Commercial and Planning Manager

About the role

Serco is looking for a Commercial and Planning Manager to lead the Middle East Division's financial planning, analysis, reporting, procurement oversight and commercial partnering. The role reports to the divisional Finance Director and works within a shared finance model, alongside Operations, Business Development, Procurement and the Shared Service Centre.

Key responsibilities

• Prepare the multi-year strategic plan and long-range financial projections, and lead the annual business planning and budgeting cycle
• Own the monthly forecasting process and produce monthly management reporting packs (DPR/OFR) with commentary on performance, risks and opportunities
• Analyse variances between actuals and budget/forecast, develop financial models and scenario analyses, and monitor contract profitability and SG&A spend
• Support cash flow forecasting and working capital management, including cash conversion targets
• Support bids and new business submissions with margin analysis and bid reviews, and maintain a register of commercial obligations, milestones and renewals
• Report claims and disputes with financial analysis and evidence
• Oversight of procurement: compliance with Serco procurement policy and delegation of authority, sourcing of significant spend, supplier contract review, monitoring of supplier spend and performance, and supplier risk management
• Act as finance business partner to operational and corporate stakeholders, challenge budget holders on spend and efficiency, and present analysis to senior leadership
• Ensure compliance with governing principles, delegations of authority and financial controls, and maintain the divisional risk register
• Review organisational structures, succession planning and individual development plans, and travel to contract sites across the region

Required profile

• Qualified accountant (CA, ACCA, CIMA or CPA)
• Procurement qualification (e.g. CIPS) or formal commercial/contract management training is desirable
• Significant post-qualification experience in financial planning and analysis, ideally in a services or outsourcing business
• Experience with public sector and government customers
• Proven experience leading budgeting, forecasting and long-range planning across multiple contracts or legal entities
• Commercial experience in bids, pricing, contract management and negotiation, and procurement and supplier negotiation
• People management experience
• Experience in the Middle East / GCC region is preferred