At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive financial performance and support sustainability goals in a dynamic recycling environment.
- Company: Join a leading company focused on innovative recycling solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous holiday, and great employee perks.
- Other info: Hybrid work model with opportunities for career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a high-profile finance role with global exposure.
- Qualifications: Experience in commercial finance and strong Excel skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
About the role
Are you looking for a step up into a high-profile commercial finance environment? We have a unique opportunity for a Finance Business Partner to join our EMEA Recycling Team at our Paddington corporate Head Office, reporting directly to the Finance Director (Recycling). This role offers broad exposure to global operations and a platform to drive financial performance, forward-looking insights, and strategic decision-making across our Recycling division. You will act as a trusted advisor, partnering with Country Finance, Commercial, and Operational teams to support both our financial targets and our broader sustainability objectives.
Key responsibilities include:
- Performance & Reporting: Analyse country-level financial performance across the EMEA portfolio and lead the consolidation of group reporting to highlight key variance drivers.
- Budgeting & Forecasting: Coordinate the annual budget and periodic forecasting cycles, challenging assumptions to mitigate risks and improve forecast accuracy.
- Commercial Partnering: Partner with country finance and commercial teams to deepen the understanding of margins, cost drivers, and profit levers.
- Fibre Pricing & Market Analysis: Provide expert insights and forecasts regarding fibre price movements and commodity trends across EMEA to guide commercial decisions.
- Value & Capital Management: Build dashboards to track financial and sustainability targets and evaluate capital investment proposals to ensure robust justification.
About you
- Commercial business partnering experience within a complex, multi-country environment, ideally within a commodity-driven, paper, or manufacturing industry.
- Strong financial modeling and forecasting skills with advanced Excel expertise; experience with Power BI is highly desirable.
- Clear understanding of commodity market dynamics, pricing mechanisms, and supply chain cost drivers.
- Ability to translate complex data into clear business insights and constructively challenge senior stakeholders across diverse geographies.
- A collaborative, curious self-starter who balances financial outcomes with broader environmental and strategic goals.
Benefits
- Competitive salary
- 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
- Pension scheme, life assurance and income protection
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Employee Discounts
- Cycle to work scheme
Location
This is a hybrid role, split between the London Paddington office (3 days) and home (2 days) – however flexibility will be required at times.
Finance Business Partner (Recycling) employer: DS Smith
Join our dynamic EMEA Recycling Team at our Paddington corporate Head Office, where we foster a collaborative and innovative work culture that prioritises both financial performance and sustainability. As a Finance Business Partner, you will benefit from competitive salaries, generous holiday allowances, and opportunities for professional growth while working in a hybrid environment that promotes flexibility and work-life balance. Our commitment to employee development and well-being makes us an exceptional employer for those seeking meaningful and impactful careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Business Partner (Recycling)
✨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 Finance Business Partner (Recycling)
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.
