FP&A Manager

PLEASE NOTE: As part of our organisational changes, our ongoing structure and roles continue to be reviewed. While this role is being advertised, circumstances may change and the role could be withdrawn/amended. GRADE D+

We are looking for an experienced FP&A Manager to lead the financial planning and performance management agenda. Reporting into the Head of FP&A, this is a highly visible leadership role, partnering with the Executive team to provide commercial insight, drive financial performance and support strategic decision-making.You will own the planning cycle, lead performance reporting, and ensure the business has a clear understanding of financial opportunities, risks and value creation. This role requires someone who combines strong technical finance capability with commercial curiosity and the confidence to influence senior stakeholders.

What you'll be doing

Own the full P&L, leading month-end performance reviews, variance analysis and financial reporting.
Produce insightful monthly Executive and Board reporting packs, presenting key performance drivers, risks and opportunities.
Lead the annual budget, periodic reforecasts and three-year planning process, coordinating inputs across Finance, Commercial and Operations while providing constructive challenge to assumptions.
Present financial performance, forecasts and strategic recommendations directly to the Leadership Team.
Maintain a robust Opportunities & Risks (O&R) framework, tracking delivery against financial commitments and ensuring accountability across the business.
Act as the primary finance contact for Group Finance, ensuring divisional reporting aligns with Group requirements and external expectations.
Lead the financial evaluation of capital investment opportunities, including new store openings and strategic projects, reviewing performance against approved business cases and identifying opportunities to improve future investment decisions.
Own and continuously develop site-level profitability models, creating scalable planning tools that support Finance, Commercial and Operations teams in decision making.
Drive continuous improvement across planning, forecasting and reporting processes, embedding best practice and increasing the quality of commercial insight.
Build strong cross-functional relationships to ensure finance is a trusted business partner supporting operational and strategic objectives.

What we're looking for

You'll be a qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA or CIMA) with significant post-qualification experience in Financial Planning & Analysis or Commercial Finance. You'll bring a strong track record of partnering senior stakeholders and translating financial performance into clear commercial actions.

Proven experience owning a full divisional or business-unit P&L.Extensive experience leading budgeting, forecasting and long-range planning processes.
A background within a multi-site environment such as retail, travel, hospitality, leisure or another estate-based business.
Strong commercial acumen with the ability to balance strategic thinking and operational detail.
Excellent communication and presentation skills, with experience influencing Executive and Board-level stakeholders.
Advanced financial modelling and analytical capability, with experience developing scalable planning tools and decision-support models.
A proactive, collaborative approach and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, evolving business.

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 scheme
Annual Bonus based on company and personal performance
Competitive Salary and Car Allowance
Private Medical
Cycle to work scheme
Staff Discount Card for railway stores (subject to policy)

About us:
Celebrating over 230 years, we’re proud to have grown into a globally recognised brand present in over 30 countries – the air of familiarity people love and trust on their journey. As a diverse group of over 6,000 colleagues, we’re all on the same journey to a better business through our commitments to our planet, people and the communities we serve.

Our business operates from two key locations, In a vibrant area of London, close to Aldgate and Liverpool Street Station, while the other is located at Swindon's International Business Park, just off the M4 with excellent transport links and over 100 on-site parking spaces.
For WHSmith Europe, our mission is simple – to create value for our stakeholders by providing a platform for global brands across airports, hospitals, rail stations and other markets. Our operational environment is fast-paced and highly regulated, requiring exceptional standards of maintenance, compliance, health & safety and colleague welfare across every location.
We’re all about creating an inclusive and welcoming workplace where everyone can be themselves and do their best. No matter your background, age, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, race or ethnicity, marital status, religion, sex, sexual orientation or anything else that makes you, you—you’re welcome here.
We’re also open to flexible working where possible, so if that’s something you need, let’s chat. And if you need any adjustments during the selection process, just let our Talent Acquisition team know—we’re happy to help!