Finance Manager - Commercial Business Partner
Finance Manager - Commercial Business Partner

Finance Manager - Commercial Business Partner

Full-Time 60000 - 80000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Illumina

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead financial strategy and decision-making for a dynamic region in the life sciences sector.
  • Company: Join Illumina, a leader in genomic technology transforming human health.
  • Benefits: Hybrid work model, meaningful impact, and opportunities for career growth.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in health equity while shaping financial strategies.
  • Qualifications: Degree in Finance or related field; experience in complex organisations preferred.
  • Other info: Inclusive culture with a focus on collaboration and innovation.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.

At Illumina, we are expanding access to genomic technology to realise 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)

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.

You bring:

  • 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

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.

We offer:

  • 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

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 prioritised 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. We also have several Employee Resource Groups (ERG) that deliver career development experiences, increase cultural awareness, and offer opportunities to engage in social responsibility. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer committed to providing employment opportunity regardless of sex, race, creed, colour, gender, religion, marital status, domestic partner status, age, national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, sexual orientation, pregnancy, military or veteran status, citizenship status, and genetic information.

Illumina conducts background checks on applicants for whom a conditional offer of employment has been made. Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with applicable local, state, and federal laws. Background check results may potentially result in the withdrawal of a conditional offer of employment. The background check process and any decisions made as a result shall be made in accordance with all applicable local, state, and federal laws. Illumina prohibits the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) in the application and interview process. If you require accommodation to complete the application or interview process, please contact accommodations@illumina.com.

Finance Manager - Commercial Business Partner employer: Illumina

At Illumina, we are committed to fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment where every employee can thrive. As a Finance Manager in Cambridge, you will not only play a pivotal role in shaping financial strategies that impact global health but also benefit from a flexible hybrid working model, exposure to senior leadership, and numerous opportunities for professional growth within a values-driven culture. Join us to make meaningful contributions to life-changing discoveries while advancing your career in a dynamic and supportive setting.
Illumina

Contact Detail:

Illumina Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Finance Manager - Commercial Business Partner

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those who work at Illumina or similar companies. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about the role and even a referral!

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for the interview by diving deep into Illumina's mission and values. Show us how your experience aligns with their goals in genomic technology and health equity. We love candidates who are genuinely passionate about making a difference!

✨Tip Number 3

Practice your storytelling skills! Be ready to share specific examples of how you've influenced strategic decisions in previous roles. We want to hear about your hands-on approach and how you’ve tackled challenges head-on.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email reiterating your enthusiasm for the role can leave a lasting impression. It shows us that you’re proactive and genuinely interested in joining the team!

We think you need these skills to ace Finance Manager - Commercial Business Partner

P&L Management
Strategic Thinking
Financial Forecasting
Financial Modelling
Performance Analysis
Stakeholder Management
Communication Skills
Data Analysis
Reporting Tools (TM1, Cognos, IBM Planning Analytics)
Commercial Insight
Process Improvement
Leadership Skills
Adaptability in Fast-Paced Environments
Relationship Building

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Finance Manager role. Highlight your strategic thinking and commercial finance capabilities, as these are key for us at Illumina.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you're passionate about the role and how your background makes you a great fit. Be sure to mention your experience in complex organisations and your ability to influence at senior levels.

Showcase Your Data Skills: Since this role involves using data to drive decisions, make sure to include examples of how you've used data analysis in your previous roles. We love seeing how you can turn numbers into actionable insights!

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!

How to prepare for a job interview at Illumina

✨Know Your Numbers

As a Finance Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics relevant to the role, such as P&L management and forecasting techniques. Be ready to discuss how you've used these skills in previous roles to drive strategic decisions.

✨Understand the Business

Familiarise yourself with Illumina's mission and the specific challenges faced in the life sciences sector. Show that you can connect financial insights to broader business strategies. This will help you position yourself as a true business partner during the interview.

✨Prepare for Scenario Questions

Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities in complex situations. Prepare examples where you've influenced senior leaders or improved processes. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses clearly.

✨Build Rapport with Interviewers

Since this role involves influencing at a senior level, practice building rapport during the interview. Engage with your interviewers by asking insightful questions about their experiences and the company's direction. This shows your interest and helps establish a connection.

Finance Manager - Commercial Business Partner
Illumina

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