At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive operational performance and profitability across multiple dealerships in the Fleet Division.
- Company: Top automotive retailer in the UK with a focus on people and culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, company car, and generous annual leave.
- Other info: Hybrid working options and excellent career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Lead strategic initiatives and make a real impact in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in senior commercial roles and strong stakeholder management skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
About us: We are one of the top three automotive retailers in the UK, proudly representing 32 manufacturer brands, selling a huge range of new and used vehicles from over 150 dealerships across the UK and Ireland. We believe our people are our greatest asset, and we’re committed to recognising the valuable contribution each person makes. That’s why we continue to invest in a leading rewards and benefits package designed to support your career, wellbeing, and life outside of work.
Location: Yorkshire / North East with travel to regional dealerships
Reporting to: Head of Commercial and Operational Finance
Salary: Competitive basic salary + bonus up to 10% + Company Car / Car Allowance
The Senior Finance Business Manager plays a key commercial leadership role within the Fleet Division, responsible for driving operational performance, profitability and strategic improvement across multiple dealerships. The role requires strong commercial judgement, the ability to interpret financial and operational data, and the confidence to influence senior stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead divisional commercial performance, ensuring delivery of profit, revenue and key operational KPIs
- Work closely with Heads of Business to identify growth opportunities, efficiency improvements and margin enhancement
- Support consistent operational standards across dealerships and ensure processes align with commercial goals
- Contribute to budgeting, forecasting and financial planning with Finance Business Partners
- Monitor performance against plan and highlight risks, opportunities and required actions
- Provide clear insight and recommendations based on divisional KPIs, customer trends and operational data
- Build strong relationships with Heads of Business, Operations Teams and Finance
- Support operational teams in embedding a high-performance culture
- Oversee stock performance, funding positions and working capital efficiency
- Support proactive debt reduction and cash flow optimisation
What We’re Looking For
- Experience in a senior commercial, operational or business management role (automotive, retail or multi-site preferred)
- Strong commercial acumen with the ability to interpret financial and operational data
- Confident stakeholder manager with experience influencing senior leaders
- Experience leading teams or driving performance across multiple sites
- Advanced Excel skills; DMS experience (Keyloop, Pinewood) beneficial
Why Join Us
- A strategic leadership role with real influence over divisional performance
- Competitive package including bonus and company car
- Opportunities for broader career progression within Lookers
- Training and development support
- Hybrid working with flexibility and autonomy
Core Benefits
- Competitive salaries with structured pay scales and progression as you grow within the business
- Generous annual leave that increases with your length of service
- Enhanced family leave, including 6 months’ full pay for maternity and adoption leave, and 2 weeks’ full pay for paternity leave
- Access to Techscheme for discounted technology purchases with flexible payments
- Eyecare vouchers to help cover vision care needs
- Smart Health – 24/7 access to GP services to support your mental and physical wellbeing
- Dental insurance for everyday dental care and unexpected treatments
- Optional critical illness cover for peace of mind during life's most challenging moments
- Financial Wellbeing MyView PayNow – access a portion of your pay as you earn, with features to stream, save, and track your money through a user-friendly app
- Free will writing services to help plan for the future
- Flexible life assurance options and partner life assurance for added protection
- Discounted gym memberships to support an active lifestyle
- Travel insurance to help you explore with confidence
- Access to home and technology vouchers bYond card and a wide range of exclusive retail and lifestyle discounts
Lookers and Charles Hurst are an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to a working environment that is free from discrimination, is inclusive, and empowers our people to bring their whole self to work and reach their full potential.
Senior Finance Business Partner employer: Lookers plc
Contact Detail:
Lookers plc Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Finance Business Partner
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the automotive industry and let them know you're on the lookout for a Senior Finance Business Partner 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 those interviews by researching the company and its values. Understand their operational goals and think about how your experience aligns with their needs. This will help you stand out as someone who truly gets what they’re all about.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your skills in financial analysis and stakeholder management can drive performance across multiple dealerships. Confidence is key, so rehearse until it feels natural.
✨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 take that extra step to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Finance Business Partner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Finance Business Partner role. Highlight your experience in commercial and operational management, especially in the automotive or retail sectors. 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 this role. Share specific examples of how you've driven performance and influenced stakeholders in previous positions. We love a good story!
Showcase Your Data Skills: Since the role involves interpreting financial and operational data, make sure to highlight your advanced Excel skills and any experience with DMS systems like Keyloop or Pinewood. We’re keen to see how you can leverage data for strategic improvement!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and keep track of it. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lookers plc
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Senior Finance Business Partner, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics relevant to the automotive industry and be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive performance in previous roles.
✨Build Relationships
This role requires strong stakeholder management skills. Before the interview, think of examples where you've successfully influenced senior leaders or collaborated with cross-functional teams. Be prepared to share these stories to showcase your relationship-building abilities.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Mindset
The company is looking for someone who can identify growth opportunities and efficiency improvements. Prepare to discuss specific strategies you've implemented in past roles that led to measurable results, particularly in multi-site environments.
✨Excel at Excel
Advanced Excel skills are a must for this position. Familiarise yourself with complex functions and data analysis techniques. If you have experience with DMS systems like Keyloop or Pinewood, be ready to highlight that as well during your interview.