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- Tasks: Support site leadership with financial analysis and drive operational performance.
- Company: Join DS Smith, a leader in sustainable packaging solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, pension scheme, and shopping discounts.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in finance while promoting sustainability.
- Qualifications: Qualified Accountant with experience in finance or analysis roles.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for career growth.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
Operations Finance Manager plays a key role in supporting the site leadership team. Based in Livingston, you will provide high‑quality financial analysis, insight and challenge to drive operational performance, cost control and continuous improvement. This is a hands‑on finance partnering role, helping the business understand where and how value is created, while ensuring strong financial governance, accurate product costing and effective support for capital investment decisions. The role also carries responsibility for Treasury systems, controls and processes, supporting best‑in‑class financial infrastructure across DS Smith.
Key Responsibilities
- Actively promote and demonstrate commitment to DS Smith’s Health & Safety culture in all aspects of the role.
- Partner with the site teams to deliver clear financial insight and challenge operational performance.
- Provide analysis on key drivers including cost, productivity, waste and fibre efficiency, supporting informed decision‑making.
- Deliver site and asset‑level performance analysis to support operational improvement.
- Support the monthly reporting, forecasting and budgeting cycles for the cluster.
- Manage product costing and cost models, ensuring accuracy, consistency and up‑to‑date data within core systems.
- Support working capital initiatives and value creation through improved conversion cost analysis.
- Develop robust governance and control processes, supporting audits and unit cost reviews.
- Assist with capital investment proposals, including financial modelling and pre‑ and post‑investment appraisal.
About You
We’re looking for someone with:
Education & Professional Qualifications
- Qualified Accountant (ACA, ACCA or CIMA) with some post‑qualification experience.
- Highly motivated with a strong desire to continue building a career within Operations Finance.
Technical Skills & Knowledge
- Strong understanding of financial management, reporting and operational finance.
- Proven knowledge of financial controls, processes and governance.
- Strong IT capability, including advanced Excel skills.
Experience & Competencies
- Previous experience in a finance or financial analysis role, with evidence of supporting and challenging operational teams.
- Ability to adapt quickly to change and make sound decisions in a fast‑paced manufacturing or operational environment.
- Innovative in approach, with the confidence to introduce and implement new ideas.
- Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills, able to work effectively across finance and operations.
Benefits
- 25 days’ holiday plus bank holidays.
- Pension scheme.
- Life assurance.
- Income protection.
- Employee assistance program.
- Cycle to work scheme.
- Shopping discounts.
Location Livingston
About us
We’re DS Smith, the company who are redefining packaging for a changing world. We believe a better, more sustainable tomorrow is possible with the right people, who challenge and support one another to enact positive change. Today, we operate in more than 30 different countries, supporting customers across sectors like FMCG, industrial, and e‑commerce. We deliver on quality, service, innovation, and added value to deliver market‑leading sustainable packaging solutions our customers need. Our industry needs to transform, and we’re building the team to drive change across Europe and North America. 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.
Finance Business Partner (Ops) in Livingston employer: DS Smith
Contact Detail:
DS Smith Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Business Partner (Ops) in Livingston
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the finance industry, especially those at DS Smith. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that a job description just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by knowing your stuff! Brush up on financial analysis techniques and be ready to discuss how you've tackled challenges in previous roles. Show us how you can add value!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply; engage! When you submit your application through our website, follow up with a quick email or LinkedIn message to express your enthusiasm. It shows initiative and keeps you on our radar.
✨Tip Number 4
Be yourself during interviews! We want to see your personality shine through. Share your ideas on operational finance and how you can contribute to our mission of redefining packaging for a changing world.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Business Partner (Ops) in Livingston
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Finance Business Partner. Highlight your experience in financial analysis and operational finance, and don’t forget to mention any relevant qualifications like ACA, ACCA, or CIMA.
Showcase Your Skills: We want to see your strong IT capabilities and advanced Excel skills shine through. Include specific examples of how you've used these skills to drive operational performance or improve financial processes in your previous roles.
Be Authentic: Let your personality come through in your application. We value innovative thinkers who can challenge the status quo, so don’t hesitate to share your unique ideas and approaches to problem-solving.
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of success, make sure you apply through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to see your application and get you on the path to joining our team at DS Smith!
How to prepare for a job interview at DS Smith
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Finance Business Partner, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics relevant to the role, such as cost control and productivity analysis. Be ready to discuss how you've used these metrics in past roles to drive operational performance.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Skills
This role requires strong stakeholder management. Prepare examples of how you've effectively collaborated with operational teams in the past. Highlight any instances where you challenged decisions or provided insights that led to improved outcomes.
✨Understand the Company Culture
DS Smith values a commitment to health and safety, sustainability, and innovation. Familiarise yourself with their culture and be prepared to discuss how your values align with theirs. Share any experiences that reflect your commitment to these principles.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions that test your technical skills, especially around financial controls and governance. Review your knowledge of financial modelling and be ready to explain your approach to capital investment proposals. This will show your readiness for the hands-on nature of the role.
