At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the UK Shared Service Centre and oversee finance operations.
- Company: Rapidly expanding international organisation with a focus on growth.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, annual bonus, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Dynamic role with significant growth potential and impact.
- Why this job: Join at a pivotal moment and shape the future of Shared Services.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in Shared Services leadership and finance operations.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 90000 £ per year.
- Head of Shared Services
- Leicester | £80,000 - £90,000 + Annual Bonus
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Head of Shared Services to join a rapidly expanding international organisation and lead its UK Shared Service Centre based in Leicester.
The business has grown rapidly through acquisitions and continues to invest heavily in its Shared Services function to create a scalable platform capable of supporting future growth.
After successfully establishing its Leicester Shared Service Centre, the next phase will see additional UK businesses and European operations transition into the model over the next 18 months.
This is a newly created leadership role, reporting directly to the Head of Group Business Services, offering the opportunity to lead an expanding Shared Services operation while helping shape its future development.
The Opportunity
As Head of Shared Services, you'll lead the operational delivery of the UK Shared Service Centre, overseeing Order-to-Cash (OTC), Procure-to-Pay (PTP), Record-to-Report (RTR), Master Data Management (MDM) and Payroll.
You'll provide leadership to an established team of Process Leads, ensuring exceptional service delivery, operational excellence and consistent performance across all transactional finance functions.
The business has standardised its operations around Net Suite ERP, which sits at the centre of the Shared Services model.
Whilst previous Net Suite experience would be advantageous, experience with other enterprise ERP platforms such as SAP, Oracle or Microsoft Dynamics is equally valuable.
The focus is on finding someone who understands how high-performing Shared Services functions operate rather than expertise in one particular system.
Working closely with the Head of Group Business Services, you'll play a key role in supporting future integrations, system enhancements and the continued rollout of Shared Services as the organisation continues to grow across the UK and Europe.
- What You'll Be Doing
- Lead the day-to-day operational performance of the UK Shared Service Centre.
- Provide leadership to the Process Leads across OTC, PTP, RTR, MDM and Payroll.
- Deliver consistently high levels of service against agreed KPIs and SLAs.
- Drive operational excellence, governance and continuous improvement.
- Act as the senior escalation point for complex operational issues.
- Develop a collaborative, high-performing leadership team.
- Build strong relationships with Finance Directors, Managing Directors and senior stakeholders.
- Support future acquisitions as they transition into the Shared Services model.
- Work alongside the wider Global Business Services team to implement new processes, systems and operational improvements.
What We're Looking For
You'll be an experienced Shared Services leader with a proven track record of managing multi-functional finance operations within a fast-paced environment.
You'll ideally have experience of
- Leading Shared Services or Finance Operations teams.
- Managing multiple transactional finance functions, including OTC, PTP, RTR, MDM and Payroll.
- Delivering operational excellence across high-volume finance environments.
- Developing managers and building high-performing teams.
- Working with enterprise ERP systems such as Net Suite, SAP, Oracle or Microsoft Dynamics.
- Building strong relationships with senior stakeholders across Finance and Operations.
Experience within a Private Equity-backed or acquisitive organisation would be advantageous, as would exposure to multi-entity Shared Services environments or additional European language skills.
Why Join?
This is an opportunity to join at a pivotal point in the organisation's Shared Services journey.
The function is expected to grow significantly over the next 18 months as further UK businesses and European operations transition into the Leicester Shared Service Centre.
You'll play a central role in leading that growth while maintaining operational excellence and developing the leadership capability needed to support an increasingly complex organisation.
If you're looking for a role where you can influence the direction of a growing Shared Services function, work alongside an ambitious leadership team and make a visible impact within a business investing heavily in transformation, this is an excellent opportunity.
Head of Shared Service in Coventry employer: Solutions Driven
Solutions Driven is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work culture that values innovation and collaboration within the Flood Risk and Drainage Team in Twickenham. Employees benefit from flexible hybrid working arrangements, opportunities for professional growth, and a supportive environment that encourages skill development and client engagement, making it a rewarding place to advance your career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Shared Service in Coventry
✨Tip Number 1: Get Involved in Consulting Case Competitions
Look for case competitions hosted by universities and consulting firms. They’re a fab way to showcase your problem-solving skills and meet industry players. Plus, winning one can seriously boost your CV, which we know is key when applying for roles like Head of Shared Service at Solutions Driven!
✨Tip Number 2: Leverage Alumni Networks
Tap into your university’s alumni network; many consultants love to help out new talent. Reach out to alumni who are working in management consulting, they might have insider knowledge about openings at firms like Solutions Driven or be willing to refer you for that Head of Shared Service position!
✨Tip Number 3: Attend Industry Events and Conferences
Keep an eye on management consulting events, workshops, or panels. These are prime opportunities to network with top professionals and get your name out there. You might even bump into someone from Solutions Driven who’s on the lookout for their next Head of Shared Service star!
✨Tip Number 4: Polish Your Consulting Skills Online
Engage with online platforms that offer consulting simulations or courses. Prove your chops by completing relevant projects — this not only beefs up your experience but also gives you concrete examples to chat about during interviews for that full-time Head of Shared Service role at Solutions Driven!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Shared Service in Coventry
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Problem-Solving Skills:In management consulting, it's all about problem-solving—so make sure your CV highlights your analytical and critical thinking skills. Include examples from your studies or previous roles where you tackled complex issues or came up with innovative solutions. Quantify your achievements whenever possible to demonstrate your impact!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to explain why you're a perfect fit for the consulting world. Focus on your motivation for joining the industry and how your skills align with the requirements of the role at Solutions Driven. Remember to mention any relevant coursework or projects that showcase your understanding of strategic frameworks or business models!
Highlight Team Experience:Consultants often work in teams, so it's vital to showcase your collaborative skills. Include experiences where you've worked effectively with others, whether in academic group projects or internships. Discuss your role in the team and how you helped achieve common goals, demonstrating you can thrive in a consultancy environment.
Professionalise Your Online Presence:Make sure your LinkedIn and any other professional profiles are up to date, reflecting your career aspirations in management consulting. Connect with industry professionals and follow relevant groups—show you’re serious about entering this field. Applying through our website is a great way to get noticed, so showcase your personality and enthusiasm there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Solutions Driven
✨Master the Case Study Game
In management consulting, case study interviews are all the rage. Make sure to practice structuring your thoughts and analysing data on the fly. Use resources like example case studies to get comfortable with frameworks and solutions. Remember, it’s not just about getting the right answer but showcasing your thought process, so talk us through your reasoning!
✨Know Your Numbers
Be prepared for some numerical and analytical questions. Brush up on your mental math and be ready to interpret data from charts or graphs. We might throw some business scenarios at you that require a quick turnaround on numerical analysis, so practice these skills to feel confident and swift!
✨Show Your Leadership Flair
As this is a full-time role, we want to see your potential as a seasoned consultant. Be ready to discuss experiences where you've led a project or a team. Think about times you've influenced decisions or navigated challenges—this is your chance to show how you can thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
✨Be a Cultural Fit
We’re not just looking for brains; we want to see if you vibe with our company culture at Solutions Driven. Prepare to share how your values align with ours. Have a think about what makes a great team environment for you and how you can contribute to that. A good cultural fit goes a long way in management consulting!
