Full job descriptionBrief SummaryWe are seeking an experienced and commercially minded Head of Financial Planning to lead financial planning, forecasting, management reporting, and business partnering activities within a large, complex organisation. Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, this senior leadership role will play a critical part in shaping financial strategy, supporting key decision-making, and driving continuous improvement across financial planning and performance management processes.
The successful candidate will provide expert financial insight to senior executives and governance bodies, lead a high-performing finance team, and help embed a culture of evidence-based decision-making across the organisation.
Duties*Lead the development and delivery of annual budgets, forecasts, medium-term plans, and long-term financial strategies.
*Provide strategic financial analysis, modelling, and business insight to support organisational objectives and major investment decisions.
*Oversee management reporting and performance monitoring, ensuring timely, accurate, and meaningful financial information.
*Lead the Finance Business Partnering function, delivering effective challenge, support, and guidance to senior stakeholders.
*Develop and maintain advanced financial models, scenario planning tools, investment appraisals, and sustainability assessments.
*Present financial analysis, business cases, and recommendations to executive leadership and governance committees.
*Drive continuous improvement in financial planning, forecasting, reporting, and decision-support processes.
*Build strong relationships across the organisation and act as a trusted adviser on strategic, financial, and commercial matters.
*Lead, develop, and motivate a professional finance team, fostering accountability, collaboration, and continuous learning.
*Support the Chief Financial Officer as required, acting as deputy when appropriate.
The Ideal Candidate*Professionally qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent) with significant post-qualification experience.
*Proven track record of leading financial planning, forecasting, FP&A, management reporting, or business partnering functions within a complex organisation.
*Strong strategic thinker with extensive experience providing financial advice to senior executives, boards, or governance bodies.
*Demonstrable expertise in financial modelling, forecasting, business analysis, investment appraisal, and performance management.
*Exceptional leadership skills with experience developing teams, improving capability, and leading through change.
*Highly effective communicator, able to translate complex financial information into clear, practical recommendations for both financial and non-financial audiences.
*Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence and challenge at senior levels.
*Commercially aware, analytical, and proactive, with a passion for driving improvement and delivering high-quality outcomes.
*Experience operating in large, multi-stakeholder environments and supporting strategic decision-making at an organisational level.
Competitive salary and benefits package available, including 30 days’ annual leave + Bank holidays + hybrid (3 days in the office)