Senior Commercial Finance Business Partner
Dale Farm Cooperative is a UK dairy farmer co‑operative owned by over 1200 dairy farmers who supply us with fresh milk. Dale Farm has operations throughout the UK and Ireland producing and distributing a wide range of dairy products which it sells across the UK and Ireland as well as exporting to over 45 countries worldwide.
At Dale Farm virtually every career discipline is represented in our workforce, from production, engineering and distribution, to sales & marketing and food technology/quality assurance, to Finance, HR and IT through to general management. Our standards are high and when we recruit we are looking for those with energy and drive, who are keen for responsibility and motivated to succeed with a record of achievement and with the potential to develop as the company grows.
Culture
Our culture is based on setting best in class standards, working towards and delivering on committed objectives, striving for constant improvement and involving everyone in the company. We strive to develop our people and harness everyone's contribution to deliver a winning team.
The company is an Equal Opportunities employer and is committed to a safe, inclusive and relationship based workspace.
In return, we offer a high degree of responsibility, plenty of challenge, good opportunities for learning and personal development and rewarding benefit packages, all within a fast moving and results oriented environment.
Role Summary
Reporting to the Head of Financial Planning & Analysis, the Senior Commercial Finance Business Partner will play a critical role in providing commercial insight, financial leadership, and strategic challenge across the business. The successful candidate will work independently on wide-ranging opportunities with a focus on value creation, partnering closely with Directors across the Commercial, Operational, and Finance teams. This role will support the protection and enhancement of Dale Farm’s existing portfolio while identifying new business opportunities through a strong commercial approach to drive profitability and the long‑term viability of the Cooperative. It is an exciting opportunity for an ambitious and commercially minded finance professional to make an immediate impact during a key period of growth.
Main Responsibilities
* Partner with Director‑level stakeholders across the Commercial, Operational, and Finance teams across the Group, managing all finance aspects of multiple projects.
* Develop a deep understanding of the current business and the dairy market to support commercial decision‑making.
* Ensure strategic alignment and data‑driven decision‑making across projects, including involvement in M&A opportunities as they arise.
* Make recommendations and provide constructive challenge at senior level, working closely with the Head of FP&A and other Directors to focus time and resources on the projects that will make the biggest difference.
* Work with the Commercial Finance team to develop consistent reporting across projects, budgets, forecasts, and strategic five‑year plans.
* Support the protection and enhancement of Dale Farm’s existing portfolio while helping to identify and assess new business opportunities.
* Use strong commercial insight to drive profitability and support the long‑term viability of the Cooperative.
* Carry out any other duties or provide cover in a fully flexible manner as part of an interdependent team.
Candidate Requirements – Essential Criteria
* Post‑qualified accountant with membership of an internationally recognised professional accounting body such as ICAI, ICAEW, ACCA, or CIMA.
* Strong commercial and business acumen gained within industry; dairy industry experience is preferred but not essential.
* A critical thinker with the ability to assess opportunities rigorously and support sound commercial decision‑making.
* Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build relationships and influence at senior level.
* Strong financial modelling and data analysis capability.
* Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
* Ambitious, self‑motivated, and able to work under pressure and to tight deadlines.
* A self‑starter with the drive and determination to make an immediate impact, together with a track record of delivering improvements.
* Experience of financial validation and commercial assessment of M&A opportunities.
* Previous experience supporting strategic planning, long‑range forecasting, and portfolio evaluation.
* Experience working in a fast‑paced commercial finance environment with exposure to cross‑functional project delivery.
Why Dale Farm?
Dale Farm offers a competitive salary commensurate with the responsibilities of the role, together with a comprehensive benefits package. This includes 25 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays, a contributory company pension, Life Assurance, access to wellbeing support through our Employee Assistance Programme, and enhanced maternity and paternity leave. We are also committed to supporting the learning and development of our employees throughout their careers.
We are proud to promote an open and supportive culture which is based on our core values:
Teamwork | Positivity | Resolve | Ambition | Curiosity | Accountability
You can find out more about our organisation on our LinkedIn and Facebook Career pages and on our company website where you will find the link to apply.
The closing date for applications will be confirmed.
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