Head of Planning

**Asahi UK (AUK), part of Asahi Europe & International Ltd, aims to enrich consumer experiences through innovation, high-quality service and an exceptional portfolio of premium beer, ale and cider brands including, Peroni Nastro Azzurro, Asahi SuperDry, Meantime, Fuller’s London Pride and Cornish Orchards. Our aim is to be the leading super-premium beer business in the UK, through a brand mix that creates a compelling proposition.** We are now looking for an individual to join us as a Head of Planning & Control for an 8 month Fixed Term Contract within our Asahi UK Commercial Finance Team. This role reports directly to the Finance Director, collaboratively managing all areas of Financial Control, Corporate Governance and In Market FP&A. It is also the primary Asahi UK&I contact to finance teams across AEI (FP&A, Reporting and the FSSC), andAsahi Group Holdings and its subsidiaries. It is a broad and varied role and is a key member Asahi UK&I Finance Leadership Team. Through strong leadership and team management, together with relevant, insightful financial knowledge, this role will ensure Asahi UK&I has the relevant internal controlsand governance as well as an efficient commercial and operational FP&A capability, to deliver against short term goals, whilst keeping a focus on the long term success of the business. The role requires the aptitude to support planning, budgeting and forecasting across production, commercial and wholesale parts of the business as well as the ability to work in the detail of financial reporting. - Drive the planning, budget, and forecasting process across all parts of the business. - Lead the financial month-end in order to achieve financial targets. - Identify risks and opportunities to the business performance and the latest forecast. - Ensure that Internal Audit actions are followed up on and closed out in a timely manner. - Business partner the Back Office functions to support their fixed cost management and upskill the financial acumen of each team. - Review and propose management credit limits for customers together with the Accounts Receivables team. - Be the Subject Matter Expert for the development of new reporting systems development and controls environment. - Manage 2 direct reports and support them to achieve their goals. - Work closely with the Finance Shared Service Centre SSC to identify and drive improvements in reporting activities. **Qualifications** - Qualified Accountant with substantial Post Qualified Experience with previous managerial experience - Ideally have FP&A and/or Finance Control experience in the FMCG, Retail or Drinks Industry, must have experience of working in a fast-paced organisation - Strong Microsoft Office knowledge essential, particularly Excel and PowerPoint - Extensive experience in using financial systems, knowledge of HFM is an advantage. - SAP experience required, and experience of PowerBI will be positively viewed - Strong track record of influencing non-financial decision makers & driving improvements through the business - Must be a self-starter with a solution driven approach, continuously looking for ways to improve process/system efficiency - Highly numerate with strong analytical skills and close attention to detail - Able to think strategically and understand the market (UK drinks industry) within which we operate - Positive and proactive work ethic with a "Can Do" attitude, willing to get involved in the detail when necessary - Ability to thrive and deliver under pressure in a very fast-paced environment - Able to mentor and lead a team to achieve results under tight deadlines - Ability to build strong relationships, both within Finance and the wider business **On offer is a competitive basic salary plus generous benefits package.** - Cash Car allowance - Performance Related Annual Bonus - Beer allowance - Family Cover Dental & Health insurance - Subsidised on-site Cafe - Flexible Working - Industry-leading pension contribution - Life assurance - 25 days’ holiday