Assistant Finance Manager – Central Finance Excellence Team (CFET)

About Unilever

Be part of the world’s most successful, purpose-led business. Work with brands that are well-loved around the world, that improve the lives of our consumers and the communities around us. We promote innovation, big and small, to make our business win and grow; and we believe in business as a force for good. Unleash your curiosity, challenge ideas, and disrupt processes; use your energy to make this happen. Our brilliant business leaders and colleagues provide mentorship and inspiration, so you can be at your best. Every day, nine out of ten Indian households use our products to feel good, look good and get more out of life – giving us a unique opportunity to build a brighter future.
Every individual here can bring their purpose to life through their work. Join us and you’ll be surrounded by inspiring leaders and supportive peers. Among them, you’ll channel your purpose, bring fresh ideas to the table, and simply be you. As you work to make a real impact on the business and the world, we’ll work to help you become a better you.

Business Context
Procurement Finance partners the Global Procurement function in delivering the expansive cost and cash agenda for Unilever. Procurement Finance is a diverse global team with representation from 20+ nationalities, spread across multiple global hubs and market locations.

Job Purpose
Reporting to the Procurement Finance - Central FET Manager, the candidate is responsible for driving the Forecasting FET function for select material portfolios and markets. The candidate will play a pivotal role in building the understanding of material cost forecast, the largest line item in the Unilever P&L. The main role would be to:

•    Drive the material cost forecast process for select material portfolios and markets
•    Understand the drivers of material impact for the clusters and work with Procurement and Procurement Finance teams to provide a clear signal to the business
•    Lead global forecasting process improvement initiatives and simplification projects

The ideal candidate is required to see the big picture while being capable of drilling down to the details to drive value-focused actions as well as resolving operational issues. Strong analytical skills, good stakeholder management and clear communication are key to succeed in this role. 

Main Responsibilities
Material Forecasting
•    Lead forecast cycles for select BG, material portfolios and clusters
•    Engage and support buyers to improve quality of the forecast
•    Drive forecast accuracy through buyer scorecards
•    Run the Light Cycle Forecast
•    Deliver material rates for transfer price updates
•    Understand impacts from key material movements to guide business decision making
•    Monitor saving flow through into material prices to ensure business impact

Process Improvement
•    Lead forecast improvement initiatives across global forecast process
•    Streamline the process through simplification, standardization, and automation

Stakeholder Management
•    Engage with Supplier Operations and third party to get relevant output to run the forecast
•    Engage with FBPs to land the forecast, answer queries, and help build a narrative
•    Engage with Procurement to drive various elements of the forecasting cycle
•    Engage with Supply Chain Finance on forecast-related topics such as volume collection, material prices delivery, etc.

Key Interfaces
•    Performance Management & Operations Director
•    Business Group (BG) and Business Unit (BU) Finance Business Partners (FBPs)
•    Procurement and Forecast Champions
•    Performance Management Lead
•    Supply Chain Finance Services
•    Country FET teams
•    Third party service provider

Skills and Experience Required
•    Qualified CA / Cost Accountant with 3-6 years’ experience
•    Fluent in English, both written and spoken 
•    Ability to present complex information in a simplified manner (material insights, link to P&L)
•    Strong analytical skills, Excel modelling skills and attention to detail
•    Resilience (ability to cope with time pressure and challenges)
•    Ability to work collaboratively with other key stakeholders
•    Strong engagement and communication skills