Finance Manager – CFET, One Performance & Strategy

Job Title: Finance Manager – Commodities FET, One Performance & Strategy
Job Location: Bangalore, India

BUSINESS CONTEXT
The One Performance & Strategy Team is a thriving, multi-cultural team based across Bangalore and London, that is responsible for the performance management, overheads management, commodity forecasting and competitive analysis for Unilever globally. The Commodities FET within the larger OP&S team partners the Global Procurement function in delivering its expansive cost and cash agenda for Unilever.

JOB PURPOSE
Reporting to the CFET Senior Manager, the candidate will own the material price forecasting process for select portfolios and clusters, for on time and in full delivery. The candidate will play a pivotal role in leading the forecasting process, building understanding of the material price forecast, and driving insights for decision making. The role would be to mainly:

• Drive the material price forecast process for select portfolios and clusters
• Understand drivers of forecast impact to partner Procurement and Finance teams on the forecast
• Drive analytics and insights to enable value-focused business decisions and actions
• Bring an outside in view on commodities inflation to drive deeper insight into Unilever’s forecast
• Lead process improvement initiatives and simplification projects
• Support wider transformation programs in the forecasting space
• Lead a team of 3 Assistant Managers to deliver to business objectives

The ideal candidate is required to see the big picture while being capable of drilling down to the details to drive insights and resolve operational issues. S/he should be able to drive and improve a large, complex process, while gaining insights into commodity inflation levers and partnering with Procurement and Finance teams. Sharp analytical skills, good stakeholder management skills, robust process leadership, high accountability and resilience are key to succeed in this role.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES
1.Material Forecasting
• Lead forecast cycles for select portfolios and clusters, driving timeliness, accuracy and prioritization
• Drive analytics and insights to guide business decision making and focus
• Understand impacts from price movements in key commodities to estimate impact on forecast
• Understand drivers of forecast impact to partner Procurement and Finance teams on the forecast
• Bring an outside in view on commodities inflation to drive deeper insight into the forecast
• Engage with and support buyers to improve quality of the forecast while reducing effort
• Land material prices and forecast impacts with Markets / Business Groups
2.Process Improvement
• Streamline the forecasting process through prioritization, simplification, standardization, and automation
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives
• Support forecasting transformation programs through process expertise and thought leadership
3.Stakeholder Management
• Engage with FBPs to land the forecast, answer queries, help build a narrative and partner business on the forecast
• Engage with Procurement to drive various elements of the forecasting cycle
• Engage with Supply Chain Finance on forecast-related topics such as volume collection, material prices delivery, etc.
• Engage with Supplier Operations and third party to get relevant output to run the forecast and give them input for process improvements
• Engage with various transformation programs to share expertise and lend thought leadership
4.Team Management
• Lead a team of 3 Assistant Managers
• Ensure each team member has the required skills and competencies to do his / her role effectively by providing feedback, support, coaching and guidance
• Take ownership of the wellbeing and development of the team
• Create a collaborative working environment within and across teams
• Engage in performance management processes, in line with Unilever’s performance culture, to ensure each team member achieves his / her goals
• Effectively manage team changes and issues such as promotions, resignations, absence management, etc. in line with Company guidelines

KEY INTERFACES
• Commodities Forecasting Director
• Commodities FET team
• Procurement & Supply Chain Finance Business Partners
• Forecast Champions and Buyers
• Supply Chain Finance Services (SCFS)
• Country FET teams
• Third Party service provider

RELEVANT SKILLS / EXPERIENCES REQUIRED
• Qualified Chartered Accountant / Cost Accountant with 5 - 8 years’ experience
• Relevant experience in Financial Planning, Forecasting and / or Finance Operations
• Prior experience in Procurement Finance or Supply Chain Finance preferred
• 2+ years’ experience in leading teams
• Strong people management skills to engage, steer, and motivate the team for high performance
• Strong analytical skills, Excel skills and attention to detail
• High accountability and ownership
• Passion for high performance to drive and continuously improve the process
• Resilience to cope with challenges of a demanding forecasting cycle
• Ability to work collaboratively with stakeholders
• Strong communication skills

At Unilever, inclusion is at the heart of everything we do. We welcome applicants from all walks of life and are committed to creating an environment where everyone can thrive/succeed. All applicants will receive fair and respectful consideration, and we actively support the growth and development of every employee.

NOTE:

At HUL, we believe that every individual irrespective of their race, colour, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, nationality, caste, disability or marital status can bring their purpose to life. So apply to us, to unleash your curiosity, challenge ideas and disrupt processes; use your energy to make the world a better place. As you work to make a real impact on the business and the world, we’ll work to help you become a better you!

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