FP&A Analyst

About us

DS Smith is a leading provider of sustainable fiber-based packaging worldwide, which is supported by recycling and papermaking operations. We play a central role in the value chain across sectors including e-commerce, fast moving consumer goods and industrials. Through our purpose of ‘Redefining Packaging for a Changing World’ and our Now and Next sustainability strategy, we are committed to leading the transition to the circular economy, while delivering more circular solutions for our customers and wider society – replacing problem plastics, taking carbon out of supply chains and providing innovative recycling solutions. Our bespoke box-to-box in 14 days model, design capabilities and innovation strategy sits at the heart of this response.

Headquartered in London and a member of the FTSE 100, DS Smith operates in 34 countries employing around 30,000 people and we are a Strategic Partner of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation. Our history can be traced back to the box-making businesses started in the 1940s by the Smith family.

About the role

The successful candidate will work as our FP&A Category Analyst, working closely with our Logistics & Energy Procurement departments. You will report to the FP&A Manager (Group Procurement) and partner with a Global Procurement Category Team and Procurement Finance. We are looking for a highly analytical person, who is able to solve complex problems and has a high level of commercial acumen. You strive in a team environment and have the ambition to design new processes and KPIs to drive operational excellence.

Main functions and responsibilities

• Manage Budget, monthly Forecast and the long-term planning process in close collaboration with Category teams and central Procurement Finance

• Perform variance analysis against budget and forecast

• Analyse impact of volume and price trends to help drive a better understanding of costs and savings

• Distribute market intelligence data and reports to the wider Procurement and Finance community

• Support the monthly management reporting process with key category insight and prepare presentations for senior management

• Acquire data from primary or secondary data sources and create meaningful reports and dashboards

• Identify, analyse and interpret trends or patterns in complex data sets

• Support implementation of data collection processes, data analytics and other strategies that optimize statistical efficiency and quality

• Perform ad hoc analysis where required to assist in decision making process

About you

Minimum requirements:

• Experience within a reporting environment

• Advanced Excel (pivot tables, formulas) and PowerPoint skills

• Excellent analytical and influencing skills with strong business acumen

• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to build relationships with different levels of stakeholders

• Ability to prioritise work and meet tight deadlines

• Ability to work independently

• Ability to engage with finance and non-finance teams

• Action oriented with the ability to support Category vision and strategy

• Fluent in business level English, written and verbal

• Database management and knowledge of working with large databases is considered a plus

• Bachelors degree would be highly desirable