At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive sales forecasting and budgeting processes while collaborating with key stakeholders.
- Company: Join DS Smith, a global leader in sustainable packaging solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, bonus, 25 days holiday, and private medical insurance.
- Other info: Hybrid work model with opportunities for career growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a high-visibility role within a dynamic team.
- Qualifications: Finance qualification preferred; strong communication and analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
Permanent, full time
Location: London (Paddington) - hybrid (3 days per week in office)
About Us
We are DS Smith, together with International Paper, we are a global leader in sustainable packaging solutions and other fibre-based products. We believe a better, more sustainable tomorrow is possible with the right people, who challenge and support one another to enact positive change. We employ more than 65,000 colleagues in North America and Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA), who are experts in innovation, manufacturing, design, sales, sustainability, supply chain, and much more. Together with our customers, we make the world safer and more productive, one sustainable packaging solution at a time. Become part of a world-leading organisation and do your best work with us!
About the role
We are searching for a Commercial Finance Business Partner to join our team on a hybrid basis in Paddington. This is a high visibility role within the central Packaging division of DS Smith. You will be a key partner for the Sales, Marketing, and Innovation (SMI) function, as well as the Sub-regional Finance teams and FP&A. As such, the role provides an excellent opportunity to build and grow relationships across the business, and to quickly expand your knowledge of DS Smith and the packaging industry. Effective communication is a key element of this role.
This role will support the Head of Commercial Finance in working alongside the SMI teams to align to the organisation's strategic objectives. This role is also key in embedding an updated Forecasting/Budgeting process in line with the new o9 Forecasting tool. You will be the Business owner of the o9 tool and will be key in its governance and success.
Your remit will include but not limited to:
- Sales Forecasting and Budget management
- Owning and driving the Forecasting and Budget process. Managing the timetable of key delivery dates
- Responsible for producing the monthly/yearly statistical forecast (volumes, revenue), validating the accuracy of the forecast, as well as meeting the requirements of the main stakeholders
- Manage the revenue cycle, deep analysis of revenue drivers and impact (including the impact of the paper market)
- Pricing strategy, pricing adjustment mechanics. Working with the wider team to make the link to Margin
- Develop a deep understanding of the DS Smith Sales environment, Key Customer trends and packaging market challenges.
- O9 (Forecasting tool) and Sales Database owner
- Own and drive the roll out of the new Divisional Sales Forecasting process in alignment with the o9 tool. Working closely with key Sub-regional contacts
- Oversee the monthly Reconciliation of the o9 tool vs. the Finance reporting system (HFM) – drive the automation of this process
- Responsible for the overall integrity of the data within the o9 tool
- Work closely with IT and the Transformation team and external service providers to ensure the ongoing maintenance of the tool and escalations happen in a timely way
- Overall governance of the Sales Database tool
- Reporting and Insights
- Oversee the suite of monthly reports to Sales, Marketing and Innovation
- Drive the automation of reporting alongside the Business Intelligence team with a focus on delivering insights
- Development of insightful and analytical reporting, demonstrating the value of the o9 tool
- Collaboration/Stakeholder Management
- Communication and collaboration – As the owner of the Forecasting/Budget Process and the o9 tool – effective, timely, proactive communication (both written and verbal) will be key in ensuring the success of the new process
- Influence and Challenge – Business Partnering with Sales teams – demonstrating the ability to understand their trading environments and be able to challenge assumptions based on fundamental analysis
About You
- Formal finance qualification desirable
- Strategic and commercial acumen with strong critical thinking skills and the ability to intelligently operate and navigate in a multinational, corporate environment; profound experience of working in matrix roles. Experience within FMCG is desirable
- Proven ability to communicate with and influence stakeholders on a Senior Management level
- Sales Forecasting, Budgeting, Demand planning ownership; ideally previous experience with S&OP Planning tools (Anaplan, BY, FuturMaster, IBM planning analytics, Kinaxis, o9, OMP etc.)
- Process design and redesign experience is a bonus
- Advanced skills working with MS Office tools (Excel, PowerPoint)
- Financial modelling experience preferred
- Experience with Power BI, Cognos reporting or similar is desirable
- Critical thinking will be a key attribute in an environment requiring exciting new perspective
Benefits
- Competitive salary
- Discretionary bonus
- 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
- Car allowance
- Pension scheme, life assurance and income protection
- Private medical insurance
- Salary sacrifice electric car scheme
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Employee Discounts
- Cycle to work scheme
To fulfil our purpose of redefining packaging for a changing world, we aim to build a diverse, motivated, and engaged workforce. Our goal is to create a culture of inclusion where everyone is treated fairly, differences are valued, and everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed. Our people come from diverse backgrounds, bring different perspectives, ideas and experiences to generate unique solutions focused on present and future sustainability challenges. We welcome all candidates to apply, even those not meeting all criteria.
Commercial Finance Business Partner - Sales Forecasting and Analysis in City of Westminster employer: DS Smith Europe
At DS Smith, we pride ourselves on being a leading employer in the sustainable packaging industry, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of London (Paddington). Our hybrid working model promotes a healthy work-life balance, while our commitment to employee development ensures that you will have ample opportunities for growth and advancement. With competitive benefits, a culture of inclusion, and a focus on innovation, joining our team means contributing to meaningful change in a supportive and collaborative atmosphere.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Finance Business Partner - Sales Forecasting and Analysis in City of Westminster
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at DS Smith on LinkedIn or through mutual connections. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing the role. Personal connections can make a huge difference!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into the company’s values and recent projects. Show us that you’re not just another candidate, but someone who genuinely cares about sustainable packaging and is ready to contribute to our mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! Since this role involves a lot of collaboration, being able to articulate your thoughts clearly and confidently will set you apart. Consider mock interviews with friends or mentors to sharpen your delivery.
✨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 us you’re serious about joining the DS Smith team!
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Finance Business Partner - Sales Forecasting and Analysis in City of Westminster
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Commercial Finance Business Partner. Highlight your experience in sales forecasting, budgeting, and any relevant tools like o9. 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 passionate about sustainable packaging and how your background makes you a great fit for DS Smith. Let us know what excites you about this role!
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Effective communication is key in this role, so make sure to demonstrate your written communication skills in your application. Whether it's through your CV or cover letter, clarity and professionalism will go a long way with us.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly 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 keen on joining our team at DS Smith!
How to prepare for a job interview at DS Smith Europe
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Commercial Finance Business Partner, you'll need to be comfortable with sales forecasting and budgeting. Brush up on your financial modelling skills and be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive decisions in previous roles. Be prepared to share specific examples of how you've managed revenue cycles or pricing strategies.
✨Master the o9 Tool
Since this role involves owning the o9 Forecasting tool, make sure you understand its functionalities and how it integrates with other systems. If possible, get familiar with similar tools beforehand. During the interview, express your enthusiasm for driving the roll-out of new processes and how you can ensure data integrity within the system.
✨Communicate Effectively
Effective communication is key in this role, especially when collaborating with Sales, Marketing, and Innovation teams. Practice articulating complex financial concepts in simple terms. Think about how you can demonstrate your ability to influence stakeholders at a senior management level during the interview.
✨Show Your Strategic Thinking
This position requires strong critical thinking and strategic acumen. Prepare to discuss how you've navigated challenges in a multinational environment and how you've contributed to process design or redesign. Highlight any experience you have in FMCG or similar sectors to show you're well-versed in the industry.
