At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and analysis to drive operational excellence across the UK.
- Company: Join a dynamic team in a fast-growing company focused on delivering exceptional experiences.
- Benefits: Enjoy 33 days holiday, a Merlin Magic Pass, and discounts on attractions and retail.
- Why this job: Be part of a collaborative culture that values innovation and continuous improvement.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with strong finance experience and excellent communication skills required.
- Other info: Role offers flexibility with location but requires frequent travel to London.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Senior Finance Business Partner – Operational Excellence
What you\’ll bring to the team
We\’re pleased to share an internal opportunity to join the UK Finance team as Senior Finance Business Partner – Operational Excellence .
This is a key role that will see you partner with senior leaders across the Global Operational Excellence function to help shape and deliver strategic initiatives. You\’ll also work closely with the UK region to drive efficiency, consistency, and best practice in operational execution.
With strong collaboration across regional finance teams and central functions, this role offers a fantastic opportunity to influence both UK and global priorities-delivering value through data-driven insight, standardisation, and continuous improvement.
This role can be based at any UK attraction or office however frequent travel to London is required.
What You\’ll Be Doing
- Strategic Financial Leadership : Provide expert financial guidance to senior stakeholders, helping to shape decisions and drive strategic alignment.
- Planning & Analysis : Lead budgeting, forecasting, and scenario modelling, delivering robust financial insights to support key operational initiatives.
- Business Partnering : Work across functions to provide financial leadership on efficiency, investment decisions, and commercial agreements.
- Operational Efficiency : Champion best practice and identify opportunities for cost optimisation, automation, and improved financial processes.
- Insight & Reporting : Produce high-quality reports and analysis that inform business decisions and track performance against strategic goals.
- Collaboration & Influence : Partner with global and regional teams to ensure financial consistency and support the rollout of strategic initiatives across the UK.
Qualifications & Experience
- A qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) with strong commercial finance experience.
- A proven track record in financial planning, analysis, and business partnering-ideally within a complex, fast-moving organisation.
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
- Strong analytical and Excel modelling skills, with experience using systems like SAP, Oracle, or Hyperion desirable.
- A proactive, collaborative approach with a continuous improvement mindset.
Benefits
We\’re growing fast and alongside a fun and friendly environment, we offer a fabulous package and amazing prospects – ideal if you\’re already fantastic and want to become even better (our magic can help here). Benefits include Pension, Life Assurance, discretionary company bonus, 33 days\’ holiday including bank holidays, a Merlin Magic Pass which gives you and your friends and family free admission to all of our attractions worldwide, an Enjoy the Ride pass which entitles you and 5 loved ones unlimited entry into your regional attractions, 25% discount in our retail shops and restaurants and 40% discount on LEGO, plus lots more!
Pay Range
Competitive
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Senior Finance Business Partner - Operational Excellence employer: Merlin Entertainments - Corporate
Contact Detail:
Merlin Entertainments - Corporate Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Finance Business Partner - Operational Excellence
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the finance sector, especially those who have experience in operational excellence. Attend industry events or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and learn about their experiences at companies like ours.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with our company’s strategic initiatives and values. Understanding how we operate and what we prioritise will help you tailor your conversations and demonstrate your alignment with our goals during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've driven operational efficiency in previous roles. Highlighting your achievements in cost optimisation and process improvement will showcase your ability to contribute to our team effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Brush up on your analytical skills and Excel modelling techniques, as these are crucial for the role. Consider taking a short course or using online resources to enhance your proficiency, which will give you an edge in discussions with our hiring team.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Finance Business Partner - Operational Excellence
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in financial planning, analysis, and business partnering. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to influence stakeholders and drive strategic initiatives.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Highlight your qualifications as a qualified accountant and your experience with operational efficiency and financial leadership. Be sure to mention your collaborative approach and continuous improvement mindset.
Showcase Analytical Skills: Since strong analytical skills are crucial for this position, include examples of how you've used data-driven insights to inform business decisions. Mention any experience with tools like Excel, SAP, or Oracle to strengthen your application.
Prepare for Potential Interviews: Anticipate questions related to your experience in budgeting, forecasting, and scenario modelling. Be ready to discuss how you've championed best practices and identified cost optimisation opportunities in previous roles.
How to prepare for a job interview at Merlin Entertainments - Corporate
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Senior Finance Business Partner in Operational Excellence. Familiarise yourself with strategic financial leadership, budgeting, and analysis, as well as how these elements contribute to operational efficiency.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous experience in financial planning and business partnering. Highlight specific examples where you've influenced decisions or driven strategic initiatives, especially in complex environments.
✨Demonstrate Analytical Skills
Be ready to showcase your analytical abilities and Excel modelling skills. You might be asked to solve a case study or provide insights based on data, so practice articulating your thought process clearly.
✨Prepare Questions
Have insightful questions prepared for your interviewers. This could include inquiries about the company's approach to operational excellence or how they measure success in this role. It shows your genuine interest and helps you assess if the company is the right fit for you.