At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive strategic finance and corporate development in a fast-paced, impactful environment.
- Company: Join a pioneering materials science company focused on sustainability.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, equity, direct access to leadership, and meaningful responsibilities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth and innovation.
- Why this job: Be part of a mission-driven team making a real difference in reducing plastic waste.
- Qualifications: 2-4 years in investment banking or high-growth startups; passion for sustainability.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 € per year.
Shellworks is a London-based materials science company developing Vivomer™ - a fully compostable, microbially-derived alternative to single-use plastic. Backed by leading investors and with major commercial partnerships already in place, we're at an inflection point: scaling from proof-of-concept to mass-market production.
We're looking for a sharp, commercially driven operator to own our strategic finance and corporate development agenda. This isn't a finance controller role - it's for someone who wants to build things: funding structures, decks, models, and relationships. You'll work directly with the CEO and report into the leadership team, sitting alongside our Operations Lead as a core part of the commercial engine.
What You'll Do
- Creative & Structured Financing
- Own the working capital and debt financing agenda - identify, negotiate and close facilities (receivables financing, grant structures, blended finance instruments)
- Lead grant applications and non-dilutive funding opportunities, including government schemes and philanthropic capital
- Build and maintain relationships with banks, lenders and alternative finance providers
- Corporate Development
- Drive M&A analysis, including evaluation of potential manufacturing facility acquisitions
- Support fundraising processes - build and own the investor materials
- Manage ongoing investor relationships and leverage the investor network proactively on behalf of the business
- Financial Modeling & Reporting
- Own the company financial model and keep it current
- Build deal models, scenario analyses and business cases for major commercial decisions
- Support commercial negotiations with financial analysis and structuring input
- Investor & Partner Decks
- Be the person who holds the pen - take a brief from the CEO and come back with something excellent
- Translate complex financial and commercial dynamics into clear, compelling narratives for external audiences
Who You Are
- 2–4 years in investment banking (M&A, infrastructure, or sustainable finance preferred) - you know how to model, structure deals, and build a deck under pressure
- One tour in a high-growth startup (Series A–C) - you've seen how the engine room works and thrived in ambiguity
- Genuinely excited by the sustainability / materials space - you don't need to be an expert, but you need to care
- Self-directed: you take a problem, go away, and come back with a solution, not more questions
- Strong communicator - written and verbal; comfortable with founders, investors and blue-chip partners
- High tolerance for ambiguity and low tolerance for bureaucracy
What We Offer
- Competitive salary and meaningful equity
- Direct access to leadership and genuine strategic responsibility from day one
- A chance to work on something that matters - at a company that's already proving it can win
Finance & Strategy Manager in London employer: Shellworks
Shellworks is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in London where innovation meets sustainability. With a competitive salary and equity options, employees enjoy direct access to leadership and the opportunity to make a tangible impact in the fight against plastic waste. The company fosters a culture of creativity and collaboration, providing ample growth opportunities for those passionate about making a difference in the materials science sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance & Strategy Manager in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the finance and strategy space, especially those who have experience in startups. Use LinkedIn to connect and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews – it’s a great way to get your foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by diving deep into Shellworks’ mission and values. Show us that you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate your passion for sustainability and how your skills can help us scale our innovative solutions.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You’ll need to communicate complex financial concepts clearly and compellingly. Get comfortable explaining your past experiences and how they relate to the role of Finance & Strategy Manager at Shellworks.
✨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 us you’re genuinely interested in being part of our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance & Strategy Manager in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Finance & Strategy Manager role. Highlight relevant experience in investment banking and startups, and don’t forget to showcase your skills in financial modelling and corporate development.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should tell us why you’re excited about working in the sustainability space. Share your passion for materials science and how your background aligns with our mission at Shellworks.
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:In your application, give examples of how you've tackled complex problems in previous roles. We love self-directed individuals who can come up with solutions, so let that shine through!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to see your application and get you into our system quickly. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Shellworks
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Finance & Strategy Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've used them in past roles. Prepare examples of financial models or analyses you've created that had a significant impact.
✨Show Your Strategic Thinking
This role is all about building and owning strategic initiatives. Be prepared to discuss your approach to developing funding structures or driving M&A analysis. Think of a time when you identified a unique opportunity and how you capitalised on it—this will showcase your strategic mindset.
✨Communicate Clearly
Strong communication skills are essential for this position. Practice explaining complex financial concepts in simple terms. You might be asked to present a financial model or deck during the interview, so make sure you can articulate your thought process clearly and confidently.
✨Demonstrate Passion for Sustainability
Shellworks is focused on sustainability, so show genuine interest in the materials science space. Research the company’s mission and be ready to discuss how your values align with theirs. Share any relevant experiences or projects that highlight your commitment to sustainable practices.
