At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial performance and drive strategic direction for Solus and Aviva.
- Company: Join Solus, a leader in vehicle repairs with a strong partnership with Aviva.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus opportunities, generous holiday, and discounts on Aviva products.
- Other info: Inclusive culture with a focus on wellbeing and career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape the future of vehicle repair while influencing key business decisions.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with senior finance leadership experience and strong analytical skills.
The predicted salary is between 56250 - 68750 £ per year.
Job Description
Overview
We're looking for a strategic, influential and commercially minded Head of Business Performance to lead the financial performance agenda across Solus.
This is a high-impact leadership role that shapes our future growth, performance, and the success of our partnership with Aviva.
About the Role
As the Head of Business Performance, youand your team will drive the Financial performance for insurance repair for both Solus and Aviva's third-party repairers.
You will also ensure the Solus Head Office functions deliver against their financial commitments.
You willprovide the insight, challenge and strategic direction required to deliver our annual plans, drive improved financial outcomes and ensure Solus is well-positioned for future demand and growth.
This is a true figurehead role, representing Solus both internally and externally, maintaining strong alignment with Aviva's Senior Leadership.
Responsibilities
- Lead, mentor and develop a team of four Business Partners.
- Drive performance analysis, insight and reporting to maximise financial outcomes.
- Provide assurance and direction on motor claims cost control.
- Support, challenge and collaborate with leaders across Solus and Aviva.
- Lead financial strategy, ensuring alignment with growth ambitions and annual plans.
- Act as a key liaison with Aviva Senior Leaders on repair performance.
- Oversee the Solus capacity plan and ensure operational resource levels are optimised.
- Influence and advise the Board on business performance and future outlook.
- Support transformation initiatives within Finance and across the wider organisation.
- Evaluate potential mergers, acquisitions and strategic opportunities.
- Embed sustainability, CSR considerations and robust governance practices.
Qualifications
What We're Looking For
- Qualified accountant (or equivalent).
- Senior finance leadership experience in a comparable business.
- Strong commercial acumen, analytical capability and financial insight.
- Experience in automotive or insurance (highly beneficial).
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to synthesise complex data into clear, actionable reporting.
- Strong stakeholder management and ability to influence at Executive level.
- Experienced in leading change and continuous improvement.
- High integrity, resilience and commitment to good governance.
- Strong digital skills, including financial technology and data literacy.
- How You Lead
You will deliver through strategic planning, team leadership, collaboration and continuous improvement. You will work closely with:
- Solus Board of Directors.
- CFO, MD, Senior Solus Leaders.
- Risk & Governance, Internal Audit, Data Protection.
- Aviva Motor Claims and Aviva Finance Business Partnering Teams.
- All Solus Leaders and Colleagues.
Solus, who are owned by Aviva, are one of the UK leaders in vehicle repairs, returning cars to the road in just 11 days on average and a 4.6/5 star customer rating.
With an award-winning apprenticeship programme and winners of other recognised industry awards Solus are proud to be shaping the future of vehicle repair.
Why Join Solus?
We have so much to offer when it comes to being a Solus colleague
- Competitive salary based on location, skills, experience, and qualifications.
- Bonus opportunity tied to your performance and the overall success of Solus.
- Company pension scheme with employer contributions.
- 33 days' holiday (including bank holidays), with the option to buy or sell up to 5 days.
- Save money with up to 40% discount on Aviva products and other retailer discounts.
- Share in Aviva's success through the Aviva Save As You Earn scheme.
- Supportive policies including parental and carer's leave.
- Wellbeing focus with tools like Group Income Protection and 24/7 GP access.
At Solus, we value inclusivity and welcome all applicants. If you're excited but don't tick every box, we encourage you to apply as your unique skills might be just what we need.
We guarantee an interview for disabled applicants meeting the minimum criteria so please email us after applying to let us know.
Ready to join us? Apply online today, and our team will be in touch within 14 days.
Head of Business Performance in Oxford employer: Solus Accident Repair Centres
At Solus Accident Repair Centres, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer that values teamwork and quality in a supportive environment. Our commitment to employee growth is reflected in our leadership development opportunities, ensuring that you can make a meaningful impact on repair processes while enjoying a collaborative work culture. Located in the UK, we offer a unique chance to thrive in a role that prioritises both personal and professional satisfaction.
Contact Details:
Solus Accident Repair Centres Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Business Performance in Oxford
✨Tip Number 1: Tap Into Professional Networks
The finance world loves a good connection, so jump into industry-specific groups on platforms like LinkedIn where you can find discussions on financial controlling. Engaging in these communities can expose you to hidden job leads that aren't openly advertised!
✨Tip Number 2: Attend Finance Events and Conferences
Make it a mission to attend finance-related events and conferences, even virtual ones! This is a golden opportunity to network face-to-face with people from companies like Solus Accident Repair Centres. You never know who might be your next boss or a crucial contact!
✨Tip Number 3: Showcase Your Expertise
Consider writing articles or sharing insights related to financial controlling or industry trends. Publish these on platforms like LinkedIn to establish yourself as a knowledgeable player in the field. This not only increases your visibility but also catches the attention of recruiters from Solus Accident Repair Centres.
✨Tip Number 4: Apply Directly on Company Websites
Since you're going for a full-time gig, don't forget to keep an eye on the careers page of companies you're interested in, like Solus Accident Repair Centres. Many companies prefer candidates who apply through their website as it shows genuine interest and makes your application stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Business Performance in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers Game:In financial controlling, detail is everything! Make sure your CV showcases your proficiency with numbers—highlight any relevant experience in budgeting, forecasting, or working with financial software. Quantifying your past achievements will make you stand out, so don’t be shy about flaunting those impressive percentages or cost savings you've implemented.
Tailored Cover Letter is Key:Your cover letter is a chance to shine, especially for a full-time role. Use it to express your genuine interest in Solus Accident Repair Centres and the specific impact you hope to make in financial controlling. Mention any relevant qualifications or experiences that align with the company’s goals, and don’t forget to show that you're ready for a long-term commitment!
Certifications Matter:List relevant certifications such as ACCA or CIMA on your CV. These qualifications not only showcase your dedication to the field but also your technical competence in financial principles. If you have any ongoing training or courses, make sure to mention those as well to demonstrate your commitment to continual learning in financial controlling.
Don’t Overlook Soft Skills:While numbers are crucial, so are those soft skills! Financial controllers need strong communication and analytical reasoning abilities. We recommend embedding examples of these skills in your CV and cover letter, like how you’ve successfully delivered financial reports to stakeholders or collaborated with teams to improve processes. Let’s show Solus Accident Repair Centres how you can be a team player!
How to prepare for a job interview at Solus Accident Repair Centres
✨Brush Up on Technical Skills
Make sure you're comfortable with key financial concepts, especially around forecasting, budgeting, and variance analysis. Sometimes, interviewers may throw in technical questions or case studies, so practicing these types of scenarios will help you shine!
✨Showcase Your Financial Acumen
If you've had experience with specific financial software like SAP or Oracle, make it known! Be ready to discuss how you used these tools to improve processes or reporting, as this hands-on knowledge can really set you apart in a full-time role with Solus Accident Repair Centres.
✨Know Your Numbers
In full-time interviews, especially in financial controlling, be prepared for numerical reasoning tests or questions. Brush up on your mental maths and understand how to interpret and analyse financial statements on the spot, as this may come up during the assessment.
✨Connect with Company Goals
Familiarise yourself with Solus Accident Repair Centres's financial objectives and any recent developments. During the interview, try to weave your understanding of their business model and challenges into your answers—this shows your genuine interest and alignment with their goals!
