Head of Planning & Analysis

ABOUT NEXTSTEP

NextStep connects top consulting talent with high-potential opportunities through smart, AI-powered matching. We partner with ambitious companies across sectors to place experienced professionals in roles where they can have a real impact. On behalf of a client in our partner network, we are currently looking for a Head of Planning & Analysis to join their team.

ABOUT THE COMPANY

Our client is an FTSE 100 industrials and engineering business headquartered in London, with revenues of £4.5bn and operations in over 35 countries. With a new CFO and a mandate to modernise the Finance function and improve the quality of management information and commercial decision support available to the Group ExCo, the business is making a significant investment in its Planning & Analysis capability. The Head of P&A will lead this function and will be a close partner to the CFO.

THE ROLE

As Head of Planning & Analysis, you will build and lead the group's FP&A function — owning the planning cycle, improving the quality of financial reporting and analysis, and embedding a stronger commercial finance culture across the business. You will lead a team of 10 and be a key voice in the Finance leadership team, driving improvements in process, tools, and the business partnership model.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

• Own the group annual budgeting, quarterly reforecasting, and long-range planning processes, improving quality, efficiency, and insight at each cycle.

• Lead the production of Group management accounts, investor reporting, and Board financial packs.

• Build and maintain a consolidated financial model that supports scenario analysis, M&A evaluation, and strategic option assessment.

• Partner with divisional CFOs and commercial leaders to improve the quality and timeliness of financial challenge and support.

• Lead the team's adoption of planning tools and reporting automation, reducing manual effort and improving analytical depth.

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

• 10–14 years of experience in FP&A, financial planning, or commercial finance, with experience leading a planning function in a large, complex business.

• ACA, ACCA, or CIMA qualified.

• Strong financial modelling and analytical skills, with experience in multi-divisional consolidated planning.

• Proven leader, able to develop a high-performing finance team and build effective relationships with commercial and operational stakeholders.

• Experience with modern planning tools (Anaplan, Adaptive Insights, Hyperion, or equivalent) is strongly preferred.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

• Base salary of £130,000 – £160,000, depending on experience.

• Annual bonus with individual and group performance components.

• LTIP participation and defined contribution pension.

• Private health cover, 28 days holiday, and hybrid working from London.

HOW TO APPLY

To be considered for this role, please create your profile at getnextstep.com https://getnextstep.com/candidate/landing?utm_medium=job-board&utm_source=job-board. Once your profile is complete, our matching system will evaluate your background against the role criteria and match you with the company if it's a strong fit. No cover letter required.

This role is listed by NextStep on behalf of our client. All applications are handled with confidentiality.