Financial Planning and Analysis Manager

We’re Whitbread, the UK’s largest hospitality business with over 1,200 hotels and restaurants across the UK. We’re more than just that; we’re the 38,000 people who make everyday experiences special, delighting over 5 million guests every month.

This role will lead all corporate finance activities and evaluate the impact of financing decisions on the Group Business Plan. Working alongside 6 FP&A managers, this role provides support, challenge, builds strong networks with finance teams across the organization, and offers opportunities to work with a range of external stakeholders.

Location:

Dunstable, hybrid - a minimum of 3 days per week in the office.

Job Type:

Permanent

Why you’ll love it here:

• Bonus: Enjoy an annual Whitbread performance incentive worth up to 30% of your base salary.
• Car/Cash allowance
• Healthcare: Bupa plus family coverage.
• Discounts: Up to 60% discount on Premier Inn stays and 25% discount on our restaurant brands.

What you’ll do:

• Manage relationships with Fitch (credit agency), evaluate, and provide feedback on Whitbread forecasts.
• Evaluate and provide board recommendations on the application of the capital allocation framework to the Group plan.
• Support the IR team to deliver external communications explaining our financial plan.
• Provide corporate finance support, including M&A, annual defence review, pension scheme support, and competitor financial reviews.
• Support core FP&A activities such as budgeting, forecasting, and the 5-year plan.
• Assist with key planning dates (budget papers, 5YP, Strategy day/AGP).
• Handle ad hoc reporting and requests.

What we need:

• Qualified accountant with a minimum of 3 years PQE experience.
• Advanced financial modelling and analytical skills, with the ability to build and understand complex financial models using ambiguous data under time pressure.
• Strong stakeholder management skills, with experience working autonomously and building credible relationships with senior stakeholders.
• Understanding of the business and the ability to communicate complex issues simply while maintaining credibility.

Be part of our Finance team at Whitbread:

Times are changing, and our ambition is bigger than ever. This means exciting opportunities in budgeting and forecasting, where our Finance team plays a crucial role. With new concepts, new spaces, and numerous plans in motion, there’s no better time to join. Experience career growth that moves as fast as we do and help shape our future direction.