PC & BW Europe Senior Performance Manager

Opportunity Spotlight: PC & BW Europe Senior Performance Manager at Unilever

Are you an ambitious finance leader seeking a high-impact role at the heart of a leading global consumer goods company? This Senior Performance Manager position within Unilever's Personal Care Europe Business Unit offers a compelling opportunity to drive strategic financial performance across a dynamic and diverse portfolio of iconic brands.

Based at Unilever's Kingston Head Office, this role is not just about crunching numbers; it's about shaping the financial future of a €1.8 billion business unit that is critical to Unilever's global growth strategy. If you thrive in a fast-paced, challenging environment and are ready to make a significant mark, this could be your next strategic career move.

Key Advantages for Your Career Path:

• High Impact & Executive Exposure:

  This is explicitly described as a "high-impact, high-exposure role." You will report directly to the Head of Finance Personal Care Europe and sit on the PC Europe Finance Leadership Team. This level of visibility means your insights and leadership will directly influence decision-making for a significant portion of Unilever's Personal Care business, covering six strategic European markets and major categories like Deodorants, Skin Cleansing, and Oral Care.

• Strategic Influence & Business Partnering:

  You will own the performance agenda end-to-end, moving beyond traditional reporting to translate financial and operational insights into actionable strategies. This includes managing the long-term Financial Growth Model, leading target-setting, and partnering with category finance leads to ensure competitive, sustainable growth. Your role will be pivotal in driving the "Fuel for Growth" agenda, directly contributing to Gross Margin improvement.

• Leadership & Team Development:

  The position involves leading and developing a team of three, providing a fantastic opportunity to hone your leadership skills and foster a culture of curiosity and collaboration. Beyond your direct team, you will build finance community capability in critical areas like performance analytics, strategic modelling, and insight storytelling across the PC Europe network.

• Complex & Diverse Business Environment:

  You'll be immersed in a multi-market, multi-category landscape with globally recognized brands such as Dove, Axe, Signal, and Rexona. This offers unparalleled exposure to different market dynamics, consumer behaviours, and competitive challenges, significantly enriching your professional experience.

• Unilever's Commitment to Growth:

  Joining Unilever means becoming part of one of the world's largest consumer goods companies, known for its dynamic people and sustainable vision. The company emphasizes a family-friendly, inclusive workplace, with flexible working options and strong support for diversity. This environment is ideal for ambitious individuals keen to learn, lead, and grow within a global powerhouse.

Key Considerations for Candidates:

• Proven Financial Leadership is Essential:

  Candidates must demonstrate strong financial fundamentals, including a professional finance qualification (e.g., CA, CIMA, ACCA equivalent) and proven P&L ownership through previous Finance Business Partnering or equivalent experience. This isn't an entry-level leadership role; it demands a deep understanding of performance management, forecasting, and strategic planning.

• Strong Stakeholder Management & Influence:

  You will need exceptional engagement, presentation, and communication skills to manage a large, complex stakeholder network, including senior leadership across various functions and geographies. The ability to challenge constructively, drive change, and influence with credibility is paramount.

• Analytical Rigour & Strategic Agility:

  The role requires strong analytical and modelling skills, with the ability to simplify complex issues into clear, actionable insights and strategic choices. A growth mindset with a strong bias for action and delivery is crucial to thrive in this dynamic environment.

• Multi-Market/Operational Finance Experience (Desirable):

  While not strictly mandatory, prior experience in Europe market and/or operational finance is highly desirable, indicating a preference for candidates who can hit the ground running with an understanding of the regional nuances.

• Relocation Implications (for non-UK candidates):

  For applicants outside the UK, relocation will be treated as a self-initiated Change Location Outside of Country (CLOC) transfer. This means relocation costs must be self-funded, with potential to reclaim some pre-approved expenses up to £5,000. This is a significant financial consideration that international candidates should carefully evaluate.

This Senior Performance Manager role is a fantastic opportunity for a seasoned finance professional looking to elevate their career within a globally recognized organization. If you possess the required expertise, leadership qualities, and a passion for driving strategic financial performance in a competitive market, we encourage you to explore this impactful opportunity at Unilever.