Commercial Finance Business Partner (Temp)

We put consumer love & science at the heart of every decision. We celebrate diverse thinkers who take personal ownership to connect ideas and make impactful things happen; people who share our values around humanity and courage and give their commitment to nurturing the wellbeing of all. In return, we offer a working culture that gives our people freedom and flexibility, and where they can grow both personally and professionally to master their field.

Be part of our amazing blend. Come and grow yourself and, in turn, help us to grow a world of wellbeing!

The qualities we look for

Lipton Teas and Infusions is made up of a special blend of individuals which make our teams exciting and diverse. To be part of our tea family, whether for a short period or over the long term, we are looking for individuals who think Green and are environmentally conscious, who understand the power of simplicity and who are accountable for their actions. We want those who infuse mastery and passion in everything they do to create great products and unforgettable experiences for our consumers.

What's in it for you?

We believe that growth is for everyone, we believe in growing leaders and making space to grow an owner’s mentality and like nature we adapt, we change, and we grow. We believe in connections over hierarchies and (work)levels. We have a 'corporate start-up' approach; we act with speed and agility, and we have the strength and scale of a large corporation. We are building a better world of wellbeing and a better you.

Your Role

This role will be a key liaison between the Finance and Sales teams, utilizing strong commercial expertise to drive financial performance and strategic decision-making. As an integral part of our team, you will play a critical role in contributing to the company's growth and profitability.

Responsibilities:

Financial Analysis and Strategy:

• Collaborate closely with Sales teams to conduct thorough financial analysis of sales performance, pricing strategies, and market trends.
• Provide actionable insights to support strategic decision-making, ensuring alignment with business objectives.
• Evaluate the financial impact of proposed sales initiatives, recommending course corrections to optimize outcomes.
• Lead profitability analysis by customer, product, and segment, identifying areas for margin enhancement.

Budgeting and Forecasting:

• Manage the development of annual budgets and periodic forecasts for sales-related activities.
• Monthly review of data to understand product/brand performance, identifying any gaps versus forecast and potential impact on the P&L
• Work with Sales teams to identify sales targets, assess risks, and uncover growth opportunities.

Commercial Partnership:

• Act as a strategic partner to Sales teams during customer negotiations, contract discussions, and pricing strategies.
• Financial assessment of new launches/initiatives.
• Forecast accuracy for NS and Profit
• Analyse potential contract terms, assessing their financial implications and risks, while ensuring profitability.

Financial Modelling and Planning:

• Develop sophisticated financial models to evaluate new business opportunities, market expansions, and product launches.
• Conduct scenario analyses to assess the potential financial outcomes of different strategies and market shifts.
• Support the creation of sales forecasts based on historical data, market trends, and external factors.
• Sales & Operational planning and forecasting process in relation to Turnover.

Sales Performance Metrics:

• Design and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to evaluate sales team performance.
• Provide regular performance reports, highlighting trends and areas of concern, along with actionable recommendations.
• Collaborate with Sales teams to implement performance improvement strategies.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Collaborate with Sales, Marketing, Supply Chain, and Operations teams to align financial strategies with operational goals.
• Provide financial insights during product development discussions, assessing potential costs and revenue streams.

Presentation and Reporting:

• Prepare comprehensive performance reports, dashboards, and presentations for Sales teams and senior management.
• Clearly communicate complex financial information in an accessible manner to both finance and non-finance stakeholders.

Risk Management:

• Identify financial risks associated with sales activities and propose mitigation strategies.
• Analyze credit terms, receivables, and customer creditworthiness to minimize financial exposure.

Process Enhancement:

• Continuously evaluate financial processes, systems, and reporting tools, suggesting improvements to enhance efficiency and accuracy.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field. MBA or relevant certifications (e.g., CFA, CPA) are a plus.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in finance, with specific experience as a Commercial Finance Business Partner or similar role in an FMCG or consumer goods company.
• Experience in FMCG or consumer goods is essential
• In-depth understanding of sales operations, pricing strategies, and market dynamics within the beverage manufacturing industry.
• Proficiency in financial analysis, budgeting, forecasting, financial modelling, and presentation.
• Excellent analytical skills, with the ability to derive actionable insights from complex financial data.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to build productive relationships with diverse teams.
• Strategic mindset with the ability to align financial strategies with broader business goals.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, financial modelling tools, and ERP systems.
• Proactive approach to problem-solving, adaptability to changing market conditions, and attention to detail.
• Previous experience in the FMCG beverage industry is a strong advantage.
• Familiarity with SAP or similar ERP systems is advantageous.

Stakeholder Management and key interfaces

• Sales Teams (Country, Regional, Key Accounts)
• Operations Teams
• Senior Management and Executive Leadership
• Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A) Teams

Who we are looking for:

• Strong functional experienced individuals
• End to end management, ability to understand the big picture but also comfortable with details
• Able to communicate effectively, remotely and a team player
• Being a digital savvy in driving automation
• Have strong communication and influencing skills with diverse, multi-functional stakeholders