Head of Finance – Supply Chain (Fixed Term Contract: 12 Months) Swindon or London – Hybrid At WHSmith our people are at the heart of everything we do. They are the ones that go the extra mile for our customers. The ones that enable our growth. That’s why our Finance team is passionate about creating an environment where people can be creative and trailblazing in order to do their best work. The successful candidate will be a senior member of the team reporting to the High Street Finance Director and business partner the High St Merchandising Director and the Group Supply Chain Director. The successful candidate should project gravitas and have the ability to communicate effectively at Exec level. What you’ll do Operate as a true business partner to the High St Merchandising Director and the Group Supply Chain Director with effective engagement and communication Commercial and financial insight, input and challenge into all Stock and Logistics initiatives and investments to ensure value creation and appropriate due diligence and controls Responsibility for overall financial management of High St Stock and Group Logistics Work with Group Logistics Director and our 3 rd Party Logistics provider to report performance for both the High St and Travel divisions, tracking against KPIs and identifying opportunities for further efficiencies Support the High St Merchandising Director in managing stock levels, identifying problem stock and ensuring appropriate clearance plans and provisions are in place Balance sheet responsibility for HS division including inventory valuation ensuring complete and accurate Provide analysis, insight and informative reporting as required by the High Street Finance Director to support and influence business decisions Liaise with external auditors as required Financial support in strategic transformation projects as required Manage a direct report supporting their development and learning. Who you are Qualified (CIMA/ACMA/ACA) with demonstrable post qualified experience gained within industry. Proven experience of Business partnering, forecasting and delivering month end. A background of supporting and challenging businesses to make optimal operational and performance decisions. A proactive approach to driving improvement to our outputs and processes. Commercially minded – quick to understand the business and identify risks and opportunities. Analytical – able to present complex data in an understandable and impactful way. How we reward our teams Hybrid working model from home and in the office 4pm Friday finish Flexible Working 25 days holiday, plus your Birthday off, plus Bank Holidays with an opportunity to buy extra days holiday Family friendly leave Company pension Competitive salary Car Allowance Staff discount card for stores and online Who we are Celebrating 230 years, we’re proud to have grown and evolved into a globally recognised brand present in over 30 countries around the world, and we’re proud to be that air of familiarity people love and trust on their journey, both in life and through life. As a diverse group of over 11,000 colleagues, we are all on the same journey to a better business through our commitments to our planet, people and the communities we serve. Across our diverse estate of 500 stores on UK high streets, with wide-ranging store sizes and formats, we sell a wide range of products in the following categories: Stationery (including greeting cards, general stationery, art and craft, and gifting), News and Impulse (including newspapers, magazines, confectionery and drinks) and Books. We are an ambitious team that thrives on pace, collaboration and innovation resulting in a real entrepreneurial culture at all levels. It’s perfect for people who are happy to use their initiative and embrace life outside their comfort zone.