At a Glance
- Tasks: Deliver insightful financial analysis and support commercial decision-making in the Packaging Division.
- Company: Join a dynamic team in a leading packaging company with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, bonus, 25 days holiday, and private medical insurance.
- Other info: Hybrid work model with excellent career growth opportunities and a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by driving performance and influencing key business decisions.
- Qualifications: Experience in Commercial Finance or FP&A, strong analytical and communication 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 the role
Commercial Finance Manager/ Business Partner to join our Divisional Commercial Finance team and support key aspects of global trading within the Packaging Division. The role provides strong visibility across the business and works closely with Sales, Commercial, and Operations teams to support performance, planning, and decision‑making. You will provide high‑quality analysis and insight, strengthen forecasting processes, and help drive performance through effective business partnering. The role also involves improving how performance is tracked, reported, and understood across the division and delivering clear performance insights to senior stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities
- Deliver robust, timely, and insightful financial analysis to support commercial decision‑making
- Design and enhance forecasting processes, improving accuracy, transparency, and stakeholder accountability
- Design/Support budgeting and forecasting cycles, ensuring plans are forward‑looking and action‑oriented
- Contribute to fostering a culture of accountability
- Produce and present monthly executive review packs for senior leadership, highlighting key performance drivers, risks, and opportunities
- Own and drive the sub‑processes within this area
- Build an understanding of key revenue drivers, leverage this understanding to drive improved forecasting/budgeting within the team
- Leverage analytics tools, including o9, to support forecasting, scenario modelling, and improved decision‑making
- Support business cases, commercial initiatives, and broader strategic projects as required
About You
- Proven experience in Commercial Finance or FP&A, ideally with strong exposure to business partnering with Sales or Commercial teams
- Confident stakeholder manager, with experience influencing and challenging senior leadership
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to influence and deliver clear, concise, and impactful analysis
- Advanced Excel skills and strong financial modelling capability
- Experience with Power BI and in‑house reporting tools (e.g. SDB, Navigator) is highly desirable
- Strong analytical storytelling skills – able to translate complex, fragmented data into clear insights tailored to your audience
- Comfortable navigating a decentralised, diverse, and sometimes inconsistent data landscape
- Solid understanding of commercial drivers of performance, including price, volume, and mix, and their impact on profitability
- Strong attention to data integrity and accuracy, working hands‑on with complex datasets
- Consistent track record of delivering high‑quality outcomes for both individual and team objectives
- Agile and solutions‑focused, with the ability to operate effectively in ambiguity and make decisions in “grey” areas
- Fluent in spoken and written English; additional European language desirable
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
APPLICATIONS CLOSING DATE: 7th JULY 2026
Commercial Finance Manager / Business Partner - Packaging Division in City of Westminster employer: DS Smith
Join our dynamic team as a Commercial Finance Manager in the heart of London, where we foster a collaborative and innovative work culture. With a strong focus on employee growth, we offer competitive salaries, generous benefits including a discretionary bonus and private medical insurance, and opportunities to engage with senior leadership while driving impactful financial insights. Our hybrid working model ensures a balanced approach to work and life, making us an excellent employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in finance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Finance Manager / Business Partner - Packaging Division 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. 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 Commercial Finance Manager / Business Partner - Packaging Division 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.
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'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
✨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.
✨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 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 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.
