At a Glance
- Tasks: Analyse financial data to support operations and drive cost efficiency.
- Company: Join Wabtec, a leader in innovative rail solutions with a people-first culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hours, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment focused on inclusion and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in finance while shaping the future of transportation.
- Qualifications: Experience in finance or manufacturing; IT skills are a plus.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
We are seeking an experienced Operations FP&A Analyst to join our team at the LH Group (a Division of Wabtec UK Ltd) based in Burton on Trent. We support our customers through maintenance and operation optimisation with customised solutions for spare parts, repair, and overhaul activities on existing trains.
Role: Operations FP&A Analyst
Salary: £Competitive
Location: Burton on Trent, Staffordshire, (DE13 8EN)
Hours: Monday to Thursday 08:00 to 16:30pm and Friday 08:00am to 13:00pm, 37 hours per week
Contract Type: Permanent, Full-Time
This role sits at the intersection of Finance and Operations and is designed to progressively evolve the site to a forward-looking Operations Finance model. The Operations Finance Analyst acts as a finance business partner to site leadership, supporting manufacturing, field services and engineering teams with cost visibility, performance analysis and decision support, while ensuring strong cost discipline, inventory control and capital governance.
What will your typical day look like?
- Perform monthly variance analysis (material, labour, overhead, volume and mix) and translate results into clear operational insights and actions, including headcount analysis reporting.
- Support Variable Cost Productivity (VCP), cost-out and productivity initiatives.
- Provide financial analysis and ad hoc support for operations, field services and engineering activities, including backlog, throughput, and cost drivers.
- Support standard cost setting and annual cost roll processes, ensuring accuracy and transparency.
- Monitor inventory performance, including excess and obsolete inventory, slow moving items and inventory turns.
- Partner with supply chain and operations to improve working capital performance through better inventory discipline.
- Contribute to PPV analysis and sourcing deflation tracking.
- Provide finance support to sourcing and procurement activities, including cost analysis and supplier insights.
- Track and analyse capital expenditures, ensuring alignment with approved business cases.
What do we want to know about you?
- You will either be qualified by experience or part/fully qualified (ACA, CIMA, ACCA).
- Experience in a manufacturing environment is desirable but not essential.
- Experienced with presenting financial data.
- IT literate and fully conversant with all Microsoft office applications and MRP.
- Excellent organisational and prioritising skills.
If you don’t have all the above criteria don’t worry, we would still like to hear from you as we live our values always put people first, and strive to expand what is possible. Apply today!
Legal authorisation to work in the UK is required. We will not sponsor individuals for employment visas, now or in the future, for this job opening.
Additional Information: What could you accomplish in a place that puts People First? At Wabtec, it’s not just about a job - it’s about the impact you make. When our people come together, we’re Expanding the Possible by continuously improving what we do and how we do it - for our clients and each other.
Who are we? Wabtec is a leading global provider of equipment, systems, digital solutions, and value-added services for the freight and transit rail sectors. Our global team of about 30,000 employees worldwide delivers performance that moves the world forward. We’re lifelong learners, obsessed with better.
Culture powers us and the possibilities. We believe the best ideas come from a mix of experiences and backgrounds. At Wabtec, we strive every day to create a place where everyone belongs. We’re proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Finance Analyst
✨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 Wabtec. 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 Operations Finance Analyst
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 Wabtec.
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 Wabtec'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 Wabtec
✨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 Wabtec.
✨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 Wabtec 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 Wabtec 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.
