At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and operational performance in a dynamic aerospace environment.
- Company: Join Safran, a global leader in aerospace and defence technology.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for growth and innovation.
- Why this job: Shape the future of sustainable aviation while advancing your finance career.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with senior finance experience in manufacturing.
Safran is an international high-technology group operating in the fields of aerospace, space and defense. Its mission is to contribute sustainably to a safer world, where air transport becomes ever more environmentally friendly, comfortable and accessible. Present on every continent, the Group employs 110,000 people and generated €31.3 billion in revenue in 2025.
Are you a commercially minded finance leader looking to make a real impact? We're looking for an experienced Supply Chain Finance Manager to join our Wolverhampton team, where you'll play a pivotal role in shaping financial strategy, driving operational performance and influencing key business decisions.
Working closely with senior leaders across Finance and Supply Chain, you'll provide meaningful insight, challenge performance, and identify opportunities to improve margins, reduce costs and support sustainable growth. You'll lead all aspects of inventory accounting, standard costing, budgeting and forecasting, while establishing strong financial governance across the supply chain.
Role Summary- Be a strategic partner with the Finance Director, Supply Chain Director and Value Stream Finance Managers to articulate the business performance for the Wolverhampton UK site through appropriate insight, analysis and strategic direction.
- Manage and co-ordinate the period end, budget and forecast processes to deliver the required business performance levels.
- Maximise operational performance while focusing on areas of margin expansion and cost reduction to support value creation.
- Challenge the business to deliver against its commitments and support growth initiatives.
- Lead a Finance team with responsibilities that cover all aspects of Costing, Inventory and related provisions.
- Lead a Finance team consisting of qualified, part qualified and entry level staff with the ability to coach, develop and mentor.
- Establish a financial governance framework for UK supply chain which includes clear reporting standards, financial controls and accountability structure.
- Partner with the Supply Chain Director, SIOP Lead and Finance Director on medium-to-long-term financial strategy (1-3+ years), ensuring it's financially sound and aligned to Safran UK's wider direction.
- Set up a regular reporting rhythm for Supply Chain - monthly reviews, rolling forecasts and clear performance packs for leadership - building this from scratch where it doesn't currently exist.
- Own UK site-wide inventory accounting - month-end close, provisions, and reporting across all inventory categories (raw material, WIP, finished goods).
- Ensure inventory provisions are calculated on a consistent, defensible methodology and reviewed regularly for accuracy.
- Lead the annual standard costing exercise for the site, ensuring standards are accurate, current and reviewed.
- Own the Supply Chain R&O register - risks properly quantified and tracked, opportunities actively pursued with financial backing.
- Build NPV models and ROI analyses for significant supply chain investments, including strategic sourcing changes and near-shoring decisions.
- Challenge and validate savings projects to ensure claimed benefits are real, measurable and tracked.
- Scenario planning mindset: anticipates risks and opportunities within the Supply Chain/P&L/Balance Sheet and translates into financial impact.
- Strong Partner to the Supply Chain function, value stream Finance managers, value stream directors and wider leadership team with the ability to effectively collaborate and challenge at all levels in the business.
- Strong commercial acumen, with good understanding of Supply Chain and Inventory in a manufacturing business.
- Clear communication: can explain complex financial impacts in plain language to non-financial leaders with the ability to tell the story.
- Qualified accountant (CIMA, ACCA, ACA or equivalent)
- Proven experience in a senior finance role within a manufacturing or similar environment
- Excellent financial planning, analysis, and reporting skills
- Ability to digest and manipulate complex data sets to translate into meaningful information.
- Able to demonstrate strong leadership behaviours to project a vision, engage and develop a finance team and to drive accountability.
- Experience working in a matrixed or global organisation
- Knowledge of Aerospace
- Experience with digital finance transformation or automation tools
- Exposure to capital investment analysis and cost accounting
- Lean / continuous improvement mindset
Supply Chain Finance Manager employer: Safran Actuation Systems
Safran is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and innovative work culture, where employees are encouraged to contribute to cutting-edge aerospace technologies. With a strong commitment to sustainability and employee development, Safran offers numerous growth opportunities and benefits, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful careers in a globally recognised company. Located in a vibrant industry hub, employees enjoy a collaborative environment that values diversity and creativity.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Supply Chain Finance Manager
✨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 Safran Actuation Systems. 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 Supply Chain Finance Manager
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 Safran Actuation Systems.
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 Safran Actuation Systems'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 Safran Actuation Systems
✨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 Safran Actuation Systems.
✨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 Safran Actuation Systems 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 Safran Actuation Systems 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.
