Plant Operations and UK Logistics Finance Business Partner

The Peterborough Operations and UK Logistics Business Partner will be responsible for providing financial leadership and strategic partnership across McCormick's UK Manufacturing facility in Peterborough and UK Logistics operations. This includes oversight and execution of financial analysis and accounting for Manufacturing, Engineering, Planning, and Manufacturing CCI, as well as UK Outbound Freight and Distribution Centres encompassing Logistics, Planning, and Logistics CCI. The role also drives insights and reduction initiatives for Yield and SLOB, partnering closely with the Peterborough Plant Director and the UK Logistics Director to deliver financial analysis, strategic guidance, and performance improvement across the Supply Chain organization. This position plays a critical role in influencing operational decisions, identifying opportunities, setting strategies, and ensuring optimal resource allocation.

Main Responsibilities

• Strategic Business Partnership: Partner with the Peterborough Plant Director and UK Logistics Director to define and implement strategy, driving Make cost levers to deliver high service levels at the lowest sustainable cost. Lead transformational projects and continuous improvement initiatives. Drive business development analysis and support Capex investment proposals. Partner with site leadership to deliver productivity and CCI targets, proactively promoting cost and headcount controls.
• Financial Management and Performance Delivery: Hold full P&L accountability for Make and Deliver cost areas, supporting delivery of long-term plans, budgets, and forecasts. Partner with operational leaders to manage cost performance and achieve budget targets. Oversee LTP, budget, and forecast cycles, ensuring timely and accurate monthly accounting close and reporting. Present financial results and insights at monthly business review meetings. Evaluate cost performance, identify trends, and lead deep-dive analyses to address performance issues. Provide input and recommendations on trade-offs, budget transfers, and risk/opportunity management. Implement and maintain robust financial policies, systems, and processes.
• Capital Project Oversight: Ensure sound business cases and financial models are developed for capital investments. Drive improvements in IRR for capital expenditure through regular post-implementation reviews.
• Standardization and Continuous Improvement: Support harmonization and standardization initiatives aimed at reducing complexity, improving accuracy, and lowering cost. Promote a culture of continuous improvement and collaborate closely with Centres of Excellence to ensure adherence to agreed processes.
• Compliance and Controls: Ensure effective SOX controls are maintained across operations. Work with Internal Audit and staff to enhance control efficiency, focusing on meaningful compliance measures with minimal resource consumption.
• Team Development and Leadership: Advance team capabilities, career development, and service levels to the business. Foster a collaborative, high-performing work environment that strengthens communication and teamwork across functions.

Candidate Profile

• Qualified accountant (CIMA, ACCA, or equivalent) with a relevant degree.
• Progressive experience in Supply Chain Finance within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of financial accounting standards and Supply Chain processes (e.g., S&OP).
• Proven project management skills with experience leading cross-functional teams.
• Deep understanding of business processes, systems, and internal controls.
• Practical experience in ABC costing and cost accounting.
• Demonstrated success in leading teams and driving change.
• Strong relationship-building skills within a matrix organization.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills, both written and verbal.
• High technical proficiency with Excel, TM1, and Business Warehouse.
• SAP experience across financial modules highly desirable.