Finance Manager - Projects, Property & Masterplan

Finance Manager - Projects, Property & Masterplan

The purpose of this role is to lead the Finance Team supporting the Property, Buying, and Merchandising Teams. This individual will deliver end-to-end financial services, including planning, commercial analysis, and management accounts, supported by their analysts and wider team. The goal is to provide clear financial insights and commercial recommendations to drive business actions, aligned with the team’s broader objectives and under the guidance of the Senior Finance Manager and Director of Finance.

Role Scope:

This position is within the Projects, Property, and Masterplan Finance Team, reporting to the Senior Finance Manager. It involves partnering with stakeholders across Property, Buying, Merchandising, and Procurement teams. The candidate must be articulate and confident, capable of facilitating business decisions to enhance store performance and profitability through insights and recommendations. The role includes managing one direct report, supporting their development and performance.

The role entails delivering masterplan business insight reports, supporting business case development, building KPIs, and reporting across Masterplan Investment areas. Responsibilities also include leading budgeting and forecasting processes for retail investments, utilities hedging, and property-related P&L lines.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Prepare business cases for funding applications and conduct post-investment reviews, considering broader business impacts.
2. Provide timely updates on live retail projects to support decision-making.
3. Manage budgets, forecasts, and 5-year plans for retail projects.
4. Oversee Facilities Management balance sheets, ensuring clarity and appropriate actions.
5. Understand relevant KPIs and their impact on financial results.
6. Support retail project applications with detailed cost reviews and challenge investment requests.
7. Track ongoing retail projects, partnering with project managers and attending relevant meetings.
8. Manage month-end processes related to WIP, fixed assets, depreciation, and variances.
9. Handle Masterplan AFEs, including applications and ongoing cost and timing management.
10. Coordinate the bi-weekly Selfridges capital approval process for Masterplan projects.
11. Collaborate with the Non-Retail Investment finance team for aligned reporting.
12. Manage and develop their team member.
13. Build strong relationships with stakeholders across the business.

General Responsibilities:

1. Represent the finance team in line with Selfridges values and integrate these into team practices.
2. Be a key leader and role model within the finance community.
3. Support the delivery of Selfridges’ strategy and initiatives.
4. Contribute to the Finance People Plan.

Person Specification:

Experience:

• Experience in various finance roles, preferably in retail.
• At least 2 years PQE.
• Management experience, including leading a team.

Technical Skills:

• Qualified in CIMA/ACCA/ICAEW or equivalent.

Personal Attributes:

• Curious, analytical, and numerate.
• Customer-focused with high service standards.
• Willing to learn project accounts if not already experienced.
• Confident in questioning and influencing.
• Ethical, authentic, and honest.
• Collaborative, flexible, and adaptable.
• Effective communicator, capable of motivating a team.