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- Tasks: Lead long-term financial planning and shape strategic decisions for a purpose-driven organisation.
- Company: Join Hightown, a collaborative team focused on making a real difference in communities.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, 33 days annual leave, hybrid working, and professional growth opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with ongoing training and development to enhance your career.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact on financial strategies that improve lives and support communities.
- Qualifications: Professional accountancy qualification and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 72102 - 72102 ÂŁ per year.
Shape the financial future of a purpose‑driven organisation. We are recruiting a Business Planning Lead to take ownership of our long‑term financial planning and play a key role in shaping strategic decisions across Hightown. This is not a back‑office number‑crunching role; it’s a hands‑on, high‑impact position at the heart of our Finance and Corporate Finance team. You will ensure our Business Plan is robust, insightful and forward‑looking, giving leaders the clarity they need to make confident, informed decisions.
What you will lead
- Business Planning & Forecasting: Build and develop our 30‑year Business Plan, including what‑if scenarios, sensitivity analysis and stress testing. Convert the plan into the Regulator’s Financial Forecast Return (FFR) and oversee accurate submission. Update forecasts monthly to highlight emerging risks, opportunities and strategic impacts.
- Insight & Strategic Support: Turn complex data into clear insights and reports for Executive and Board audiences. Challenge and refine assumptions across the organisation, enabling better planning conversations. Stress‑test against key risks and work collaboratively to shape realistic, time‑bound mitigations.
- Regulatory & Treasury Support: Lead Quarterly Financial & Risk Survey (QFRS) submissions via NROSH+. Support treasury operations, cashflow management and financing activities including credit rating. Produce cashflow forecasts, liquidity reports, variance analysis and contribute to key regulatory and treasury reporting.
What you will bring
- A professional accountancy qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA) with strong post‑qualification experience.
- Proven ability in long‑term planning, modelling, stress testing and turning complex data into actionable insight.
- Advanced Excel skills and confidence working with large, detailed datasets.
- Experience within social housing and regulatory returns (FFR, QFRS, NROSH+) is an advantage but not essential.
- Strong communication skills, able to make financial information clear to non‑financial colleagues.
- A proactive, analytical approach, with excellent attention to detail and sound judgement.
Who you are
You take ownership, deliver high‑quality work and partner confidently with colleagues across the organisation. You are curious, resilient and comfortable challenging assumptions to get to the right answer. Most importantly, your approach reflects who we are: collaborative, respectful and focused on getting things right for our customers and communities.
What We Offer
- Professional Growth: Opportunities for training and development to enhance your skills.
- Annual leave: 33 days including Bank Holidays (Pro Rata)
- Competitive Salary: £72,102 per annum for a 35‑hour week.
- Monthly Attendance Bonus
- Hybrid working 2 days in the office
- Workplace Pension Scheme: And life assurance cover of three times your annual salary.
- Discounts and Savings: Online and high street retailers, gyms, restaurants, and cinemas.
- Free On‑site Gym Access
This role is central to safeguarding our long‑term financial strength and supporting investment that directly improves lives. If you want to use your expertise where it genuinely makes a difference, we would love to hear from you. We will be shortlisting and interviewing on an ongoing basis and may close the vacancy early. Hightown is proud to be an Equal Opportunities & Disability Confident Employer.
Business Planning Lead employer: Hightown
Contact Detail:
Hightown Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Planning Lead
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. 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 values. Tailor your answers to show how your skills align with their mission. Remember, it’s not just about what you can do, but how you fit into their culture.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Do mock interviews with friends or use online resources to get comfortable with common questions. The more you practice, the more confident you'll feel when it’s time to shine.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our organisation.
We think you need these skills to ace Business Planning Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific skills and experiences that align with the Business Planning Lead role. Highlight your experience in long-term planning and financial modelling, as these are key aspects of the job.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills: We want to see how you turn complex data into clear insights. Include examples in your application where you've successfully used data analysis to inform strategic decisions or improve processes.
Communicate Clearly: Since this role involves making financial information accessible to non-financial colleagues, demonstrate your communication skills in your written application. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon where possible.
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of success, make sure to apply directly through our website. This helps us keep track of your application and ensures you’re considered for the role as soon as possible!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hightown
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Business Planning Lead, you'll be expected to handle complex data and financial forecasts. Brush up on your financial modelling skills and be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive strategic decisions in the past. Prepare examples that showcase your analytical prowess.
✨Understand the Organisation's Mission
Hightown is a purpose-driven organisation, so it's crucial to align your values with theirs. Research their mission and recent projects, and think about how your role can contribute to their goals. This will show your genuine interest and commitment during the interview.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to face questions that require you to think on your feet, especially around what-if scenarios and stress testing. Practice articulating your thought process clearly and concisely, as this will demonstrate your ability to handle high-pressure situations effectively.
✨Communicate Clearly
Strong communication skills are essential for this role, especially when conveying complex financial information to non-financial colleagues. Practice explaining financial concepts in simple terms, and be prepared to showcase your ability to make insights accessible to all stakeholders.