Business Partner - Support Functions, Strategy & Perfomance in London

• London, UK
• Description

Reporting to the Global Head of Employee Costs, this high‑visibility role supports executive‑level decision making, improves transparency, and strengthens financial discipline.

Working closely with the CFO, CTO, CHRO, CIO and other functions.

• Key Accountabilities
• Act as a trusted finance partner to senior leaders across central functions, providing clear financial insight and constructive challenge.
• Support function leads with robust finance input into workforce planning, operating model decisions and initiatives.
• Present complex people cost information in an executive‑ready format to support timely and well‑informed decisions.
• Run the Annual Plan and Forecasting process, reviews and governance sign‑offs.
• People Cost Planning & Performance

Lead the finance input to people cost budgeting, forecasting, and long‑term planning across the enterprise.

• Develop insight into key cost drivers including headcount, pay, incentives, benefits and workforce mix.
• Monitor performance against plan, identify emerging risks and opportunities, and support corrective actions.
• Ensure consistency, comparability and transparency of people cost information across the organisation.
• Automation & Process Improvement (People Cost Finance)

Define and drive the automation strategy for people cost finance activities, aligned with Finance Transformation priorities.

• Identify opportunities to streamline and automate processes such as headcount reporting, forecasting updates and management reporting.
• Work in partnership with HR Systems, Finance Systems and finance change teams to develop practical, sustainable solutions.
• Improve data accuracy, control and efficiency while reducing manual effort and operational risk.
• Act as a sponsor for continuous improvement and modern finance capability within the people cost area.
• Leadership & Influence
• Lead through influence, credibility and expertise rather than formal authority.
• Build strong, collaborative relationships across Finance, HR and Technology.
• Support the Global Head of Employee Costs in shaping enterprise‑wide people cost strategy and standards.
• Champion a more data‑led, efficient and forward‑looking approach to people cost management.

Skills, Experience & Profile

Essential

• Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).
• Strong finance business‑partnering experience in a complex organisation.
• Strong understanding of people costs and workforce‑related financial drivers.
• Experience leading or contributing to finance automation or process improvement initiatives.
• Confidence working with senior stakeholders and influencing at executive level.
• Working knowledge of Workday, Power BI and Adaptive.

Desirable

• Experience partnering closely with HR, IT and Finance functions.
• Exposure to finance or enterprise transformation programmes.
• Power user of BI, Workday and Adaptive.
• Strong interest in digital enablement and modern finance operating models.

Benefits

• A genuinely unique opportunity to be part of an expanding large global business.
• Competitive remuneration commensurate with skills and experience.
• Training and development opportunities.
• A high level of visibility within a large organisation on an upward trajectory.
• Being part of a high‑performing team with a strong team culture.

Disclaimer: Unsolicited CVs sent to Apex (Talent Acquisition Team or Hiring Managers) by recruitment agencies will not be accepted for this position.

Apex operates a direct sourcing model and where agency assistance is required, the Talent Acquisition team will engage directly with our exclusive recruitment partners.

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