Finance Business Partner - Milton Keynes
Network Rail is at the heart of revitalising Britain’s railway. From the rejuvenation of King’s Cross station and the upgrade and expansion of Thameslink, to Europe’s largest civil engineering project – Crossrail - we are involved in some of the most ambitious and diverse ventures the UK has ever seen. This will help us deliver the better railway that is vital for the economic prosperity of this country, transforming how people travel and make a massive difference to passengers and freight users right across Britain.
Network Rail’s National Delivery Service is our internal logistics supplier. We coordinate the network-wide procurement and supply service for plant and materials and ensure that blockades and possessions across the network have what they need to start and finish on time. This support mobilises the massive works to rebuild and renew our railway.
The finance team supports NDS in delivering its overall objectives whilst achieving efficiency targets and maintaining financial integrity.
Act as a partner to the NDS Head of Operations and their team with the management of all finance and business issues.
- Understand and challenge existing business and working practices and strive for continuous improvement within NDS and lead in efficiency finding and delivering cost savings.
- Support NDS customers with query resolution and improved demand information.
- Provide overall financial support to NDS Business Managers with respect to all relevant activities within NDS business areas to maintain financial integrity and support the delivery review process.
- Support the integrity of all financial data captured at source, management information produced and reported. Use this information to assist with risk management and opportunity exploitation.
- Actively contribute towards provision of appropriate contracting strategies, procurement services and commercial services as required. Support tender evaluations in line with C&P policy.
- Lead the business areas in terms of efficiency finding and business planning. Challenge initiatives and scope requirements to support the achievement of best value for money.
- Understand customer demand and work with the customer to improve accuracy and timeliness of information captured. Lead in improving customer focus and perception.
- Support the production of NDS finance charging methodology and process, including service level agreements with customers. Support resolution of customer queries.
- Contribution to business improvement workstreams and support the business in managing change where necessary including rollout of new systems, processes and business growth.
- Actively contribute towards business case analysis and the management / improvement of non financial issues on an ad-hoc basis.
- Lead the development of direct reports including personal development and task management. Support efficient finance resource utilisation / development within the NDS Finance team.
- Support the development of the NDS Finance team strategy as required, to deliver comprehensive support to the business areas.
Essential
- High level of understanding of financial systems and policies within the company.
- Highly numerate.
- Strong leadership ability.
- Able to effectively communicate at all levels inside and outside of the business.
- Self motivated and able to work on own initiative.
- Effective and proven negotiation skills with ability to influence decision making.
- Can demonstrate innovative thinking in taking actions to improve performance and problem solving.
Desirable
- Qualified to degree level or equivalent in a relevant subject area and accredited professional qualification in either finance or commercial profession.
- Full membership of an appropriate professional organisation.
- Post qualification experience.
- Experience within finance disciplines of Network Rail and / or external organisations
