At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and oversight for the Recycling Division across the UK and North Europe.
- Company: Join DS Smith, a global leader in sustainable packaging solutions with over 65,000 employees.
- Benefits: Enjoy remote work, a pension scheme, private medical insurance, and employee discounts.
- Other info: We value diversity and encourage all candidates to apply, even if you don't meet every requirement.
- Why this job: Be part of a team driving financial excellence and sustainability in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Proven senior finance experience, strong governance knowledge, and exceptional communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 100000 £ per year.
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Head of Finance Recycling UK & North Europe, Hinckley
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Client:
DS Smith
Location:
Hinckley, United Kingdom
Job Category:
Other
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EU work permit required:
Yes
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Job Reference:
Job Views:
5
Posted:
12.08.2025
Expiry Date:
26.09.2025
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Job Description:
Location: Home based with travel to sites in Caerphilly, London and Europe as required.
About the role
The Finance team plays a pivotal role in guiding the company\'s growth trajectory, through meticulous financial analysis and foresight. We provide insightful recommendations to senior leadership, leveraging data-driven insights to optimize resource allocation and mitigate risks. With a focus on driving efficiency and maximizing shareholder value, the Finance function at DS Smith fosters a culture of accountability and transparency, underpinning the company\'s long-term financial sustainability and success.
We\'re seeking a proactive and influential individual to join our team as Head of Finance in our Recycling Division, driving financial excellence and contributing to our regional success in the UK and North Europe. This pivotal role will see you at the heart of our UK operations, providing critical financial oversight and strategic guidance. As well as providing a finance leadership role engaging with finance colleagues across the region.
Your responsibilities will span several key pillars, ensuring robust financial health and strategic alignment within the region. You will be instrumental in coaching and developing the finance team to supporting the business by contributing to the overall business strategy, identifying growth opportunities, and translating objectives into actionable financial plans.
Business Partnering is a cornerstone of this role; you will be a trusted advisor to various regional departments, providing insightful financial analysis, challenging assumptions, and supporting data-driven decision-making. You will oversee all financial reporting activities, ensuring accuracy, integrity, and adherence to accounting standards, including managing month-end and year-end close processes.
When it comes to Governance and Control, you will safeguard financial integrity by establishing robust internal controls, implementing policies, and ensuring strict compliance with regulations, proactively identifying, and mitigating financial risks.
So, if you\'re a strategic financial leader with a passion for driving strong governance and empowering teams, or an experience finance professional looking for your next challenge, then you might be looking for you!
About you
- Proven experience in a senior finance role, ideally within a regional or multi-site structure.
- Demonstrable expertise in governance, internal controls, and compliance.
- Exceptional business partnering skills, with a track record of influencing and collaborating with diverse stakeholders.
- Strong technical accounting knowledge and experience.
- Experience managing internal and external audit processes.
- Proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop a finance team.
- Excellent communication, analytical, and problem-solving abilities.
- Discretionary bonus
- Pension scheme, life assurance and income protection
- Private medical insurance
- Salary sacrifice electric car scheme
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Employee Discounts
- Cycle to work scheme
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!
Fair recruitment at DS Smith
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.
#J-18808-LjbffrHead of Finance Recycling UK & North Europe in Hinckley employer: DS Smith
At DS Smith, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that champions sustainability and innovation. As the Head of Finance Recycling for the UK and North Europe, you will benefit from a supportive environment that prioritises employee growth through coaching and development opportunities, alongside a comprehensive benefits package including private medical insurance and a pension scheme. Join us in Hinckley, where your strategic financial leadership will not only drive our regional success but also contribute to a more sustainable future.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Finance Recycling UK & North Europe in Hinckley
✨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.
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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 Head of Finance Recycling UK & North Europe in Hinckley
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.
