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 focused on performance and growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a leadership role at a leading media company.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with 10+ years in commercial finance and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 € per year.
Department: Finance
Reports to: Director of Commercial Finance (SL)
Level: L1
Location: Leeds/London
PURPOSE OF THE ROLE
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 in London 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 in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the finance sector, especially those who work at Channel 4 or similar companies. Attend industry events, webinars, or even local meetups to make those valuable connections that could lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company inside out. Understand Channel 4's Fast Forward strategy and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. We want you to show them you're not just a fit for the role, but also a great cultural match!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You never know when you'll get a chance to introduce yourself to someone influential. Have a concise and compelling summary of your skills and experiences ready to go, so you can grab attention and leave a lasting impression.
✨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 team and are familiar with the process. Let’s get you that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Finance: Marketing, Operations and 4 Studio 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 commercial finance and business partnering, especially in complex organisations like media and entertainment. We want to see how your skills align with our vision!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've driven strategic initiatives and improved financial performance in your previous roles.
Showcase Leadership Skills:As a key leadership position, we’re looking for someone who can manage and inspire a team. Make sure to highlight your experience in leading teams, developing talent, and fostering a collaborative culture in your application.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at Channel 4!
How to prepare for a job interview at Channel 4
✨Know Your Numbers
As the Head of Finance, you'll need to demonstrate a solid grasp of financial metrics. Brush up on key figures related to corporate costs, P&L areas, and any recent financial reports from Channel 4. Being able to discuss these confidently will show your analytical skills and readiness for the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
This position requires strong leadership and team management. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past, particularly in finance. Think about how you foster collaboration and drive performance, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions
Expect questions around strategic financial insight and decision-making. Familiarise yourself with Channel 4's Fast Forward strategy and be ready to discuss how you would contribute to its execution. Bring ideas on how to improve operational efficiency and drive business performance.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Excellent communication is key for this role. Practice simplifying complex financial information into clear narratives. Be prepared to present your thoughts succinctly, as you'll likely need to explain your insights to various stakeholders, including the C-suite.
