At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and decision-making to impact human health positively.
- Company: Illumina, a global leader in genomic technology with a mission for health equity.
- Benefits: Hybrid working model, meaningful work, and opportunities for career growth.
- Other info: Inclusive culture with a focus on collaboration and employee empowerment.
- Why this job: Make a real-world impact while collaborating with inspiring leaders and innovative projects.
- Qualifications: Degree in Finance or related field; experience in complex organisations preferred.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 ÂŁ per year.
What if the work you did every day could impact the lives of people you know? Or all of humanity? At Illumina, we are expanding access to genomic technology to realize health equity for billions of people around the world. Our efforts enable life-changing discoveries that are transforming human health through the early detection and diagnosis of diseases and new treatment options for patients. Working at Illumina means being part of something bigger than yourself. Every person, in every role, has the opportunity to make a difference. Surrounded by extraordinary people, inspiring leaders, and world changing projects, you will do more and become more than you ever thought possible.
Location: Cambridge UK (Hub & Hybrid - minimum 1 day per week onsite)
At Illumina, we are unlocking the power of the genome to improve human health. Behind every breakthrough is strong commercial decision‑making - and this is where you come in. As Finance Manager - Commercial Business Partner, you will be the finance lead for one of Illumina's EMEALA sub‑regions, owning the full P&L and acting as a trusted strategic advisor to the Sub‑Region General Manager and leadership team. This is a high‑visibility role where insight, influence, and commercial judgement directly shape regional performance. If you thrive at the intersection of data, strategy, and leadership - and want to see your work translate into real‑world impact - this role offers a compelling next step.
What you’ll do
- Own the P&L: Lead full financial ownership across revenue, OPEX, and profitability for your region
- Drive strategic decisions: Deliver high‑quality commercial insight to support forecasting, budgeting, pricing, and investment decisions
- Influence at senior level: Represent Finance in leadership forums, challenging assumptions and shaping regional strategy with confidence
- Enable performance: Design and implement reporting and planning tools that simplify complexity and empower commercial teams
- Act as a catalyst for change: Continuously improve processes, strengthen governance, and drive efficiency across the region
Why you
- You’re a commercially minded finance leader who enjoys being close to the business.
- You’re comfortable challenging constructively, translating complexity into clarity, and building trusted relationships across functions and geographies.
- Strong strategic thinking with a hands‑on mindset
- Confidence partnering with senior commercial leaders
- A passion for using data to influence outcomes, not just report them
- The ability to lead through ambiguity in a fast‑moving, growth‑oriented environment
What you bring
- Degree in Finance, Accounting, Business or similar (MBA / CIMA / ACCA / CPA preferred)
- Proven experience in a complex, matrixed or high‑growth organisation (life sciences, pharma, or healthcare strongly valued)
- Advanced planning and reporting experience (TM1, Cognos, IBM Planning Analytics or equivalent)
- Strong commercial finance capability including forecasting, financial modelling, and performance analysis
- Excellent communication and stakeholder‑management skills, with the confidence to influence at senior level
Why Illumina?
At Illumina, your work has purpose. You’ll join a global organisation driven by innovation, accountability, and collaboration - where Finance plays a critical role in enabling scientific progress and sustainable growth.
- Meaningful work that contributes to improving human health
- A collaborative, values‑led culture
- Exposure to senior leadership and regional strategy
- Flexibility through a hybrid working model
- The opportunity to grow your impact and career in a truly global organisation
Ready to make your mark? Apply now and help shape the financial decisions behind the science that’s changing lives. We are a company deeply rooted in belonging, promoting an inclusive environment where employees feel valued and empowered to contribute to our mission. Built on a strong foundation, Illumina has always prioritized openness, collaboration, and seeking alternative perspectives to propel innovation in genomics. We are proud to confirm a zero‑net gap in pay, regardless of gender, ethnicity, or race.
Finance Manager - Commercial Business Partner in Cambridge employer: Illumina, Inc.
Contact Detail:
Illumina, Inc. Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Manager - Commercial Business Partner in Cambridge
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance and life sciences sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. 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 those interviews! Research Illumina’s recent projects and how they align with your skills in financial management. Be ready to discuss how your experience can drive strategic decisions and influence outcomes. Show them you’re not just another candidate, but the one they need!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You want to convey your passion for using data to make impactful decisions. Create a concise narrative about your career journey and how it connects to the role of Finance Manager - Commercial Business Partner. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of Illumina’s mission to improve human health. Let’s get you that interview!
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Manager - Commercial Business Partner in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the Finance Manager role. Highlight your experience in P&L ownership and strategic decision-making, as these are key aspects of the job. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about finance in the life sciences sector and how you can contribute to our mission at Illumina. Keep it engaging and personal – we love a good story!
Showcase Your Data Skills: Since this role involves using data to influence outcomes, make sure to highlight your experience with financial modelling and reporting tools. We want to know how you've used data to drive decisions in your previous roles!
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right people. Plus, it shows us that you're serious about joining our team at Illumina!
How to prepare for a job interview at Illumina, Inc.
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Finance Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key metrics related to P&L, revenue, and OPEX specific to the life sciences sector. Be ready to discuss how you've used data to influence strategic decisions in your previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
Prepare examples that highlight your ability to drive strategic decisions. Think about times when you provided high-quality commercial insights that shaped budgeting or forecasting. This will show that you can think critically and act as a trusted advisor to senior leaders.
✨Build Relationships
Illumina values collaboration, so be prepared to discuss how you've built trusted relationships across functions. Share stories that illustrate your stakeholder management skills and how you've influenced outcomes at a senior level.
✨Embrace Change
This role requires a hands-on mindset and the ability to lead through ambiguity. Prepare to talk about instances where you've successfully implemented process improvements or driven efficiency in a fast-paced environment. Show them you're adaptable and ready to be a catalyst for change.