At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead finance transformation projects and drive continuous improvement across AR and AP units.
- Company: Join Culligan, a global leader in innovative water solutions with 80 years of excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive pension scheme, sick pay, and access to ongoing learning opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for career growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by optimising processes and enhancing financial operations.
- Qualifications: Experience in continuous improvement and finance operations is essential.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
Our UK companies are proud to be part of the international Culligan group. We work to provide better water for our customers & consumers around the world. Culligan's complete line of drinking water solutions, water softeners & water filtration systems set the standard in the water industry. Today, Culligan is proud to have provided world‑class service and innovative water solutions for the last 80 years. At Culligan, we're committed to delivering state‑of‑the‑art products and water solutions that benefit our customers, while minimizing the impact on the environment.
As a key member of the Finance Operations team, you will lead the Continuous Improvement agenda across our AR and AP units, ensuring processes are efficient, scalable, and aligned with business needs. You will own and deliver transformation initiatives end‑to‑end, including scoping, planning, execution, stakeholder engagement, and benefit realisation. The role requires strong operational understanding, analytical capability, and the ability to challenge existing ways of working constructively. This role will be instrumental in driving improvements in systems, automation, reporting, and process governance, ensuring measurable outcomes such as improved cash flow, reduced manual effort, and enhanced data quality.
Core Role and Responsibilities
- Lead and deliver key finance transformation projects, including:
- Implementation of new Direct Debit software
- Transition of customers to quarterly billing cycles
- Introduction of IVA (Intelligent/Automated debt‑chasing solutions)
- Own projects end‑to‑end, ensuring clear scope, timelines, stakeholder alignment and measurable outcomes
- Run structured continuous improvement (Kaizen‑style) events across AR and AP
- Review existing processes, SOPs and workflows to identify inefficiencies and implement sustainable improvements
- Standardise and document best practices across finance operations
- Identify opportunities to reduce manual work and increase automation, partnering with IT and systems teams
- Improve data quality, reporting accuracy and financial controls
- Build strong relationships with Finance, Operations and Customer teams to drive adoption and engagement
- Challenge existing processes constructively, promoting a culture of continuous improvement
- Define, track and report KPIs related to AR/AP performance (DSO, invoice processing times, error rates)
- Provide regular updates on progress, risks and benefits realisation
- Ensure improvements are embedded, measurable and sustained over time
Requirements
Essential
- Proven experience in continuous improvement, process optimisation or transformation roles
- Strong background in finance operations (AR, AP, billing or credit control)
- Demonstrated experience delivering end‑to‑end projects
- Ability to analyse processes and translate insight into practical action
- Confident stakeholder management and communication skills
- Hands‑on mindset, comfortable working at both strategic and operational levels
Desirable
- Experience implementing finance systems (Direct Debit platforms, billing systems)
- Knowledge of Lean, Kaizen or Six Sigma methodologies
- Experience with automation tools or workflow systems
- Background in shared services or high‑volume transactional environments
Benefits
- Company Pension scheme
- Company Sick Pay (after qualifying period)
- Cycle to Work scheme available
- Employee rewards and discounts
- Option to join Health Care Cash Plan
- 24/7 365-day access to Employee Assistance Programme through Health Assured
- Access to on‑going learning and development with our online learning platform
- Free onsite parking
- Life Assurance
Continuous Improvement Lead in Wolverhampton employer: Culligan UK
Culligan is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee growth and development within a supportive and innovative work culture. As a Continuous Improvement Lead, you will have the opportunity to drive meaningful change in finance operations while enjoying benefits such as a company pension scheme, access to ongoing learning, and a comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme. Located in the UK, Culligan fosters a collaborative environment where your contributions directly impact our mission of providing better water solutions globally.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Continuous Improvement Lead in Wolverhampton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the finance and continuous improvement sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio or case studies that highlight your past projects in process optimisation and transformation. When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share specific examples of how you've driven improvements and achieved measurable outcomes.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! If you see a company you’re keen on, don’t wait for them to post a job. Reach out directly through our website, express your interest, and ask if they have any upcoming opportunities. It shows initiative and can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your stakeholder management skills. Be ready to discuss how you’ve engaged with different teams in the past and how you’ve tackled challenges in continuous improvement. Confidence is key, so practice makes perfect!
We think you need these skills to ace Continuous Improvement Lead in Wolverhampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Continuous Improvement Lead. Highlight your experience in finance operations and any transformation projects you've led. We want to see how your skills align with our mission at Culligan!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about continuous improvement and how you can contribute to our team. Be sure to mention specific examples from your past that demonstrate your analytical capabilities and stakeholder management skills.
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, focus on measurable outcomes. Did you improve cash flow or reduce manual effort in previous roles? Quantify your achievements to give us a clear picture of your impact. We love numbers that tell a story!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a seamless application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Culligan UK
✨Know Your Continuous Improvement Methodologies
Familiarise yourself with Lean, Kaizen, and Six Sigma methodologies. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these in previous roles, especially in finance operations. This shows you understand the tools needed to drive transformation.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Prepare examples of end-to-end projects you've led, particularly in AR and AP. Highlight your ability to scope, plan, and execute initiatives while managing stakeholders effectively. This will demonstrate your hands-on mindset and strategic thinking.
✨Understand the Business Impact
Be prepared to discuss how your improvements have led to measurable outcomes like enhanced cash flow or reduced manual effort. Use specific metrics or KPIs from your past experiences to illustrate your impact on financial performance.
✨Build Relationships and Communicate Effectively
Emphasise your experience in building strong relationships across teams. Practice articulating how you engage stakeholders and promote a culture of continuous improvement. Good communication is key in driving adoption and engagement.
