At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and analysis for a dynamic operations team.
- Company: Join Dignity, a compassionate leader in the funeral services industry.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, 25 days holiday, BUPA healthcare, and hybrid working.
- Other info: Be part of a purpose-led organisation that values compassion and integrity.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact while collaborating with diverse teams in a fast-paced environment.
- Qualifications: Proven finance experience, strong analytical skills, and ACA/ACCA/CIMA qualification required.
The predicted salary is between 64000 - 96000 £ per year.
Location: Birmingham
Contract: Full-Time, Permanent, 38.75 hours per week
Salary: Up to £80,000 per annum
About the Role
We are seeking a highly skilled Group Operations Finance Manager to act as a trusted advisor and partner to the Group Ops Director, who oversees Property, Manufacturing, Fleet, and Operational Readiness. This pivotal role provides oversight and critical thinking across our cost to serve, including a £10m manufacturing operation, £15m property maintenance budget, and £25m capital investment programme. You’ll deliver strategic analysis, financial oversight, and actionable insights that shape decision‑making at the highest level.
Key Responsibilities
- Partner with the Group Ops Director to deliver strategic analysis, decision support, and financial oversight.
- Build strong relationships with Group Ops leadership and stakeholders, providing proactive challenge and financial guidance.
- Lead budgeting and forecasting processes for Group Ops, aligning financials with strategic priorities.
- Collaborate with FP&A, Management Accounts, and Financial Accounts teams to review monthly results and prepare materials for Executive and Board reviews.
- Partner with the Head of Manufacturing to drive improvements in cost to serve, supplier opportunities, and operational efficiency.
- Create and manage dashboards and performance metrics for manufacturing operations, focusing on waste reduction and bill of materials management.
- Design and oversee the financial framework for capital investment, property maintenance, and branch decisions, ensuring robust appraisal modelling.
- Manage utilities costs, energy hedging, and supplier contracts to support P&L and balance sheet accuracy.
- Support strategic decision‑making for Fleet operations, identifying opportunities and communicating recommendations.
- Ensure central overheads are fully defined, understood, and optimised for efficiency.
- Lead property‑related cash‑flow forecasting and actively manage property movements, acquisitions, renewals, and exits.
- Collaborate with Data & Analytics to deliver clear, insightful management information to the Group Executive Team.
About You
- Has proven experience as a credible commercial finance manager with multi‑site property expertise.
- Brings strong analytical skills, able to model scenarios, interpret complex data, and communicate concisely.
- Possesses excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to influence non‑financial stakeholders.
- Is resilient, confident, and able to challenge constructively while driving performance improvements.
- Thrives in a fast‑paced environment and enjoys collaborating across diverse teams.
Knowledge, Skills & Experience
- Experience working with multi‑site organisations, ideally with manufacturing awareness.
- Strong background in capital planning, budgeting, and forecasting.
- ACA, ACCA, or CIMA qualified (or equivalent).
- Experience in roles such as Commercial Finance Analyst or Management Accountant, with progression into partnering roles.
- Advanced Excel and financial modelling skills.
- Experience with ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, or similar).
- Awareness of lease accounting standards (e.g., IFRS 16).
- Familiarity with data analytics tools (Power BI, Tableau).
- Strong problem‑solving skills, commercial acumen, and ability to manage competing priorities.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary package
- 25 days holiday + bank holidays
- BUPA Healthcare
- 2× Life Assurance
- Pension scheme
- Hybrid flexible working (with weekly presence in KEC – Birmingham Office)
What are the next steps?
If this sounds like the right role for you and you’re excited to make a strategic impact in a purpose‑led organisation, simply click the ‘apply’ button. A member of our Talent Acquisition Team will be in touch to guide you through the next steps.
About Us
At Dignity, we’re here for families when it matters most. With compassion, professionalism, and integrity at the heart of everything we do, we’re proud to support people through some of life’s most difficult moments. With over 500 funeral homes across the UK, we’re a trusted presence in local communities, operating under respected and well‑known local names. We also manage 45 crematoria nationwide, offer funeral plans, and partner with Farewill to provide online wills and probate services. Together, our goal is simple: to provide families with continuity, care, and clarity – from planning and preparation through to the funeral itself, and beyond.
FCA Statement
Please note that this role is subject to meeting FCA Conduct Rules. By applying, you consent to the necessary checks and assessments carried out during the recruitment process.
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Statement
Our vision is to connect with our clients, colleagues, and communities through shared principles – while celebrating our differences. We empower our teams to champion inclusion and actively seek out diverse voices and perspectives. We’re committed to action, accountability, and building a culture of belonging.
Agency Statement
Unsolicited submissions from agencies will be considered direct applications and no fees will be paid. We reserve the right to close applications early depending on volume – we recommend applying as soon as possible.
Seniority level: Mid‑Senior level
Employment type: Full‑time
Job function: Finance and Sales
Group Operations Finance Manager in Birmingham employer: Dignity Funerals Ltd
Dignity is an exceptional employer, offering a competitive salary package and a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With flexible hybrid working arrangements and a commitment to diversity and inclusion, employees are empowered to thrive in their roles while making a meaningful impact in the community. Located in Birmingham, this role provides the opportunity to collaborate with diverse teams and contribute to a purpose-led organisation dedicated to providing care and clarity during life's most challenging moments.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Group Operations Finance Manager in Birmingham
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend finance and operations events, join relevant LinkedIn groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to current employees at companies you’re interested in. Building relationships can open doors that applications alone can’t.
✨Ace the Informational Interview
If you can, set up informational interviews with professionals in similar roles. This is your chance to ask questions about their experiences and get insider tips on what it takes to succeed as a Group Operations Finance Manager. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the field!
✨Showcase Your Skills
When you land an interview, be ready to demonstrate your analytical skills and financial acumen. Prepare examples of how you've tackled budgeting, forecasting, or operational efficiency challenges in the past. Use data to back up your claims and show how you can add value to the team.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the latest opportunities and updates about our company culture, so you can tailor your approach accordingly.
We think you need these skills to ace Group Operations Finance Manager in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Group Operations Finance Manager role. Highlight your experience in commercial finance, budgeting, and forecasting, especially in multi-site organisations. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've influenced decision-making and driven performance improvements in previous positions.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:Since this role requires strong analytical skills, make sure to include examples of how you've modelled scenarios or interpreted complex data. We love seeing candidates who can communicate insights clearly to non-financial stakeholders!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you're keen on joining our team at Dignity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Dignity Funerals Ltd
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Group Operations Finance Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key metrics related to budgeting, forecasting, and capital planning. Be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive decision-making in previous roles.
✨Build Relationships
This role involves partnering with various stakeholders. Think about examples where you've successfully built relationships with non-financial teams. Prepare to share how you’ve influenced decisions and provided financial guidance in a collaborative manner.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
You’ll be expected to interpret complex data and model scenarios. Bring examples of past analyses you've conducted that led to significant improvements or cost savings. Be prepared to explain your thought process and the impact of your findings.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to manage competing priorities. Think of specific situations where you faced challenges in a fast-paced environment and how you navigated them. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
