Commercial and Planning Manager - Middle East Division

About the role

The Commercial and Planning Manager provides leadership to the Middle East Division in financial planning, analysis, management reporting, procurement oversight and commercial partnering. Working within a shared finance model, the role reports to the divisional Finance Director and works closely with Operations, Business Development, Procurement and the Shared Service Centre.

Key responsibilities

• Lead financial planning and analysis: prepare the multi-year strategic plan, run the annual budgeting cycle, own monthly forecasting and produce monthly management reporting packs 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 bids and new business submissions with margin analysis and bid reviews, and maintain a register of commercial obligations, milestones and renewals.
• Oversight of procurement: ensure compliance with Serco procurement policy and delegation of authority, lead or support sourcing, review supplier contracts and monitor supplier spend, performance and savings.
• Act as finance business partner to operational and corporate stakeholders, work with Business Development, Operations and HR on growth initiatives, and present analysis to senior leadership.
• Ensure compliance with governing principles, delegations of authority and financial controls, and identify and report commercial and financial risks in the divisional risk register.
• Travel to contract sites and across the region as required, and support team development and succession planning.

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.
• Experience leading budgeting, forecasting and long-range planning across multiple contracts or legal entities.
• Experience in bids, pricing, contract management, contract negotiation and procurement, supplier negotiation and spend management.
• Experience as a finance business partner to senior operational leaders and people management experience.
• Experience in the Middle East / GCC region is preferred.