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For Companies 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: Make a real impact through data-driven insights and collaboration with senior leaders.
- 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.
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 #J-18808-Ljbffr
Senior Finance Business Partner - Operational Excellence employer: Merlin Entertainments Group
Contact Detail:
Merlin Entertainments Group 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 more about the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in financial planning and analysis, particularly in relation to operational efficiency. This knowledge will help you engage in meaningful conversations during interviews and demonstrate your expertise.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've driven strategic initiatives in previous roles. Highlight your experience in business partnering and how it has led to improved financial outcomes.
✨Tip Number 4
Research StudySmarter's values and culture to align your approach with what we stand for. Understanding our mission will help you articulate how you can contribute to our goals during the interview process.
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 how your qualifications align with the company's needs. Mention your experience with operational efficiency and your proactive approach to continuous improvement.
Highlight Relevant Skills: Emphasise your analytical skills and proficiency in tools like Excel, SAP, or Oracle. Provide examples of how you've used these skills to deliver insights and support decision-making in previous roles.
Showcase Collaboration Experience: Illustrate your ability to work collaboratively across functions. Share instances where you partnered with teams to achieve financial consistency or rolled out strategic initiatives, showcasing your influence and communication skills.
How to prepare for a job interview at Merlin Entertainments Group
✨Showcase Your Financial Expertise
Be prepared to discuss your qualifications and experience in financial planning and analysis. Highlight specific examples where you've provided strategic financial guidance to senior stakeholders, as this role requires strong commercial finance experience.
✨Demonstrate Your Analytical Skills
Since the role involves budgeting, forecasting, and scenario modelling, be ready to showcase your analytical skills. Bring examples of how you've used data-driven insights to influence business decisions and improve operational efficiency.
✨Emphasise Collaboration and Influence
This position requires working closely with various teams. Prepare to discuss how you've successfully partnered with different functions in the past, and how you can ensure financial consistency while supporting strategic initiatives across the UK.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and decision-making process. Think of scenarios where you've identified opportunities for cost optimisation or improved financial processes, and be ready to explain your approach and the outcomes.
