At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic FP&A team to drive financial strategy and performance across global operations.
- Company: Element Solutions Inc, a leading specialty chemicals company with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Generous salary, performance bonuses, life assurance, pension, and 25 days holiday.
- Other info: Join a culture that values challenge, commitment, collaboration, choice, and care.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced industry while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Strong financial acumen and experience in budgeting, forecasting, and cross-functional collaboration.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 € per year.
Challenge Yourself and Impact the Future! Element Solutions Inc (NYSE: ESI) is a leading specialty chemicals company whose operating businesses formulate a broad range of solutions that enhance the performance of products people use every day. Developed in multi-step technological processes, our innovative solutions enable our customer’s manufacturing processes in several key segments, including electronic circuitry, communication infrastructure, automotive systems, industrial surface finishing, and offshore energy.
Customers of our businesses use our innovation as a competitive advantage, relying on us to help them navigate in fast-paced, high-growth markets. We strive to embody the five “Elements of our Culture,” our “5Cs”: Challenge, Commit, Collaborate, Choose and Care. These core values are the foundation of our organization which our employees embrace in their interactions with customers, colleagues and other stakeholders to drive financial performance and create a rewarding work environment.
We are seeking a seasoned FP&A Director with a strong track record in driving financial strategy, performance management, and business partnering across complex, global organizations. The purpose of this position is to ensure that EMEA FP&As are effective business partners, by being the “Glue” in delivering Financial Commitment and driving Profitable Growth, and by ensuring compliance and managing risk.
What will you be doing?
- Lead a team of about 30 FP&A professionals supported by 3 Cluster Finance Leaders.
- Provide a clear vision for the team.
- Ensure that each team member fully understands their accountabilities and responsibilities.
- Partner with the business in delivering Financial Commitment and driving Profitable Growth.
- Act as a liaison between the Financial Services team and local end users through the Service Level Agreement, ensuring compliance and managing risk.
- Develop the career of the team member.
Who are You?
Ideally you need to have:
- Strategic Financial Acumen
- Ability to translate complex financial data into actionable insights for senior leadership.
- Expertise in budgeting, forecasting, and long-range planning across diverse business units.
- Strong grasp of macroeconomic trends and their impact on regional performance.
- Cross-Functional & Cross-Cultural Leadership
- Skilled in influencing and collaborating with stakeholders across functions (e.g., Sales, Operations, HR).
- Navigates cultural nuances and regulatory differences across countries with diplomacy and agility.
- Builds trust and alignment across geographically dispersed teams.
- Data-Driven Decision Making & Digital Fluency
- Proficient in financial modeling, scenario analysis, and performance dashboards.
- Comfortable with advanced tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau, SAP, Anaplan) and emerging tech like AI-driven forecasting.
- Champions automation and process improvement to drive efficiency and accuracy.
What competencies will you need?
- Business & Financial Insight
- Demonstrates a deep understanding of the business model, market dynamics, and financial levers.
- Connects financial outcomes to operational drivers and strategic goals.
- Anticipates risks and opportunities, guiding leadership with forward-looking analysis.
- Influence & Stakeholder Management
- Builds strong relationships with regional and global leaders, earning trust through credibility and clarity.
- Communicates complex financial concepts in a compelling, non-technical way.
- Drives alignment across functions and geographies, even in matrixed or ambiguous environments.
- Agility & Change Leadership
- Adapts quickly to shifting priorities, market conditions, and organizational changes.
- Leads transformation initiatives (e.g., process redesign, system upgrades, new reporting frameworks).
- Fosters a culture of continuous improvement and resilience within the FP&A team.
We are offering a generous base pay plus performance related bonus. In addition you will receive a life assurance, pension, 25 days holiday plus bank holiday and private medical.
Equal Opportunity Employer: All qualified applications will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected category applicable under federal, state, and local laws.
FP&A Director in Woking employer: Element Solutions Inc
Element Solutions Inc is an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of challenge, commitment, collaboration, choice, and care, making it a rewarding place to work. With a strong focus on employee development and a generous benefits package including performance-related bonuses, private medical insurance, and ample holiday time, the company empowers its FP&A professionals to thrive in a dynamic environment. Located in a fast-paced industry, employees have the unique opportunity to influence financial strategies that drive growth across global markets, ensuring their contributions are both meaningful and impactful.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land FP&A Director in Woking
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry and let them know you're on the hunt for an FP&A Director role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their financial strategies and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. This shows you're not just interested in any job, but specifically in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your strategic financial acumen and leadership skills can drive profitable growth. Keep it concise and impactful, so you leave a lasting impression on interviewers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace FP&A Director in Woking
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the FP&A Director role. Highlight your strategic financial acumen and experience in budgeting and forecasting. 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 the perfect fit for the role and how you embody our 5Cs. Show us your passion for driving financial performance and collaboration.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a seasoned professional, we want to see examples of your cross-functional leadership. Share specific instances where you've influenced stakeholders and navigated complex environments. This will help us understand your impact!
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 shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Element Solutions Inc
✨Know Your Numbers
As an FP&A Director, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive business decisions in the past. Prepare examples that showcase your ability to translate complex financial data into actionable insights.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
This role involves leading a team of FP&A professionals, so be prepared to talk about your leadership approach. Think about how you’ve developed team members in the past and how you foster collaboration across functions. Share specific instances where your leadership made a difference.
✨Understand the Business Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the company's market dynamics and how they impact financial performance. Be ready to discuss macroeconomic trends and their implications for the business. This shows that you’re not just a numbers person but also understand the broader context.
✨Prepare for Scenario Analysis
Given the emphasis on data-driven decision-making, practice discussing various financial scenarios. Be ready to explain how you would approach budgeting and forecasting under different market conditions. This will highlight your strategic thinking and adaptability.
