At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial planning and performance management for customer strategies in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join pladis, a global leader in biscuits and confectionery with iconic brands.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace committed to equal opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on business decisions and drive growth in a collaborative team.
- Qualifications: Experience in FMCG finance, strong analytical skills, and a passion for performance management.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 € per year.
pladis was established in June 2016 and brings together the much loved, global brands of Godiva, McVitie’s, Ulker, and DeMet’s under one pladis umbrella, to form a global giant in biscuits, chocolate, and confectionary. The UK & I pladis region employs 5,000 people across 13 locations in the UK & return on investment (nine manufacturing / distribution sites and four office locations), and is an anchor market for the business.
What will this role achieve? The UK & I business has ambitious growth plans, and this role sits within the Commercial Finance team, acting as a strategic finance business partner to the Customer Finance teams. The role strengthens decision‑making, governance and value creation across customer strategies and investments by embedding strong planning, performance management and investment disciplines. Through leading annual planning, monthly performance cycles and risk & opportunity reviews, the role ensures delivery of high‑quality financial insight, rigorous financial control and robust evaluation of customer investment decisions, while supporting the Customer Finance teams in developing a deeper understanding of consumer and trade dynamics to enable more effective customer strategies and improved business outcomes.
What will be your key deliverables?
- Lead the development of Joint Business Plans translating customer strategy into robust, value‑focused financial plans that link investment levels to sustainable growth outcomes.
- Partner with customer teams on Annual Planning and AOP development, shaping customer financial plans, investment choices and volume assumptions to support delivery of annual targets.
- Provide end‑to‑end financial performance leadership for assigned customer areas, analysing results from volume through to profitability, identifying key risks and opportunities, and recommending corrective or growth‑driving actions.
- Own the financial control environment for business‑partnered customer teams, ensuring strong governance across pricing, trade investment and customer terms, with disciplined balance sheet management.
- Ensure financial accuracy, compliance and rigour, including prevention of pricing claims and proactive management of unsolicited deductions in partnership with central finance teams.
- Partner with Customer Leads to deliver the monthly financial cycle, providing clear insight into performance versus last cycle, AOP and prior year, and explaining key performance drivers.
- Lead the tracking and review of Risks & Opportunities, ensuring transparency, timely escalation and clear action plans to protect delivery.
- Work with customer teams to identify, evaluate and prioritise in‑year growth opportunities, supporting commercial decision‑making with robust financial insight.
What do you need for this role?
- Proven experience in FMCG in Customer/ commercial Finance
- A passion for business performance management & analytics
- A strong collaborator and communicator
- Ability to influence and work collaboratively across the organisation
- Ability to work optimally in an ambiguous and changing role and able to drive agenda forward
- Self-confidence and skill to challenge the Customer team
- Strong financial and commercial competence built over a 5-year minimum career
- Advanced MS Excel, PPT and the ability to turn raw data into powerful insights
- A qualified accountant (ACCA/ACA/CIMA)
OUR WINNING TRAITS AND BEHAVIOURS
- Purpose-Led - Energised by our promise to deliver happiness to the world with every bite
- Agile - Ever evolving, never satisfied and never standing still
- Collaborative - Willing to work with others for mutual success.
- Resilient - Quick to adapt to change, fast learner and persistent in the face of setbacks
- Positive - Self-motivated, optimistic, adventurous, and inspiring
Diversity and inclusion is central to everything we do and is reflected across our business. pladis brings together brands and people from around the world – and this diversity is our great strength. We’re an equal opportunities employer and believe in encouraging an inclusive environment where we celebrate diversity of thinking and respect everyone’s distinctive qualities and perspectives. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform key job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation. pladis is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to hiring a diverse workforce. All openings will be filled based on qualifications without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, marital status, veteran status, disability, age, religion or any other classification protected by law.
Commercial Finance Analyst in London employer: pladis Global
At pladis, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through comprehensive training programmes and opportunities for advancement within our diverse and inclusive environment. Located in the heart of the UK, our team enjoys the benefits of working with globally recognised brands while contributing to ambitious growth plans that make a meaningful impact in the confectionery industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Finance Analyst in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, especially those at pladis. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that job descriptions just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to commercial finance. We recommend using real-life examples from your experience to showcase your skills and how they align with pladis' goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for the FMCG sector! When you get the chance, talk about why you love working in finance for consumer goods and how you can contribute to pladis' growth plans.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining the pladis team.
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Finance Analyst in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Commercial Finance Analyst role. Highlight your experience in FMCG and any relevant financial skills that align with what we’re looking for. This shows us you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re passionate about business performance management and how your skills can contribute to our ambitious growth plans. Keep it engaging and personal!
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:Since this role involves a lot of data analysis, make sure to highlight your proficiency in MS Excel and any experience you have turning raw data into insights. We want to see how you can drive decision-making with your analytical prowess!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about pladis and our values!
How to prepare for a job interview at pladis Global
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Commercial Finance Analyst, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics relevant to FMCG and be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive business decisions in the past.
✨Understand the Business
Familiarise yourself with pladis' brands and their market positioning. Show that you understand the dynamics of the biscuit and confectionery industry, and be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to their ambitious growth plans.
✨Showcase Collaboration Skills
This role requires strong collaboration with customer teams. Prepare examples of how you've successfully worked with cross-functional teams in the past, highlighting your ability to influence and communicate effectively.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions about how you'd handle specific financial scenarios or challenges. Think through potential risks and opportunities in customer finance and be ready to suggest actionable strategies based on your insights.
