At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage financial planning and performance tracking for store development projects.
- Company: Join Ralph Lauren, a global leader in premium lifestyle products.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with exposure to senior leadership and career advancement.
- Why this job: Make impactful investment decisions and contribute to the success of a renowned brand.
- Qualifications: Experience in finance or accounting with strong analytical skills.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
Ralph Lauren Corporation (NYSE:RL) is a global leader in the design, marketing and distribution of premium lifestyle products in five categories: apparel, accessories, home, fragrances, and hospitality. For more than 50 years, Ralph Lauren's reputation and distinctive image have been consistently developed across an expanding number of products, brands and international markets. The Company's brand names, which include Ralph Lauren, Ralph Lauren Collection, Ralph Lauren Purple Label, Polo Ralph Lauren, Double RL, Lauren Ralph Lauren, Polo Ralph Lauren Children, Chaps, among others, constitute one of the world's most widely recognized families of consumer brands.
At Ralph Lauren, we unite and inspire the communities within our company as well as those in which we serve by amplifying voices and perspectives to create a culture of belonging, ensuring inclusion, and fairness for all. We foster a culture of inclusion through: Talent, Education & Communication, Employee Groups and Celebration.
We are seeking a highly analytical, well organized and commercially minded Senior FP&A Analyst to join our EMEA Wholesale FP&A team. This role will manage financial planning, investment analysis, and performance tracking for Capital Expenditure (Capex) and Store Development activities across the Wholesale channel. This role plays a critical and central role in evaluating investment opportunities, ensuring financial discipline across projects, and providing visibility on store-related performance.
The role combines analytical responsibilities with close business partnering across multiple teams: Store Development, Commercial, Corporate FP&A, Capital allocation and Accounting teams. This is a high-impact role with regular exposure to senior leadership, and which offers the opportunity to support investment decisions and contribute to the long-term success of the business.
- Capital investment & Business case
- Manage the Capital Approval Request (CAR) process for Finance for store development projects — covering consolidation of inputs, P&L modelling, and coordination of required approvals.
- Partner with Store Development and Commercial teams to collect, challenge, and validate key assumptions (sales, costs, timelines, investment levels).
- Build robust business cases, including pro-forma P&Ls, ROI analysis, and benchmarking analyses.
- Prepare and deliver clear, decision-ready materials to senior stakeholders to support project approvals and funding decisions.
- Capex Planning, Tracking & Reporting
- Lead Capex budgeting, forecasting, and actuals tracking, ensuring full visibility on project spend.
- Drive capital allocation discipline through regular reporting and performance reviews.
- Coordinate with Corporate teams on forecast submissions and funding requirements.
- Financial planning and Cost management
- Develop and manage accurate depreciation forecasts aligned with capitalized assets and project timelines.
- Ensure consistency between Capex forecasts, asset capitalization, and P&L impact.
- Own forecasting and tracking of Store Development operating expenses (e.g., store needs, T&E, maintenance, temporary solutions).
- Month-End Close & Reporting
- Support month-end close activities for areas in scope, including store openings/closures reporting.
- Ensure accurate reporting of store counts, Capex, and related P&L impacts.
- Reconcile project-related costs with Accounting and Fixed Assets teams.
- Business Partnering & Continuous Improvement
- Serve as a trusted finance partner to Store Development, Commercial, Corporate FP&A, Capital Allocation, Accounting, and Fixed Assets teams.
- Support strategic decisions through fact-based analysis and financial insights.
- Support process improvements and finance transformation and systems enhancement initiatives, including the Next Generation Finance program.
Experience or education in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or related discipline. Relevant experience in FP&A, Commercial Finance, or Business Finance within a multinational retail, fashion, or wholesale environment (preferred). Excellent analytical and financial modelling capabilities. Strong attention to detail combined with a proactive, problem-solving mindset. Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. Collaborative mindset combined with a proven ability to influence stakeholders and challenge assumptions. Effective communication and stakeholder management skills. Advanced Excel skills with the ability to translate complex data into actionable insights. Experience with SAP S/4HANA, Hyperion Essbase, or similar ERP and planning systems. Exposure to Capex planning, investment appraisal, store development, or real estate finance is an advantage.
Senior FP&A Analyst, Wholesale in Watford employer: FashionUnited Group
Ralph Lauren Corporation is an exceptional employer that champions a culture of inclusion and belonging, making it a fantastic place for professionals to thrive. As a Senior FP&A Analyst in the vibrant EMEA Wholesale team, you will enjoy a collaborative work environment that encourages personal growth and offers regular exposure to senior leadership, allowing you to make impactful contributions to the company's success. With a commitment to employee development and a focus on innovative financial practices, Ralph Lauren provides a unique opportunity to be part of a globally recognised brand while advancing your career in a dynamic industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior FP&A Analyst, Wholesale in Watford
✨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 FashionUnited Group. 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 Senior FP&A Analyst, Wholesale in Watford
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 FashionUnited Group.
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 FashionUnited Group'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 FashionUnited Group
✨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 FashionUnited Group.
✨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 FashionUnited Group 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 FashionUnited Group 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.
