Business Partner - Support Functions, Strategy & Perfomance

The People Cost Finance Lead role reports to the Global Head of Employee Costs and works closely with the CFO, CTO, CHRO, CIO and other functions. It is a high‑visibility role that supports executive‑level decision making, improves transparency, and strengthens financial discipline while leading the automation strategy within the people cost finance team.

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• Act as a trusted finance partner to senior leaders across central functions, providing clear financial insight and constructive challenge.
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• Support function leads with robust finance input into workforce planning, operating model decisions and initiatives.
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• Present complex people cost information in an executive‑ready format to support timely and well‑informed decisions.
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• Run the Annual Plan and Forecasting process, including reviews and governance sign‑offs.
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• Lead people cost budgeting, forecasting and long‑term planning across the enterprise, developing insight into key cost drivers such as headcount, pay, incentives, benefits and workforce mix.
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• Monitor performance against plan, identify emerging risks and opportunities, and support corrective actions, ensuring consistency, comparability and transparency of people cost information.
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• Define and drive the automation strategy for people cost finance activities, aligned with Finance Transformation priorities; identify opportunities to streamline and automate processes such as headcount reporting, forecasting updates and management reporting.
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• Work in partnership with HR Systems, Finance Systems and finance change teams to deliver sustainable solutions that improve data accuracy, control and efficiency while reducing manual effort and operational risk.
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• Act as a sponsor for continuous improvement and modern finance capability within the people cost area.
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• Lead through influence, credibility and expertise rather than formal authority; build collaborative relationships across Finance, HR and Technology.
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• Support the Global Head of Employee Costs in shaping enterprise‑wide people cost strategy and standards, championing a data‑led, efficient and forward‑looking approach.
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• Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).
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• Strong finance business‑partnering experience in a complex organisation.
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• Deep understanding of people costs and workforce‑related financial drivers.
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• Experience leading or contributing to finance automation or process improvement initiatives.
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• Confidence working with senior stakeholders and influencing at executive level.
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• Working knowledge of Workday, Power BI and Adaptive.
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• Experience partnering closely with HR, IT and Finance functions.
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• Exposure to finance or enterprise transformation programmes.
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• Power user of BI, Workday and Adaptive.
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• Strong interest in digital enablement and modern finance operating models.
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• Unique opportunity to be part of an expanding global business.
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• Competitive remuneration commensurate with skills and experience.
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• Training and development opportunities.
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• High level of visibility within a large organisation on an upwards trajectory.
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• Strong team culture and high‑performing environment.
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Disclaimer: Unsolicited CVs sent to Apex (Talent Acquisition Team or Hiring Managers) by recruitment agencies will not be accepted for this position. Apex operates a direct sourcing model and where agency assistance is required, the Talent Acquisition team will engage directly with our exclusive recruitment partners.