About the Role
At DS Smith, we're seeking a UK Head of Operations Finance to enhance our manufacturing-based operational performance and drive the implementation of new initiatives across our UK-wide manufacturing sites. Reporting directly to the UK Finance Director and collaborating closely with the UK Operations Director, you'll play a pivotal role in challenging operational decisions through insightful analysis and influential guidance.
Your passion for continuous improvement will be instrumental in advancing DS Smith's operational performance. Your responsibilities will include providing financial leadership to the UK Operations Team, offering alternative solutions to strategic issues such as asset utilization, manufacturing footprint optimization, digital development plans, and product innovation. Working alongside Cluster Heads of Finance, you'll implement tailored productivity plans for specific sites, leveraging your analytical skills to identify opportunities and recommend actionable strategies.
You'll take the lead in our cost modelling and reconciliation efforts across the UK, ensuring consistency in cost attribution to production assets and gaining insights into product profitability and operational efficiency. You'll maintain a sharp focus on controlling operational costs by developing robust tracking mechanisms. Additionally, you'll spearhead initiatives to reduce working capital (stock and payables) across the UK, collaborating with procurement colleagues to drive supplier, category, and savings initiatives.
About you:
Minimum Requirements:
1. Qualified accountant (CIMA/ACA/ACCA)
2. Proficiency in interpreting large volumes of financial data and translating insights into actionable business recommendations
3. Strong commercial acumen
4. Experience in an operational finance function
5. Advanced Microsoft Excel skills
6. Excellent stakeholder management experience
Preferred Requirements:
7. Experience in the manufacturing or FMCG sector (advantageous but not essential)
Join us at DS Smith as we revolutionize operational excellence. Apply now to be part of our dynamic team!
Benefits
8. Competitive salary
9. Discretionary Bonus
10. 25 days’ holiday plus bank holidays
11. Car allowance
12. Pension scheme, life assurance and income protection
13. Private medical insurance
14. Sharesave scheme
15. Salary sacrifice electric car scheme
16. Employee Assistance Programme
17. Employee Discounts
18. Cycle to work scheme