Finance Business Partner - Capital Projects

Finance Business Partner - Capital Projects

Location: Poole / Basingstoke / Acton, London

A job with Merlin isn't like a job anywhere else. With attractions around the world, from rollercoasters to wax figures, we don't trade in suits, handshakes or briefcases. We trade in fun. In smiles, shrieks and spine-tingles. In Memories. In magic. But there are no tricks behind our magic. Instead, there are people like you. Passionate, dedicated people who are committed to making sure our worldwide attractions and guests' experiences are the best they can be.

We're a place that makes magic. Magic that gives millions of people fun, thrills and memorable experiences. We're the thinkers, dreamers, doers and achievers whose job it is to create and deliver world-class new attractions, hotels and major investment projects, as well as manage the extensive real estate assets of one of the most exciting companies in the world.

Welcome to Merlin Magic Making (MMM), the creative heart of Merlin Entertainments. Merlin Magic Making is responsible for delivering Merlin Entertainments Group projects around the world to a culture of "on time, on budget and ready for our guests". This includes all theming, rides, attractions, displays and accommodation worldwide.

We are currently recruiting for a Finance Business Partner to join our MMM Developments Finance team, based at either our Merlin HQ in Poole, Dorset, Basingstoke hub, or our MMM Studios in Acton, London. This role is a permanent opportunity with a salary of up to 55,000 per annum + attractive Merlin benefits.

Reporting into the Head of Finance, you will be the Finance Business Partner to Global Project Delivery team and F21 Finance Hub, providing financial planning, costing, control and reporting to ensure the successful delivery of major capital projects across Europe and UK.
About the Team...

We are a diverse team of highly engaged and trusted business partners, who add value to the delivery of MMM projects through both robust cost and risk management, and bringing innovative solutions to maximise value for money for Merlin and our guests. The result is a successful delivery of major capital projects to our internal clients across US, Europe and UK;

• We build strong relationships and influence business outcomes
• We are sought after finance professionals, always at the table to share our knowledge and experience with others
• We are known as a great place to develop your career and as a source of great talent by the rest of Merlin
• We are a highly engaged team operating within a fun, innovative and collaborative environment

About the Role...

• Business partnering with Project Delivery end to end throughout the full lifecycle of the project. Deliver robust budgets, track and report spend / contingency movements as well as manage risks and opportunities
• Supporting Project Delivery in optimising project costs both during the planning and costing phase and during build, ensuring cost assumptions and the costing and tendering process is adequately challenged
• Design and delivery of financial and non-financial analysis and insight to support with key budget, timetable and scope decisions
• Ensure compliance with MMM and Group policies, processes and controls. Own the financial due diligence on suppliers
• Coordinate input from broader project stakeholder group on assumptions that impact project capital costs
• Ensure a comprehensive and timely project close and handover to our internal clients

About You...

• Part or fully qualified accountant (ACCA/ACA/CIMA)
• Be able to travel to Poole, Dorset on a fortnightly basis, if based elsewhere
• Excellent communicator with proven experience in influencing and challenging senior stakeholders to achieve successful collaborative outcomes
• Demonstrable skills of managing multiple workstreams, fantastic prioritisation enabling tight deadlines to be met in a fast-paced high growth environment
• An innovative quick thinker with strong analytical skills. Able to see the big picture but equally to be thorough and give sufficient attention to detail
• Ideally someone who is a natural catalyst for change and continuous improvement
• Advanced Excel skills and aptitude for learning systems quickly
• Construction or projects experience an advantage
• Open to occasional domestic or international travel to attractions

The Benefits...

We're growing fast and alongside a fun and friendly environment, we offer a fabulous package and amazing prospects - ideal if you're already fantastic and can quickly become even better (our magic can help here). Benefits include Pension, Life Assurance, discretionary company bonus, 25 days' holiday and, of course, a Merlin Magic Pass which gives you and your friends and family free admission to all of our attractions worldwide, as well as 25% discount in our retail shops and restaurants and 40% discount on LEGO.
Everyone Matters at Merlin.

At Merlin we welcome the world to our magical attractions and resorts every day and we want to reflect that same multicultural mix inside our business too. We strive to create an inclusive and diverse workplace where people can be themselves, have the same opportunities and thrive together. Because at Merlin, everyone matters!
Together, we work to create a workplace where everyone feels valued, no matter their age, race, gender, disability or sexual orientation. Although we understand that we'll always be learning and growing, we aim to be the most inclusive and flexible employer in our industry.
Returning to work...
As part of our approach, we welcome applications from people looking to return to work after a long career break.
We have an active Return to Work programme, which offers training, mentoring and more, to support with the transition back into working life. So, if you've been on a career break for any reason we can support you.
If you have any questions or if you require any assistance, because of a disability or medical condition, please contact us by email at Recruitment@Merlinentertainments.biz and one of the team will get back to you as soon as possible.

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