At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial performance and drive growth for franchise partnerships across multiple regions.
- Company: Join M&S, a forward-thinking retail giant transforming the industry.
- Benefits: Enjoy discounts, competitive holidays, bonuses, and 24/7 wellbeing support.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive team committed to innovation and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a high-visibility role with senior leaders.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with strong business partnering experience in retail or FMCG.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 75000 £ per year.
At M&S, we're transforming our international business, and our franchise partnerships are at the heart of that ambition. We're looking for a Senior Finance Manager for Franchise Partnerships to play a pivotal role in driving profitable, sustainable growth across Asia, MENA, and Europe. This is a high-impact, highly visible role where you will partner with senior leaders, influence strategic decisions, and help reshape how we collaborate with our global partners. If you're commercially curious, analytically sharp, and thrive on making a difference, this is your opportunity.
To stay close to customers, our support teams are in the office three days a week as we believe that skills are developed through collaboration, and that spending time together makes us more creative and connected.
What you'll do:
- Own and lead the financial performance of franchise partnerships across budgeting, forecasting, balance sheet, reporting, and controls, while developing robust financial models and ensuring strong governance across agreements, policies, and compliance.
- Partner cross-functionally with Commercial, Supply Chain, and Legal/Compliance teams to structure new deals, renegotiate agreements, and support and challenge Joint Business Plans to drive value.
- Deliver clear, actionable insights to senior stakeholders to optimise profitability and cash flow, using strong commercial judgement and a solution-focused approach.
- Monitor key KPIs including revenue, margin, and returns, leading weekly trade analysis, producing high-quality monthly and quarterly reporting, and using data to identify risks and opportunities.
- Lead financial input into strategic growth initiatives including due diligence, pricing strategies, royalty structures, and incentive frameworks, while continuously improving financial processes, reporting, and controls.
Who you are:
- A qualified accountant (CIMA, ACA, ACCA, CA) with extensive post-qualification experience.
- Proven experience in business partnering, ideally within retail or FMCG, with a strong track record of driving revenue growth and delivering commercial outcomes.
- Strong commercial acumen with the ability to influence and challenge at senior levels.
- Excellent analytical skills with confidence working with complex data sets.
- A proactive, forward-thinking mindset with a focus on continuous improvement.
- A natural collaborator who brings curiosity, tenacity, and courage to everything they do.
What's in it for you?
- 20% colleague discount on all M&S products and many third-party brands for you and someone in your household, available once you've completed your probation.
- Competitive holiday allowance with the option to buy more.
- Discretionary bonus schemes linked to your performance and ours.
- Strong pension and life assurance to help plan for the future.
- Tailored induction and training to support your development from day one.
- Exclusive perks and savings through our M&S Choices portal.
- Market-leading family policies, including parental, adoption and neonatal leave.
- 24/7 wellbeing support, including virtual GP access and mental health services.
- One paid volunteer day a year to support a cause that matters to you.
We are ambitious about the future of retail. We're disrupting, innovating and leading the industry into a more conscientious, inspiring digital era. We're transforming how we work together and offering our most exciting opportunities yet. Marks & Spencer strives to be an inclusive organisation, trusted and admired by our colleagues, customers and suppliers. Join us and make change happen. We are committed to building diverse and representative teams, where everyone can bring their whole selves to work and be at their best. We support each other and work together to win together. If you feel you'd benefit from any support or reasonable adjustments during any stage of the recruitment process, please don't hesitate to let us know when completing your application. This information will be picked up by our team, so we can try and put steps in place to help you be at your best through this process.
Senior Finance Manager - Commercial International employer: M&S
At M&S, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation. As a Senior Finance Manager, you'll enjoy competitive benefits including a generous holiday allowance, tailored training, and 24/7 wellbeing support, all while playing a crucial role in our international growth strategy. Join us in a vibrant environment where your contributions are valued, and you can truly make a difference in the retail industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Finance Manager - Commercial International
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like M&S. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Finance Manager - Commercial International
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to M&S.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on M&S's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at M&S
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with M&S.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at M&S will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former M&S employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
