Commercial & Business Performance Partner in London

If you share our values and are excited about making a significant impact at Riverside, please ensure you attach a current CV and covering letter. At Riverside we recruit to potential not just on skills and experience, so we encourage you to apply even if you don't meet all the essential criteria on the job description.

Please note that whilst we will accept applications on the basis of any form of valid legal permission to work in the UK, we will be surrendering the Riverside Sponsorship licence, so for the avoidance of doubt, we are unable to apply for any further sponsorships whether on behalf of existing colleagues or candidates.

The difference you will make as a Commercial & Business Performance Partner:

• Partner with Heads of Department, Head of Commercial and Property Services business leads to provide commercial and technical financial skills to support the Group with achieving its objectives.
• Support in the review of commercial strengths and weaknesses across Riverside Property Services and the move towards a National Delivery Model, actively progressing process improvements, margin enhancement and strategic opportunities through collaboration, project delivery and change efficiencies.
• Support in the reporting and oversight of the commercial operating model in conjunction with the Head of Commercial and the Strategic Finance Business Partner, including the review of processes and systems, and make recommendations to ensure continuous improvement and Value for Money (VfM) within the Property Services directorate.

About you

We are looking for someone with:

• Fully CCAB/CIMA qualified or equivalent
• Recognised Project/Change qualification or experience in delivering large change initiatives
• Experience of providing strategic business insight to a large business area/organization
• Experience in risk management and leading on process improvements

Why Riverside?

At Riverside, we’re a housing association with a difference – enhancing the everyday for all our customers. For 90 years, we’ve been revitalising neighbourhoods and supporting communities by providing the homes they need to live full, fulfilling and rewarding lives. We have a portfolio of over 75,000 affordable residential and retirement homes across the UK. Our work ranges from homelessness services to social care, employment support to retirement living, and we need the best people on board to help us.

Working with us, you’ll enjoy:

• Competitive pay & generous pension
• 28 days holidays plus bank holidays
• Flexible working options available
• Investment in your learning, personal development and technology
• A wide range of benefits

Diversity and Inclusion at Riverside:

We are inclusive. At Riverside, we value diversity in all its forms. We foster a workplace where all individuals are respected, empowered, and heard. Our commitment to inclusivity drives our success and enriches the lives of our customers and colleagues. Riverside is a Disability Confident Employer and operates a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for any applicant who declares they have a disability. If the applicant meets the minimum requirements for the role (as set out in the role profile and/or person specification) they will be guaranteed an interview. This role also falls under our Ethnic Diversity guaranteed interview scheme. If you are Ethnically Diverse and demonstrate you meet the minimum criteria for the role you will be guaranteed an interview.

Applications may close before the deadline, so please apply early to be considered.

Role Profile:

• Provide clear commercial and financial insight, advice and support to business managers and governance bodies on all aspects of financial management for specified areas of the business.
• Support procurement processes with financial analysis and evaluation of supplier bids.
• Provide ongoing financial oversight of key contracts, identifying cost pressures and efficiency opportunities.
• Review commercial strengths and weaknesses across Property Services in collaboration with operational Heads of/Directors, and the Strategic Finance Business Partner with a view to action change to existing processes and systems that will provide fit for purpose reporting and performance data, driving Value for Money (VfM) and commercial awareness across the directorate.
• Advise, guide and influence business managers on the management of financial challenges and opportunities. Ensure that business decisions are underpinned by sound and appropriate financial planning, analysis and expertise. Undertake financial modelling, scenario planning, business case preparation and option appraisals to support effective decision making and improved business performance.
• Effectively manage relationships with business managers and other stakeholders through collaborating, influencing, challenging and negotiating to support the Group in achieving its objectives.
• Review the suitability and efficacy of the budget management process, including the financial forecasting/risk management process ensuring that operational risks are captured and monitored.
• Develop and own financial business planning and analysis for specified areas of the business. Own, prepare and deliver business performance insight and commercial reporting including regular forecasting, commentary and identification of performance variances.
• Support the Head of Commercial and the Strategic Finance Business Partner in the design and implementation of an effective monthly P&L cost capture and review process, including development of rates for service charge contracts and monitoring and management of fluctuations and annual reviews.
• Collaborate with both finance and operational colleagues to identify, investigate and implement remedial action to address issues impacting on financial and business performance.
• Baseline existing commercial and VfM capability and recommend specific short, medium, and long terms actions to mitigate risks and capitalise on opportunities.
• Assist with development initiatives to improve financial literacy across the business.
• Input into statutory, regulatory or other external reporting as required (either specific to the business area or corporate).
• Identify and realise continuous improvement opportunities in accordance with change management protocols and using experience in project delivery to drive effective systems/process changes.
• Direct financial resources as required to meet the needs of the business, including matrix management of financial analysts and other support staff when required.
• Actively coach and develop the performance of members of the analyst team and regularly review outputs, setting improvement targets and appraising individuals.
• Ensure that all data protection requirements are met in accordance with Group policy, procedures and statutory requirements.
• Ensure that health and safety requirements are met in accordance with Group policy, procedures and statutory requirements.
• Ensure strong financial controls and compliance across capital and revenue expenditure.
• Respond flexibly to any necessary changes in work priorities and undertake other duties when required to support the effective operation of the service.

Person specification

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

Essential:

• Fully CCAB/CIMA qualified or equivalent
• Recognised Project/Change qualification or experience in delivering large change initiatives
• Experience of providing strategic business insight to a large business area/organization
• Experience in risk management and leading on process improvements
• Experience working with capital programmes and/or asset management (ideally within housing, construction, or infrastructure)
• Proven track record of building successful relationships with senior managers and stakeholders
• Ability to influence, negotiate and challenge
• Ability to present complex commercial and financial information to a variety of audiences
• Strong analytical skills and experience of providing meaningful MI reports
• Up to date knowledge of legislation, regulations and standards relating to financial planning and analysis
• A high level of commercial awareness in Repairs and Maintenance and Asset Services delivery with a focus on continuous improvement and the ability to drive change
• Excellent attention to detail with the ability to work under pressure, deliver to strict deadlines and manage conflicting priorities

Desirable:

• Experience working with Oracle
• Demonstrable experience in commercial contract review and financial evaluation

Additional Information:

• The role supports a large number of stakeholders in London and there is therefore an expectation for at least 2 days per week at the Arlington House office, London, where Assets colleagues are based.
• The Group has offices across the UK and on this basis, there may be requirement to travel to other locations to effectively perform this role.
• The role will be exposed to sensitive information; therefore, the role holder is expected to maintain levels of confidentiality.
• To fulfil the requirements of this role, you will be required to work flexibly during the hours of operation.
• The role holder is expected to be committed to equal opportunities and to promote non-discriminatory practices in all aspects of work undertaken.