Senior Finance Analyst Manufacturing Operations

McLaren Automotive Ltd; Woking; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days' holiday

Private medical insurance

Enhanced pension scheme

Discretionary annual bonus

Job summary

McLaren Automotive Ltd is seeking a Finance Business Partner for Manufacturing operations and special projects to support the manufacturing leadership. You will lead end-to-end financial management of a strategic project from initiation through go-live, delivering actuals reporting, variance analysis, forecasting and planning support.

You will drive SAP cost visibility, KPI development, cost driver analysis, and robust financial reporting.

Qualifications

• Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA or CIMA).
• Advanced Excel skills with the ability to handle large data sets.
• Excellent analytical and data interpretation abilities.
• Experience in automotive/manufacturing is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead monthly financial reporting for manufacturing operations, including actuals, variance analysis and commentary for senior decision-making.
• Develop and maintain KPIs and dashboards to provide insights on cost performance and operational trends.
• Support business case development, investment appraisal and financial analysis for operational and capital projects.

Education

ACA/ACCA/CIMA

Tools

SAP

Job description

What to Expect

Finance Business Partner to the Manufacturing operations and special projects, supporting the manufacturing leadership.

Lead end-to-end financial management of a strategic project from initiation through, to operational go-live, delivering actuals reporting, variance analysis, forecasting, and business planning support.

Lead implementation of new financial processes and controls into SAP to support special project cost visibility.

Support development of specific KPIs, cost driver analysis, and financial performance reporting.

What You'll Do

Business Partnering & Performance Reporting

• Lead monthly financial reporting for manufacturing operations, including actuals, variance analysis, and commentary to support Director-level decision-making.
• Develop and maintain manufacturing operations KPIs and dashboards, providing insights on cost performance, efficiency, and operational trends.
• Support Director of Manufacturing with financial analysis, business case preparation, and investment appraisal for operational and capital projects.

Forecasting & Business Planning

• Lead monthly forecasting process for manufacturing operations cost base, including labour, materials, overheads, and project-related spend.
• Support annual business planning cycle, including budget preparation, scenario modelling, and cost centre alignment.
• Provide forward-looking financial insights to support operational decision-making and strategic planning.

Project Finance

• Manage financial tracking and reporting for special projects, including capex and opex governance, investment approvals, and variance reporting.
• Support business case development for special projects, including break-even analysis, NPV modelling, and presentation to senior leadership.
• Ensure robust financial controls and reporting frameworks are in place for all special projects.

SAP Process Implementation & Continuous Improvement

• Lead implementation of new financial processes into SAP to improve cost visibility, reporting accuracy, and operational efficiency for manufacturing operations.
• Identify opportunities for process improvement, automation, and standardization of financial reporting and controls.
• Support wider Finance team in developing best-in-class financial systems and processes aligned to world-class automotive standards.

Ad Hoc Analysis & Strategic Support

• Conduct ad hoc financial analysis to support operational and strategic initiatives, including cost benchmarking, value-for-money studies, and business case reviews.
• Support cross-functional teams (Engineering, Procurement, Manufacturing) with financial data analysis and insights.
• Provide financial input to senior leadership on manufacturing operations performance, risks, and opportunities.

What You'll Bring

• Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, or CIMA).
• Advanced Excel skills and ability to deal with large volumes of complex data is essential.
• Excellent analytical and data interpretation skills, along with adherence to deadlines.
• Experience working within automotive, advanced manufacturing, or complex assembly operations desirable.
• Strong interpersonal skills, communication, networking, collaboration, and relationship-building ability – capable of partnering effectively with senior operational leaders.
• Proactive approach to working practices
• Ability to work with a diverse workforce and in challenging, fast-paced conditions.
• Experience with SAP and financial systems implementation desirable.

What We'll Do for You

• Structured career development framework
• 25 days' holiday, plus bank holiday. Annual buy & sell up to five days
• Enhanced company pension scheme
• Discretionary annual bonus award
• Private medical insurance and health cash plan
• Life assurance benefit
• Ability to apply for a sabbatical of up to one year after only two years' service
• Benefits you can adapt to your lifestyle, such as discounted shopping
• Generous parental leave policies
• A range of wellbeing initiatives, such as employee assistance programme and free financial & mortgage advice

Who Are We?

No restraints. No limitations. We don't simply push boundaries. We completely rethink them. McLaren Automotive exists to create breath-taking performance road cars.

It takes a community to do what we do. A diverse group of people with many areas of expertise, united by their passion to deliver visionary products and set new benchmarks.

McLaren Automotive commits to equal opportunity for all. Diversity, Equality and Inclusion is at the heart of our impact, it drives our innovation and enables us to truly create something special. Join us on our journey.