At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead pricing strategy and financial analysis for our Paper Sourcing & Recycling business.
- Company: Join DS Smith, a global leader in sustainable packaging solutions.
- Benefits: Hybrid work model, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to positive change.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainability while shaping financial strategies.
- Qualifications: Finance degree, senior finance experience, and strong analytical skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Location: London (Paddington) - hybrid
About the Role
We are seeking a commercially astute and strategically minded Head of Finance - Pricing & Insight to join our Paper Sourcing & Recycling business. This is a high-profile leadership role responsible for providing market insight, pricing strategy, forecasting, and financial analysis that supports business performance across our Paper, Recycling, and Packaging operations. The role is critical in helping the business understand the short- and long-term drivers of paper and fibre pricing, enabling informed decision-making and supporting profitability throughout commodity pricing cycles. Working closely with senior leaders across the business, you will lead pricing governance, forecasting, transfer pricing, performance analysis, and integrated business planning activities while ensuring stakeholders have access to accurate, insightful, and commercially relevant information. This is an exceptional opportunity for an experienced finance leader who combines strong commercial acumen, strategic thinking, and the ability to influence at senior levels.
Key Responsibilities
- Business Partnering
- Develop a strong understanding of commodity price cycles and key drivers including energy, fibre and manufacturing costs.
- Analyse information from multiple sources to develop long-term pricing strategies and price ranges.
- Work with Paper Sourcing teams to challenge and validate market assumptions before presentation to senior stakeholders.
- Partner with Recycling, Paper and Packaging teams to model pricing scenarios and understand financial impacts across the value chain.
- Engage senior stakeholders to explain market dynamics and pricing assumptions.
- Support the Integrated Business Planning process and improve planning and execution across the business.
- Performance Monitoring
- Benchmark paper and fibre buying performance using external market information.
- Share performance insights with commercial teams and support pricing improvement strategies.
- Manage competitive buying savings and track performance against market indices and third-party pricing data.
- Partner with the Paper Finance team to identify and monitor improvement opportunities across the division.
- Transfer Pricing
- Ensure transfer prices are calculated and invoiced accurately.
- Manage stakeholder communications and pricing queries.
- Ensure fiscal transfer prices comply with transfer pricing policies.
- Calculate index prices and communicate them to Paper and Packaging stakeholders.
- Month-End Responsibilities
- Ensure margins are accurately reported in line with Group requirements.
- Complete reconciliations and reporting for sales, purchases and margins within required timelines.
- Analyse the impact of price movements on sales and purchasing performance, and produce management information covering volumes, margins and supplier mix.
- Budget & Forecast
- Lead the paper and fibre pricing forecast process, taking ownership of margin forecast accuracy.
- Calculate external purchase costs, identify forecast risks and opportunities.
- Leadership & Strategy
- Support the Paper Sourcing & Recycling leadership teams with long-term strategic scenario modelling and pricing strategies.
- Coach and develop the finance team, building business partnering capability and ensuring the business receives appropriate financial support and insight.
About You
- University degree with a finance qualification and significant post-qualified experience.
- Experience in senior finance roles with strong expertise in financial accounting, governance and controls.
- Experience in working on transfer pricing is advantageous.
- Proven track record in strategic finance support and evaluation of long-term opportunities and risks.
- Commodity pricing analysis experience is advantageous.
- Financial modelling, scenario planning and forecasting experience.
- Reporting and analytical systems knowledge.
- People leadership experience.
- Comfortable navigating an international, matrix environment, capable of influencing without authority.
- Ability to build and maintain strong relationships and influence at all levels of the organisation.
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!
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.
Head of Finance - Pricing & Insight in City of Westminster employer: DS Smith Europe
As a Quality and Technical Lead in our Packaging Division, you will thrive in a dynamic work environment that prioritises continuous improvement and customer satisfaction. Our company fosters a culture of collaboration and inclusivity, offering ample opportunities for professional growth and development while working closely with international teams. Located in a vibrant region, we provide a supportive atmosphere where your contributions directly impact our commitment to quality excellence and sustainability.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Finance - Pricing & Insight in City of Westminster
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like DS Smith Europe. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Finance - Pricing & Insight in City of Westminster
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to DS Smith Europe.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on DS Smith Europe's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at DS Smith Europe
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with DS Smith Europe.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at DS Smith Europe will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former DS Smith Europe employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
