About this role
About the Role
To provide high-quality financial insight, challenge and support to Group functional leaders, ensuring strong cost discipline, transparency and value creation across Group overheads. The role will initially establish best in class Group overhead management and over time shift from cost tracking & forecasting to proactive commercial partnering, improving forecasting accuracy, decision support, and return on investment across central functions.
Key responsibilities
Business Partnering & Insight
- Act as the primary finance partner to Group functional leads (e.g. HR, IT, Legal, Strategy Finance)
- Provide regular reporting and run planning processes
- Provide clear, forward-looking insight on cost trends, risks and opportunities
Planning, Budgeting & Forecasting
- Own the Group overhead budget and rolling forecast process
- Drive improvements in forecast accuracy and visibility
Cost Control & Value Optimisation
- Embed a "cost excellence" mindset, with strong cost governance and ownership across Group functions
- Identify efficiency opportunities, duplication and areas for simplification
- Track delivery of savings initiatives and benefits realisation
Reporting & Performance Management
- Produce right first time monthly reporting with clear commentary and actionable insight
- Develop concise dashboards and management information for senior stakeholders
Finance Operating Model & Process Improvement
- Work with Group Finance to simplify processes and reduce manual effort
- Support improvements in systems, data quality, AI and automation
Skills & experience
- Qualified accountant (ACA, CA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)
- Significant experience in Finance Business Partnering or Commercial Finance roles within a complex international organisation
- Structured, disciplined working style with strong organisation skills and ability to manage competing priorities in a complex and ambiguous environment
- A digital first mindset and experience improving financial processes, reporting and data quality, and reducing manual effort in Group finance settings
- Ability to translate financial data into clear, actionable insight and recommendations for senior stakeholders
- Strong financial analysis and modelling capability
- Deep understanding of budgeting, forecasting and cost‑centre management
- Strong grasp of cost drivers, KPIs, and methods for identifying efficiency opportunities and tracking delivery of savings initiatives.
- Experience supporting business cases, headcount plans, and investment proposals
- Strong communication skills with credibility at senior leadership level, able to challenge constructively and influence without authority
- Ability to provide forward‑looking insight on risks, opportunities, and cost trends that influence strategic decision‑making
Please reach out to Dorothy Cook for the full JD.
Other facts
About SSP
SSP is a global leading operator of food and beverage outlets in travel locations employing 49,000 colleagues in around 3,000 units across nearly 40 countries.
We specialise in designing, creating and operating a diverse range of food and drink outlets in airports, train stations and other travel hubs across six formats: sit-down and quick service restaurants, bars, cafés, lounges, and food-led convenience stores. Our extensive portfolio of brands features a mix of international, national, and local brands, tailored to meet the diverse needs of our clients and customers.
Our purpose is to be the best part of the journey, and our focus is on making every journey taste better – bringing great food and welcoming hospitality to travellers across the globe. Sustainability is crucial for our long-term success, and we aim to deliver positive impact for our business while uniting stakeholders to promote a sustainable food travel sector.
Our people are at the heart of our business and our values are integral to our business, underpinning everything we do.
• TEAM. Team is everything. We actively support, respect and care for each other. With collaboration at the heart, we build strong relationships and deliver safe outcomes.
• PASSION. We bring energy, passion and commitment to everything that we do. Taking pride in our work, we go the extra mile to make every journey count.
• CURIOSITY. We approach everyday with open minds and thoughtful questions. We are agile and customer-focused, always looking for ways to deliver an exceptional experience.
• OWNERSHIP. We own our role completely, caring for every detail that shapes the SSP experience. Through genuine hospitality and continuous improvement, we make every moment matter.
www.foodtravelexperts.com
What you'll do
- The role involves providing financial insight and support to Group functional leaders, focusing on cost management and value creation. Responsibilities include budgeting, forecasting, cost control, and performance reporting.
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