience.
- Proven track record in commercial finance, FP&A, and business partnering in complex organisations, preferably in the media and entertainment sector- with experience of managing cost centres as well as revenue lines.
- Able to ‘get stuck in’ but also see the big picture- should be able to distil key insights from many different data sources into a clear plan of action aligned with business strategy.
- Expert at simplifying complex financial information succinctly for a broad range of stakeholders and ‘telling the story’.
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, comfortable interacting with, and presenting to the C‑suite.
- Highly organised, able to perform under pressure and at pace, and comfortable with ambiguity.
- Advanced financial modelling and analytical skills – that can be shared with the team.
- Comfortable working in a highly results‑focused, complex organisation, undergoing significant change, and adept at working cross‑functionally.
- Be adept at attracting and nurturing diverse finance talent, role‑modelling the right values and behaviours.
- Able to prioritise and manage time effectively – with a wide remit.
- Experience of leading teams and developing talent- able to deliver through others.
- High levels of personal credibility, professionalism and ethical standards.
- Be committed to and aligned with the Channel 4 remit.
Head of Finance: Marketing, Operations and 4 Studio employer: Channel 4
Channel 4 is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of Leeds or London, where collaboration and innovation thrive. With a strong commitment to employee development, you will have access to numerous growth opportunities while being part of a diverse and inclusive culture that values integrity and creativity. Join us to make a meaningful impact as we drive strategic initiatives and foster a performance-oriented atmosphere.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Finance: Marketing, Operations and 4 Studio
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join relevant groups on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy about reaching out to folks for a chat. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their values and how they align with your own. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you’re genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Do mock interviews with friends or family to get comfortable with common questions. The more you practice, the more confident you’ll feel when it’s time to shine in front of the real interviewers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in leaving a positive impression. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Finance: Marketing, Operations and 4 Studio
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Head of Finance role. Highlight your experience in commercial finance and business partnering, especially in media and entertainment. We want to see how your skills align with our vision at Channel 4!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this is a leadership position, don’t forget to emphasise your experience in managing teams and developing talent. Share examples of how you've fostered a collaborative culture and driven performance in your previous roles. We love seeing strong leaders!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to explain your achievements and how they relate to the responsibilities outlined in the job description. We appreciate clarity and directness!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do – just follow the prompts!
How to prepare for a job interview at Channel 4
✨Know Your Numbers
As the Head of Finance, you'll be dealing with significant budgets and financial insights. Brush up on your financial modelling and analytical skills. Be prepared to discuss how you've managed large P&L areas in the past and provide examples of how your insights have influenced executive decision-making.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
This role requires strong leadership and team management. Think about your approach to building relationships and fostering a collaborative culture. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've developed talent and led teams through change, especially in complex environments.
✨Communicate Clearly
Excellent communication is key, especially when presenting to the C-suite. Practice simplifying complex financial information into clear, actionable insights. Prepare to explain how you would communicate financial strategies and recommendations to non-financial stakeholders.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Analysis
The job involves providing strategic financial insight and scenario analysis. Prepare for questions that test your ability to assess risks and opportunities. Think of past experiences where you've had to validate ideas and implement changes based on your analysis.
