At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and performance for Tesco, driving growth and innovation.
- Company: Join a leading global FMCG business with a dynamic culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, and benefits with remote work flexibility.
- Other info: Clear progression routes to director level in a fast-paced environment.
- Why this job: Shape the future of a major retail partner and make impactful decisions.
- Qualifications: Experience in commercial finance and strong leadership skills required.
We’re supporting a leading global FMCG business to recruit a Business Unit Controller to partner their Tesco business, one of the most critical and high-profile customers within the UK & Ireland operation. This is a key leadership role at the heart of the commercial organisation, responsible for shaping financial strategy, driving performance, and enabling sustainable growth. You’ll act as a true business partner to Sales leadership, influencing decision-making and ensuring delivery of strong, profitable outcomes in a fast-paced and dynamic environment. This will manage a major P&L £250m+ with 4 direct reports. It’s a role with clear progression routes to director. It’ll need a creative and commercial individual, that has demonstrable experience delivering on Tesco.
Key Responsibilities:
- Take full ownership of the financial performance of the Tesco business unit, providing clear insight, challenge, and direction.
- Lead the financial planning cycle including budgeting, forecasting, and long-term strategic planning.
- Partner Sales leadership on pricing, promotions, and investment decisions, ensuring activity delivers strong commercial return.
- Challenge assumptions, identify risks and opportunities, and proactively influence outcomes.
- Manage and develop a team, fostering a high-performance culture and building capability.
- Work cross-functionally with Sales, Marketing, Supply Chain, and Finance to ensure alignment and delivery.
- Drive continuous improvement across reporting, processes and ways of working, bringing innovation and new ideas.
Qualifications:
- Strong commercial finance leader with experience operating at pace within FMCG (or similarly complex environment).
- Proven senior-level business partnering experience, ideally within a customer-facing commercial function.
- Experience supporting major UK retailers - Tesco is a must.
- Highly analytical with the ability to translate complex data into clear, actionable insight.
- Confident influencing and challenging senior stakeholders, comfortable navigating ambiguity.
- A people leader with experience developing teams and building engagement.
- Strong understanding of customer dynamics and commercial decision-making in UK retail.
If the role and responsibilities sound like a good fit for you, then I’d love to speak to you!
National Account Controller employer: The Advocate Group
As a leading global FMCG business, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee growth and development. With competitive salaries, bonuses, and a clear pathway to leadership roles, our National Account Controller position offers the opportunity to make a significant impact while collaborating with top-tier clients like Tesco. Join us in a role that not only challenges you but also rewards your contributions in a supportive environment that values innovation and teamwork.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land National Account Controller
✨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 The Advocate Group. 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 National Account Controller
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 The Advocate Group.
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 The Advocate Group'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 The Advocate Group
✨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 The Advocate Group.
✨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 The Advocate Group 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 The Advocate Group 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.
