The posting
A little bit about Lindt
We are a premium chocolate manufacturer established in 1845 operating in over 86 countries around the World. Guided by our Global purpose to Enchant the World with Chocolate and UK vision of Creating Moments to Make Everyone Feel Special, we have around 700 team members in the UK across our Head Office, Retail, and Field Sales divisions. We are a Top 20 Great Place to Work and are proud of our incredible people, our unique values-led culture and our iconic market leading brands such as LINDOR & GOLD BUNNY.
We’re also proud of being one of the few bean-to-bar chocolate makers in the world, where we control every step of our chocolate production.
How you could help us to Enchant the World with Chocolate
For this 12 mth FTC, you will lead the finance agenda for OPEX as the senior finance partner and trusted adviser to functional leadership. Accountable for the portfolio’s financial performance, planning, insight and control environment, the role shapes strategy and investment choices, converts complex data into decisive action, leads cross-functional improvement and builds team capability.
Where you’ll be based
This role is based in our Head Office in Richmond Upon Thames with hybrid working. (in the office 60% and WFH 40%).
Key Responsibilities
Business Partnering
- Own the finance relationship with functional leadership, setting the financial agenda and serving as the primary adviser on performance, investment and resource allocation.
- Shape and, where appropriate, challenge senior decisions through independent judgement, clear recommendations and an enterprise-wide view of value and risk.
- Lead cross-functional priorities and line manage the assigned team, setting direction, allocating work and building capability, accountability and succession.
Commercial Insight
- Build an authoritative view of portfolio economics, value drivers and end-to-end implications for the P&L, cash and strategic priorities.
- Frame complex issues into choices, quantified trade-offs and recommendations that influence functional strategy and execution.
- Lead financial evaluation of investments and business cases, challenge assumptions and define the measures required to evidence value delivery.
Business Performance Analysis
- Own the portfolio performance narrative, integrating financial and operational drivers to explain results and outlook.
- Anticipate material risks and opportunities, diagnose root causes and secure accountable interventions with functional leaders.
- Lead senior performance reviews, establish the management information required for decisions and hold owners to delivery of actions and benefits.
Financial Planning and Forecasting
- Lead the portfolio’s budget, forecast and long-range plan, translating strategy into stretching, driver-based financial commitments.
- Own scenario and sensitivity analysis, recommend responses and steer leadership through uncertainty and competing priorities.
- Set the objective forecast position, challenge optimism and bias, and drive timely action to close performance gaps within the integrated planning cycle.
FP&A Processes and Reporting
- Set the standard for portfolio reporting and performance reviews, ensuring a forward-looking, decision-led view and one version of the truth.
- Design and oversee proportionate controls, governance and data standards, resolving weaknesses without constraining business pace.
- Lead simplification and automation of planning, reporting and analysis while ensuring full compliance with Group and local requirements.
Continuous Improvement, Digital and AI
- Deploy advanced analytics, visualisation and scenario tools to materially improve decision quality, pace and foresight.
- Lead responsible adoption of AI across the portfolio, identifying high-value use cases, validating outputs and embedding effective controls.
- Sponsor practical process improvements, pilot new solutions and scale proven practices across Finance and the business.
What experience you’ll bring
- Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) with strong post-qualification FP&A, commercial finance or business partnering experience.
- Proven accountability for a complex business or P&L area, including planning, performance, controls and senior decision support.
- Outstanding analytical and commercial judgement; able to synthesize ambiguity into clear choices, recommendations and action.
- Credible senior influencer who challenges constructively, builds alignment and operates as a trusted adviser.
- Demonstrated leadership of cross-functional initiatives and direct reports, including setting direction, coaching performance and developing talent.
- Enterprise-minded and resilient, with a strong record of ownership, delivery and continuous improvement.
- Advanced digital confidence and practical AI capability, with the judgement and appetite to lead responsible adoption.
How you will be rewarded financially
Internal Level 2
For the Finance Business Partner, FP&A (12mth FTC) position, the salary range is £55,000 - £65,000 pro-rated. In addition, you will receive a benefits package including; bonus, pension, life cover, chocolate allowance; chocolate give-aways, chocolate discount, £100 personal development allowance, birthday day off and so much more!
Being yourself every day
We want everyone at Lindt feel safe to be themselves, ensuring they are empowered, represented, celebrated and included in our workplace. You’ll notice this throughout the recruitment process; in our ‘dress for your day’ policy and through our proactive DE&I strategy.
Living our values everyday
At Lindt UK, our values guide us in everything we do. Being Passionately Lindt, Always Evolving, Building Real Relationships, Acting Responsibly and Making An Impact are an integral part of life here at Lindt.
What you can expect from us
In return for everything that you’ll bring, we can offer you an exciting role in a fast-growing organisation, where we’ll provide an environment where you will thrive, feel supported and fulfil your career aspirations, all while supporting your physical and mental wellbeing.
