At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial operations transformation and drive best-in-class service delivery.
- Company: Renowned UK food business committed to inclusion and authenticity.
- Benefits: Flexible hybrid working, generous pension, private medical cover, and paid volunteering days.
- Other info: Join a culture that values teamwork, personal development, and meaningful impact.
- Why this job: Shape the future of finance operations in a supportive and collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in leading finance teams and transforming operational models.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 € per year.
This is an exceptional opportunity for you to step into a pivotal interim leadership position, guiding the transformation and future direction of a Financial Operations function at the heart of a renowned UK food business. You will play a crucial role in shaping a Centre of Excellence, driving best-in-class service delivery, and embedding robust governance across all financial lifecycles.
Your day-to-day responsibilities will centre around providing strategic direction for all aspects of financial operations. You will be instrumental in defining strategies that align with the vision for a Centre of Excellence while ensuring robust governance structures are in place. Your remit includes leading talented teams to deliver outstanding results through clarity of purpose and accountability. You will drive modernisation efforts by leveraging automation technologies and process improvements that enhance operational effectiveness.
Specific duties will include:
- Define and deliver a forward-thinking Financial Operations strategy aligned with the ambition to create a Centre of Excellence within the business services division.
- Modernise financial operations by implementing best-in-class service standards, strengthening controls, driving automation initiatives, and fostering continuous improvement across all areas.
- Act as a senior subject matter expert influencing group finance strategy on lifecycle performance, risk management, governance frameworks, and cash discipline.
- Lead the end-to-end Financial Operations organisation by embedding enhanced control frameworks that ensure audit readiness and effective risk mitigation throughout all operational areas.
- Develop and nurture a diverse multidisciplinary leadership team by building deep expertise across the Transactional team.
- Champion large-scale process simplification projects as well as automation and digital enablement initiatives that streamline workflows and improve efficiency.
- Partner closely with Finance Systems and Business Change teams on lifecycle redesign projects including user acceptance testing (UAT) and systems optimisation with a focus on SAP-led clear communication channels across teams to ensure alignment with organisational goals while supporting sustainable business growth through responsible financial stewardship.
- Support the ongoing development of high-performing cultures by mentoring colleagues and encouraging knowledge sharing within the team.
To excel in this role, you will bring extensive experience leading multifaceted finance teams within large organisations, ideally those structured around shared services or Centres of Excellence. Your background should include hands-on involvement in transforming operational models through process improvement initiatives such as automation or digital enablement.
Ideally, you will have experience in the following areas:
- Significant senior leadership experience managing large-scale Financial Operations functions.
- A proven track record of transforming complex teams by embedding high-performance cultures rooted in collaboration and mutual support.
- Deep understanding of financial controls frameworks including governance protocols, audit preparation processes, and risk management methodologies.
- Experience operating within shared services or Centre of Excellence environments where interdependent teamwork is essential for success.
- Strong commercial acumen enabling you to influence senior stakeholders effectively while maintaining sensitivity to organisational priorities.
- Hands-on experience with SAP systems is strongly preferred; exposure to major systems transformation projects is highly desirable.
- Exceptional interpersonal skills demonstrated through clear communication abilities coupled with empathy for colleagues' perspectives.
- Ability to mentor diverse teams by nurturing talent development in an inclusive manner that values individual strengths.
What sets this company apart: The organisation stands out as one of the UK's largest businesses in their industry. Their commitment to inclusion, authenticity, and individuality ensures that every colleague is respected, valued, and encouraged to bring their whole self to work regardless of background, identity, or beliefs. They are proud supporters of disability inclusion, offering reasonable adjustments throughout recruitment so everyone has equal access to opportunities.
Employees benefit from flexible hybrid working, generous pension contributions, private medical cover, bonus schemes, holiday purchase options, sharesave scheme, EV car scheme, paid volunteering days, plus access to an employee benefits platform - all designed to support wellbeing, professional growth, and work-life balance. The culture is welcoming, supportive, and collaborative - making it an ideal environment for those who value teamwork, personal development, and meaningful impact within a trusted brand family.
If you are ready to make your mark in this influential interim leadership role, we encourage you to take the next step towards joining a truly supportive team where your expertise will shape the future of finance operations. Apply today by clicking on the link provided - your journey towards making a lasting impact starts here.
Locations
Interim Head Of Finance Operations in Cheshire, Warrington employer: Robert Walters
This renowned UK food business is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work culture that values individuality and collaboration. Employees enjoy a range of benefits including flexible hybrid working, generous pension contributions, private medical cover, and opportunities for professional growth, all within a supportive environment that encourages personal development and meaningful impact. Join a team where your expertise as Interim Head of Finance Operations will not only shape the future of financial operations but also contribute to a culture of respect and empowerment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Interim Head Of Finance Operations in Cheshire, Warrington
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector and let them know you're on the lookout for interim roles. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities that aren't advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company thoroughly. Understand their financial operations, recent news, and their vision for a Centre of Excellence. This will help you tailor your responses and show them you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills during interviews. Share specific examples of how you've transformed finance teams or implemented automation initiatives. This will demonstrate your capability to drive change and lead effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Interim Head Of Finance Operations in Cheshire, Warrington
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. Highlight your leadership experience and any relevant achievements in financial operations to show us you're the right fit for this pivotal role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this position and how your background aligns with our vision for a Centre of Excellence. Keep it engaging and personal, so we can see your enthusiasm.
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your past roles, focus on quantifiable achievements that demonstrate your ability to drive transformation and modernisation in financial operations. We love seeing numbers that back up your claims!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates during the process. Let’s get started on this journey together!
How to prepare for a job interview at Robert Walters
✨Know Your Financial Operations Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the specifics of financial operations, especially in a Centre of Excellence context. Brush up on your knowledge of governance frameworks, risk management, and automation technologies, as these will be key discussion points.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Be prepared to discuss your leadership approach and how you've transformed teams in the past. Share specific examples of how you've built high-performance cultures and fostered collaboration, as this aligns with the company's values.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that ask you to solve hypothetical challenges related to financial operations. Think about how you would handle process simplification or implement best-in-class service standards, and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Demonstrate Your Stakeholder Management Skills
Since influencing senior stakeholders is crucial, prepare to discuss how you've navigated complex organisational dynamics in previous roles. Highlight your commercial acumen and provide examples of how you've aligned financial strategies with broader business goals.
