Head of Global P2P Operations

The Head of Global P2P Operations is responsible for the overall P2P ownership and service delivery across the SSC, combining key aspects of SSC operational leadership with global process ownership. This role sets the strategic direction and vision for end-to-end P2P processes while managing and collaborating with cross-functional teams. This role will lead at the senior leadership level, influencing upstream processes and driving a culture of continuous improvement and sharing of leading practices.

About RWS Finance

In joining RWS's Finance team you will be a critical part of supporting a listed world-leading provider of technology-enabled language, content, and intellectual property services. RWS has growing revenues of over £750m through a combination of value accretive acquisitions and organic growth. Group finance, led by our Group CFO; Candy Davies, includes diverse teams across the globe operating in functions including business partnering, operational finance, specialist, and group functions. We cover a footprint of over 100 legal entities in 43 different countries worldwide.  

It's a very exciting time to join RWS Finance for an individual who enjoys change and making an impact As part of the overall RWS business strategy we are making a significant investment in upgrading our financial systems and processes to deliver enhanced reporting and control, more efficient processing enabling great value through enhanced business partnering and decision support. 

Key Responsibilities

• P2P Ownership & Service Delivery:

  • Oversee and maintain full ownership and accountability of the end-to-end P2P processes, ensuring smooth service delivery across the SSC.
  • Manage service level agreements (SLAs), performance metrics, and reporting for P2P operations.
  • Ensure robust internal controls and compliance within the P2P function.
  • Develop, obtain corporate approval and maintain all related policies, process documentation and training materials
  • Work closely with the Master Data Management teams to ensure key data elements are structured, standardised and consistent across the different systems to ensure operational efficiency.
  • Manage P2P systems and process interfaces with external and/or internal partners.

• Monitor P2P Process Performance and Ensure Compliance 

  • Inform the definition of P2P service level agreements (SLA) and KPI.
  • Develop analytics-driven reporting to measure efficiency of end-to-end P2P processes.
  • Ensure compliance and accuracy of P2P process activities with all policies, procedures, and regulations.
  • Contribute towards P2P policy and controls ownership and ensure process documentation is regularly reviewed and kept up to date.
  • Participate in governance forums to provide input on items such as P2P process scope and service delivery and assist in resolving operational issues.

• Strategic Direction & Process Vision:

  • Define, communicate, and embed a clear P2P process vision and roadmap.
  • Establish strategic initiatives to standardise and continuously improve P2P processes.
  • Set the direction for transformation projects, including leading P2P aspects for the unified ERP programme and finance roadmap initiatives.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration:

  • Engage with senior leadership and stakeholders across the business to drive process improvements.
  • Act as a key influencer to effect change in upstream processes and support integrated business strategies.
  • Collaborate closely with Treasury, IT, Finance, and other shared services teams to align on best practices and process standards.

• People Management:

  • Lead the P2P delivery and process teams and oversee direct reports, ensuring clear performance goals and accountability.
  • Foster a high-performance culture that supports career development, mentorship, and continuous learning.
  • Drive cross-functional collaboration and ensure alignment between various P2P stakeholders.

• Sharing Leading Practices:

  • Champion leading practices within the P2P function, sharing innovative approaches across the organisation.
  • Represent P2P interests at global forums and leadership meetings, ensuring that insights and best practices are disseminated across teams.

Skills & Experience

• Extensive (10+ years) leadership experience in Procure-to-Pay (P2P) processes and shared services, ideally within a high volume global or multi-regional SSC environment.
• Expert knowledge and functional experience in P2P processes such as payments, purchasing, account reconciliations, invoice processing, T&E claims, period end activities, and more
• Proven track record in strategic planning and execution, including setting and communicating process visions and roadmaps.
• Hands-on experience managing transformation projects, such as unified ERP implementations and finance roadmap initiatives.
• Demonstrated success in managing cross-functional teams and influencing senior leadership to drive change in upstream processes.
• Experience in service delivery management, including meeting SLAs, implementing performance metrics, and maintaining robust internal controls.
• Ability to set a clear strategic direction for P2P, drive process innovation, and share leading practices across the organization.
• Exceptional interpersonal and stakeholder management skills to effectively engage with IT, finance, and other key business areas.
• Deep understanding of P2P operations, with a strong focus on continuous improvement, standardisation, and operational efficiency.
• Expertise in leading transformational change, managing risk, and ensuring seamless integration of new processes within existing operations.
• Solid understanding of financial processes, compliance, and risk management to oversee service delivery and financial performance.
• Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to articulate complex processes and influence decisions at the senior leadership level.
• Proven ability to manage, mentor, and develop high-performing teams while fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement.
• Ability to travel when necessary.
• Six Sigma Green or Black Belt certification.
• Qualified accountant (CIMA/ACCA).
• Knowledge of and/or experience with Microsoft Dynamics 365.
• Experience working with analytics tools.
• Knowledge and experience of applying RPA and/or AI to improve process efficiency.

RWS is a content solutions company, powered by technology and human expertise. We grow the value of ideas, data and content by making sure organizations are understood. Everywhere. 

Our proprietary technology, 45+ AI patents and human experts help organizations bring ideas to market faster, build deeper relationships across borders and cultures, and enter new markets with confidence – growing their business and connecting them to a world of opportunities. 

It's why over 80 of the world's top 100 brands trust RWS to drive innovation, inform decisions and shape brand experiences. 

With 60+ global locations, across five continents, our teams work with businesses across almost all industries. Innovating since 1958, RWS is headquartered in the UK and publicly listed on AIM, the London Stock Exchange regulated market (RWS.L).  

RWS Values

We Partner, We Pioneer, We Progress – and we´ll Deliver together.

For further information, please visit: RWS   

RWS embraces DEI and promotes equal opportunity, we are an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind. RWS is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at RWS are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, religion, nationality, ethnicity, sex, age, disability, or sexual orientation. RWS will not tolerate discrimination based on any of these characteristics

Recruitment Agencies: RWS Holdings PLC does not accept agency resumes.  Please do not forward any unsolicited resumes to any RWS employees.  Any unsolicited resume received will be treated as the property of RWS and Terms & Conditions associated with the use of such resume will be considered null and void.

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