Lead Financial Insights Analyst - Value Creation

Review: Lead Financial Insights Analyst – Propositions (Maternity Cover)

This Lead Financial Insights Analyst position presents a compelling opportunity for a commercially-minded finance professional seeking to make a significant impact within a purpose-driven organisation. Offered as a 12-month fixed-term contract/secondment to cover maternity leave, this role is ideal for someone looking to gain valuable experience in a dynamic retail environment.

The core of this role revolves around leveraging your financial and analytical prowess to provide critical performance insights, drive data modelling, and enhance reporting for the retail business. You will be a key partner to finance business partners and the wider Propositions/Commercial team, actively contributing to change initiatives by identifying financial opportunities and risks that will be integrated into forecasts, budgets, and strategic plans. This is a fantastic chance to hone your skills and build your career with a company that genuinely prioritises its people and community.

Advantages for Candidates:

• Career Development: The opportunity to work on high-impact projects and partner with senior leadership provides excellent exposure and can significantly bolster your career trajectory in financial analysis and commercial finance.
• Strategic Influence: You will play a vital role in shaping financial plans and influencing decision-making, giving you a platform to demonstrate your strategic thinking and analytical capabilities.
• Actionable Insights: The focus on identifying actionable insights and improving business performance means your work will directly contribute to tangible outcomes, offering a high degree of job satisfaction.
• Exposure to Diverse Analysis: The role encompasses various analytical tasks, including value analysis, risk and opportunity assessment, reconciliation, variance analysis, and trial analysis for key projects, offering a well-rounded experience.
• Continuous Improvement: An emphasis on exploring new techniques and methodologies encourages a proactive and innovative approach to your work, fostering professional growth.
• Hybrid Working: The flexibility of a hybrid working model, balancing office and remote work in Manchester City Centre, supports a healthy work-life balance.
• Competitive Package: Beyond the attractive salary range of £40,000 – £50,000, the comprehensive benefits package, including an annual bonus, generous holiday entitlement, excellent pension contributions, and access to well-being resources, adds significant value.

Key Considerations for Candidates:

• Fixed-Term Contract: As this is a 12-month fixed-term contract, candidates should be clear on their career objectives and whether this duration aligns with their long-term aspirations. It's a great opportunity for those seeking a focused period of intense learning and contribution.
• Seniority and Autonomy: The "Lead" aspect of the title suggests a need for a candidate who can work with a degree of autonomy, take initiative, and effectively manage their workload in a complex environment.
• Stakeholder Management: Strong communication and influencing skills are paramount, as you'll be presenting complex financial information to both financial and non-financial stakeholders. The ability to "tell the story of performance" will be crucial.
• Analytical Rigour: A solid foundation in analytical methods, including hypothesis-driven approaches and advanced Excel proficiency, is essential. Candidates should be comfortable with detailed data manipulation and interpretation.
• Adaptability: The role involves supporting change initiatives and adapting to evolving business needs. A candidate who is adaptable and embraces new challenges will thrive.

In summary, this Lead Financial Insights Analyst role is a rewarding prospect for a qualified or near-qualified finance professional with a passion for analysis and a desire to contribute to a business with a strong social conscience. It offers a challenging yet supportive environment to further develop your career within a reputable organisation.