At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial planning for operating expenses and support global teams in achieving P&L goals.
- Company: Join Coca-Cola, a diverse and inclusive employer with a rich history.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, annual incentives, and access to educational platforms for growth.
- Other info: Flexible work environment with opportunities for international experience.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a global company while working with multicultural teams.
- Qualifications: 7+ years in financial planning and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
This job is with Coca-Cola, an inclusive employer and a member of myGwork – the largest global platform for the LGBTQ+ business community.
Our Purpose and Growth Culture: We are taking deliberate action to nurture an inclusive culture that is grounded in our company purpose, to refresh the world and make a difference. We act with a growth mindset, take an expansive approach to what's possible and believe in continuous learning to improve our business and ourselves. We focus on four key behaviors - curious, empowered, inclusive and agile - and value how we work as much as what we achieve. We believe that our culture is one of the reasons our company continues to thrive after 130+ years.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.
The Coca-Cola Company is a 140 years old total beverage company, offering over 500 brands in more than 200 countries and territories. We're constantly transforming our portfolio, from reducing sugar in our drinks to bringing innovative new products to market. We're also working to reduce our environmental impact by replenishing water and promoting recycling. With our bottling partners, we employ more than 700,000 people, helping bring economic opportunity to local communities worldwide.
Position Overview: Our vision is to love brands, done sustainably, for better shared future. We strive to provide cutting-edge excellence in ingredients, innovation, design and marketing. As a Senior OPEX Planning Manager, you will be responsible for the financial planning (business plan and rolling estimates) of Operating Expenses (Employee Costs and All Other Costs) for Europe OU, supporting the Global and Operating Units who are ultimately accountable for the Profit and Loss (P&L) results of their respective functions/markets.
We are looking for people that have a passion for building relationships and will be proud to be a representative of our brands, are results driven and have financial planning experience.
What You'll Do for Us:
- Responsible for the financial planning (business plan and rolling estimates) of Operating Expenses (Employee Costs and All Other Costs) for a specific geography/OU/group of OUs/Function/group of Functions.
- Oversees a team of OPEX (Operating Expense) managers/analysts at a third-party MSP (Managed Services Provider).
- Maintains the primary business relationship with the Financial Planning team and/or Finance Director/Finance Leadership at the Operating Unit/Center Function.
- Reviews periodic OPEX plans/budgets/forecasts, ensuring completeness, reasonable accuracy, and relevance of information.
- Manages issue escalations coming from the team or from the Operating Units/Center Functions.
- Provides data and process guidance to production teams and the Operating Units/Center Functions.
- Tracks service levels and key metrics to ensure effective performance management.
- Ensures adherence to SOPs (standard operating procedure) and recommends changes to improve effectiveness.
- Leads the implementation of necessary controls, as well as system or process changes.
- In partnership with the MSP, identifies opportunities to globally standardize and simplify processing and reporting activities.
Internal and External Communications:
- Communicates primarily with senior management internal company stakeholders regarding OPEX performance.
- Also communicates with various senior leaders/functional leaders as needed to resolve issues.
- Communicates with and manages an external MSP team responsible for the execution of financial planning activities.
- Communicates with peers in Global Finance and Platform Services teams to facilitate collaboration.
Summary of Innovation and Complexity Required:
Manages the OPEX financial planning activities pertaining to a specific geography/OU/group of OUs/Function/group of Functions. Managing the OPEX financial planning activities requires an understanding of the employee/associate headcount, the nature and sources of operating expenses across multiple countries, foreign currency implications, risks and opportunities, as well as the financial systems and data elements that support financial reporting.
Qualifications and Requirements:
- At least 7 years of solid related work experience leading business planning, financial planning, or management accounting areas.
- Virtual management across cultures and time zones.
- Experience in a multinational company with a global footprint.
- Strong demonstration of business acumen, financial competency, effective communication, systems proficiency, change adaptability, flexibility, and people management.
What We Can Do For You:
You will be part of the Finance Hub team where teams are the new heroes and our leaders are expected to be role models. We offer career growth and development, a diverse and inclusive culture, and international experience.
As Platform Services Finance Hub, we do not follow a rigid location strategy, though we have assigned preferable locations for new roles based on business and compliance requirements.
For candidates based in Poland: Base Salary: 202000 PLN to 305000 PLN. A full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits is offered.
Location(s): United Kingdom City/Cities: London Travel Required: 00% - 25% Relocation Provided: No Job Posting End Date: June 15, 2026.
Senior Manager, OPEX Planning EOU employer: Coca-cola
Coca-Cola is an exceptional employer that champions inclusivity and personal growth, offering a vibrant work culture where employees are empowered to express their individuality and contribute to meaningful projects. With a commitment to continuous learning and international collaboration, employees can thrive in a dynamic environment while enjoying competitive benefits and opportunities for career advancement. Located in London, this role provides a unique chance to be part of a global team dedicated to refreshing the world and making a positive impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Manager, OPEX Planning EOU
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Coca-Cola on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing the Senior Manager role. Personal connections can give you insights that a job description just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into Coca-Cola's culture and values. They’re all about being curious, empowered, inclusive, and agile. Think of examples from your past that showcase these behaviours and be ready to share them!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your financial planning skills! Brush up on your knowledge of OPEX management and be ready to discuss how you’ve handled similar responsibilities in the past. Show them you’re not just a numbers person, but someone who can drive decisions and influence outcomes.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Coca-Cola team. Let’s get you that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Manager, OPEX Planning EOU
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When you're writing your application, let your passion for financial planning and operational excellence shine through. We want to see how excited you are about the role and how you can contribute to our growth culture.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your relevant experience in financial planning and management. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for and how you fit the bill.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate straightforward communication, so avoid jargon and focus on what makes you a great fit for the Senior Manager role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to apply 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 you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Coca-cola
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Senior Manager in OPEX Planning, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive decisions in previous roles. Prepare examples that showcase your ability to manage budgets and forecasts effectively.
✨Embrace the Culture
Coca-Cola values an inclusive and growth-oriented culture. Familiarise yourself with their core behaviours: curious, empowered, inclusive, and agile. Think of ways you can embody these traits in your responses and show how you can contribute to their mission of refreshing the world.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Engagement
You'll be communicating with various senior leaders and teams. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Prepare to discuss how you've successfully managed relationships and influenced stakeholders in past roles, especially in complex environments.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
The role requires strong problem-solving abilities. Be ready to share specific examples of complex challenges you've faced and how you approached them. Highlight your analytical skills and your capacity to drive actions from multi-variable analyses, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
