Manpower are currently seeking an interim Finance Lead, to work with our global FMCG client Unilever, renowned for brands such as Dove, Sure, Persil, and Simple, to become an integral part of their fast-paced FMCG environment.
The position is based at Blackfriars on London's Victoria Embankment, just a short walk from Blackfriars tube. This is a full-time temporary role to last until the end of November 2026, requiring 36.25 hours per week, Monday to Friday. Compensation for this role is competitive, paying up to £90,000 per annum, pro rata, depending upon experience.
The role currently offers a mix of remote and onsite working, subject to adjustment based on business requirements.
The Fragrance Finance Lead will lead the value creation on Unilever fragrance investment and drive business growth through innovation and excellence. This role will provide a unique experience on senior leadership management, new business model establishment and a strong grip of end-to-end financial operations. The role will work closely with Brand, R&D, Supply Chain, Strategy and Insights and Category Procurement teams.
The Fragrance Finance Lead will be expected to:
1. Drive Value Creation and the quality delivery of business case.
2. Support the organisation in the right processes and new ways of working.
3. Drive the system set up of the legal entity for business operations.
4. Oversee the finance operations for Unilever Fragrance.
Key Responsibilities
Business Case Management
5. Ensure the signed-off business case is delivered on time and in full.
6. Provide timely forecasts of the latest operation developments and provide the latest view at senior stakeholder meetings.
7. End to end governance on Project Capex and Opex spend. Sign off the actuals in line with the budgets (Opex and Capex management).
Performance Management & Value Partnering
8. Deliver the required performance of the unit.
9. Partner with all key stakeholders to deliver financial performance.
10. Value partner all opportunities to find savings, advance the timeline intended for the scope.
11. Define the annual commercial plans, including resource allocation and budget setting.
Manage CapEx Proposals and Tracking Progress Spend
12. PSL final Build and India Interim Build - ensure stays within budget and delivered on time in full
13. Partner UniOps Digital team to design the system architecture for the financial operations.
14. Partner the US & India Sites to refine Fragrance requirements for hubs, ensuring capex remains within budget and delivered in time and in full.
15. Incorporating and design the end-to-end finance operations for the unit
16. Collaborate with suppliers, 3PM and UFH (procurement & supply chain) team to refine the most ideal way of the operation.
17. Collaborate across UFH, to define the operations of the fragrance entity in collaboration with Tax, legal, IT and core project team. Assess roadmap to design legal entity creation.
18. Ensure that the legal entity is seamlessly integrated to the Unilever processes.
Drive Strategy and Alignment across Fragrance
19. Partner UFH to develop long term strategy proposals internal and external to Unilever.
20. Support through development of new business cases, aligning resourcing requirements and ensuring clear ROI.
Controllership
21. Manage and improve financial business processes, and ensure financial records are in-compliance with global financial controls framework and Internal policies, procedures and external/SOX controls requirements.
22. Ensure risk landscape is assessed and mitigated for the operation in line with Unilever risk mitigation guidelines (FX, Legal, Reporting etc)
Key Requirements
23. Previous finance experience, with specific expertise in financial planning and forecasting
24. Proven track record in operating in a complex operating environment.
25. Exposure to incorporating and running a separate legal entity is beneficial.
26. Strong business partnering and stakeholder management skills.
27. Highly analytical, with passion for delivering value-adding and sustainable results.
28. Excellent communication and commercial acumen
29. Strong negotiation and influencing ability.
Additional Information
Travel to the office in Port Sunlight required approximately once per month (frequency may vary).
Occasional international travel to India and USA (China also optional), approximately one week per year.
Blackfriars working environment:
30. Iconic location on the Victoria embankment, modern working environment
31. Short walk from Blackfriars station
32. Staff shop discounted products
33. Free tea & coffee facilities
34. Onsite Deli and a restaurant open for breakfast and lunch
35. Gym is available for use subscription required.
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