As one of the UK and Ireland’s leading dairy co-operatives, Dale Farm is entering an exciting new phase of growth, creating new opportunities across our commercial and finance teams as we continue to invest in the future direction of the business. For talented individuals, this is a chance to join a proud farmer‑owned cooperative with strong foundations, ambitious plans and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact. It is also an opportunity to build your career in a values‑led organisation shaped by collaboration, innovation, sustainability and long‑term ambition.
Senior Commercial Finance Business Partner
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
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