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 a competitive salary, discretionary bonus, and 25 days holiday.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with opportunities for professional growth.
- 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
Commercial Finance Business Partner - Sales Forecasting and Analysis 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. Join us to collaborate with a diverse team of experts who are passionate about innovation and sustainability, making a meaningful impact together.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Finance Business Partner - Sales Forecasting and Analysis
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching DS Smith and understanding their values and goals. Tailor your answers to show how you can contribute to their mission of sustainable packaging solutions.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! Since this role involves a lot of collaboration, being able to articulate your thoughts clearly will set you apart. Consider mock interviews with friends or mentors.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining the DS Smith team.
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Finance Business Partner - Sales Forecasting and Analysis
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 perfect fit for DS Smith. Let us know what excites you about this role!
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since effective communication is key in this role, make sure your application reflects your ability to convey complex ideas clearly. Whether it's in your CV or cover letter, we want to see your knack for clear and concise communication.
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’s super easy and straightforward!
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 managed revenue cycles in the past. Prepare specific examples that showcase your analytical abilities and understanding of 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 like Anaplan or IBM Planning Analytics. Being able to discuss your experience with these tools will show you're ready to hit the ground running.
✨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. Be prepared to demonstrate how you've influenced stakeholders in previous roles, as this will highlight your ability to build relationships across the business.
✨Stay Current on Market Trends
Understanding the packaging market and key customer trends is crucial. Research recent developments in the industry and be ready to discuss how these might impact DS Smith's strategy. Showing that you're informed about the market will demonstrate your commitment and strategic thinking skills.
