At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial planning and performance management for customer strategies in a dynamic FMCG 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: Embrace diversity and inclusion in a supportive workplace.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on business growth while collaborating with diverse teams.
- Qualifications: Experience in FMCG finance, strong analytical skills, and a passion for collaboration.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ 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.
Strategic FMCG Finance Partner for Growth & Planning 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 our comprehensive training programmes and opportunities for career advancement within the thriving FMCG sector. Located in the heart of the UK, we celebrate diversity and inclusion, ensuring every team member feels valued and empowered to contribute to our ambitious growth plans while enjoying a supportive and engaging workplace.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic FMCG Finance Partner for Growth & Planning
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at pladis on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by understanding pladis' brands and their market strategies. Show us that you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in how you can contribute to their growth plans.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your financial insights! Be ready to discuss how you’ve used data to drive decisions in previous roles. We want to see your analytical skills in action, especially in a fast-paced FMCG environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the pladis team.
We think you need these skills to ace Strategic FMCG Finance Partner for Growth & Planning
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Stuff:Before you start writing, make sure you understand the role and the company. Dive into pladis' values and the specifics of the Strategic FMCG Finance Partner position. This will help you tailor your application to show how you fit right in!
Showcase Your Experience:Highlight your proven experience in FMCG and Customer/Commercial Finance. Use specific examples from your past roles that demonstrate your ability to drive business performance and manage financial insights effectively.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Avoid jargon and fluff; instead, focus on what makes you a great fit for the role. Remember, we want to see your personality shine through too!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us without any hiccups. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining the pladis family!
How to prepare for a job interview at pladis Global
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Strategic FMCG Finance Partner, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics relevant to the FMCG sector, such as ROI and profit margins. Be ready to discuss how you've used these metrics in past roles to drive business decisions.
✨Understand the Business Landscape
Familiarise yourself with pladis' brands and their market positioning. Research recent trends in the confectionery and biscuit industry. This knowledge will help you articulate how you can contribute to their ambitious growth plans and align your strategies with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Collaboration Skills
This role requires strong collaboration with customer teams. Prepare examples of how you've successfully partnered with cross-functional teams in the past. Highlight your ability to influence and communicate effectively, as this will be crucial in driving customer strategies.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in ambiguous situations. Think of scenarios where you've had to analyse risks and opportunities in financial planning. Be ready to explain your thought process and the outcomes of your actions to showcase your strategic thinking.
