At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive financial performance and shape strategic decisions in a dynamic construction environment.
- Company: Join Watkin Jones Group, the UK's leading developer of residential homes.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, flexible working, and exclusive discounts.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on major projects while developing your finance career.
- Qualifications: Proven FP&A experience in construction and strong analytical skills required.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with travel to various project sites.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 Β£ per year.
Are you a strategic thinker with a passion for driving financial performance? We are looking for a Senior Finance Business Partner to join our Group FP&A team to play a key role in shaping the financial direction of our Construction and Refurb functions.
About the role
This is a high-impact role, partnering closely with senior leaders including the Managing Director, Group CFO, and Group Development Project & Cost Director. You will be the primary finance contact for the Construction senior leadership team, delivering financial planning and analysis that informs strategic decisions, improves cashflow, and challenges margin assumptions. You will also support financial planning and compliance with the Building Safety Act, ensuring transparency, risk management, and cost control across safety-related projects.
You will lead monthly performance reporting, support budgeting and forecasting, and provide insight and challenge across a range of financial activities from overhead tracking to audit support and delivery cashflow consolidation. This role involves travel to our Bangor, Chester and London offices and project sites for meetings, with a hybrid working model offered outside of those times.
What we are looking for
We are looking for a commercially minded finance professional with proven FP&A or business partnering expertise, gained within a construction environment. This experience is critical for navigating the complexities of phased budgets, milestone payments, and cost variability inherent in large-scale projects. You will bring strong skills in financial modelling, forecasting, and performance analysis, coupled with the ability to turn complex data into clear, actionable insights.
Success in this role goes beyond technical ability; you will need the confidence to challenge assumptions, influence senior stakeholders, and drive strategic conversations. A proactive mindset, exceptional analytical skills, and the ability to build trusted relationships across both finance and operational teams will be key to thriving in this dynamic setting.
Why choose Watkin Jones Group?
Watkin Jones Group is the UK's leading developer, builder, and manager of residential-for-rent homes, with a rich history dating back to 1791. With over 54,000 homes developed and in-build across over 254 schemes, we have a proven track record of success. Our operating arm, Fresh, manages over 18,500 units across 58 schemes, representing approximately GBP1.7bn of assets under management.
Joining us means becoming part of a company that is not only deeply rooted in history but also firmly focused on the future. We are committed to creating high-quality rental homes, fostering vibrant communities, and driving sustainable development.
At Watkin Jones, we believe in investing in our people. Here is what we can offer you:
- Work-Life Balance: 25 days of annual leave (increasing with tenure), agile working arrangements, and discounted gym memberships.
- Wellbeing: Access to 'Your Wellbeing' programme & OpenUp β a confidential wellbeing platform is available.
- Rewards: Discretionary annual bonus, cash plan, life insurance, and more.
- Benefits: Exclusive shopping discounts, and a contributory pension scheme.
This is an opportunity to take on a high-impact role within a forward-thinking company. In return, we offer a competitive salary, excellent benefits, and the chance to work on major projects that shape the built environment.
Senior Finance Business Partner in England employer: Watkin Jones PLC
Contact Detail:
Watkin Jones PLC Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land Senior Finance Business Partner in England
β¨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to connections in the finance and construction sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and donβt be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
β¨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their financial strategies and challenges. This will help you tailor your responses and show that youβre genuinely interested in shaping their financial direction.
β¨Tip Number 3
Practice your storytelling skills! Be ready to share specific examples of how you've driven financial performance in past roles. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and make them impactful.
β¨Tip Number 4
Donβt forget to apply through our website! Itβs the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows youβre serious about joining our team and contributing to our mission of creating high-quality rental homes.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Finance Business Partner in England
Some tips for your application π«‘
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Senior Finance Business Partner. Highlight your experience in FP&A and business partnering, especially within a construction environment. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to showcase your strategic thinking and passion for driving financial performance. Tell us how you can influence senior stakeholders and contribute to our financial direction.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills: Weβre looking for someone who can turn complex data into actionable insights. In your application, give examples of how you've used your analytical skills to challenge assumptions and improve financial outcomes in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website: Donβt forget to apply through our website! Itβs the best way for us to receive your application and ensures youβre considered for this exciting opportunity. We canβt wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Watkin Jones PLC
β¨Know Your Numbers
As a Senior Finance Business Partner, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics relevant to the construction industry, such as cash flow management and margin analysis. Be ready to discuss how you've used these metrics to influence strategic decisions in your previous roles.
β¨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
Prepare examples that highlight your ability to think strategically. Think about times when you challenged assumptions or influenced senior stakeholders. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses and clearly convey your impact.
β¨Build Relationships
This role involves partnering closely with senior leaders, so it's crucial to show your interpersonal skills. Prepare to discuss how you've built trusted relationships in the past, particularly in high-pressure environments. Highlight your experience in collaborating with both finance and operational teams.
β¨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that test your problem-solving abilities. For instance, you might be asked how you would handle a sudden change in project costs. Think through potential challenges in construction finance and prepare your thought process on how to address them effectively.