Job Description
As part of the Executive Leadership Team, the Director of Finance will oversee the financial management of the Sales and Distribution (S&D) business in a leading consumer goods organization. This role involves driving margin and profit enhancement, leading the annual budget and strategic 5-year plan, monitoring EBITA targets, and taking corrective actions based on commercial insights. The Director of Finance will play a key role in trade, category, and channel management.
Key Responsibilities:
Strategic Planning and Budgeting:
- Lead the development of the annual budget and the strategic 5-year plan for the S&D business.
- Collaborate with business leaders to ensure alignment with corporate objectives and strategic goals.
- Provide financial analysis and scenario-based planning to support strategic decision-making and adaptability.
Margin and Profit Enhancement:
- Drive initiatives to enhance margins and profits across the S&D business.
- Monitor key financial metrics, including EBITA targets, and implement corrective actions as needed.
- Analyze and optimize discounting strategies, channel mix, and pricing to maximize profitability.
Commercial Insights and Performance Monitoring:
- Track and report on commercial insights, including sales performance, trade spend, and promotional effectiveness.
- Provide actionable recommendations to improve financial performance and support business growth.
- Partner with trade, category, and channel managers to develop and implement strategies that drive sales and profitability.
Risk Management and Compliance:
- Identify and mitigate financial risks associated with the S&D business.
- Ensure compliance with corporate policies, accounting standards, and regulatory requirements.
- Lead internal and statutory audits, ensuring timely resolution of any issues.
Operational Excellence:
- Implement and maintain robust financial management information systems and processes.
- Introduce and monitor financial discipline, including inventory and credit control, within the S&D business.
- Manage working capital efficiently, ensuring timely payments to vendors, suppliers, and employees.
Reporting and Analytics:
- Provide regular reports to senior management on financial performance, including budget vs. actual analysis.
- Use analytics to assess financial health and drive continuous improvement.
- Support performance management efforts to enhance shareholder value and mitigate risks.
Corporate Governance and Financial Controls:
- Ensure robust internal controls and adherence to corporate governance standards.
- Monitor procurement strategies, capital expenditures, and fund releases in alignment with budgets.
- Support corporate treasury in managing FX risk through effective hedging policies.
Qualifications:
- CA /CPA, MBA Finance
- 18+ years in finance leadership roles within consumer goods. Experience in multi products and multi geography experience is a must have.
- Strong strategic planning and budgeting capabilities
- Excellent analytical and financial acumen
- Proficient in margin and profit enhancement strategies
- Effective communication and leadership skills
- Ability to drive operational excellence and continuous improvement.
Managing expectations: “At Mindfield, we strive for exceptional results, and we achieve this by understanding the needs of both our clients and candidates. We ask that you take note of our “must-haves” to ensure a successful application process. We look forward to building a long-term relationship with you. Mindfield – making a difference.”