Finance Business Partner

We are looking for a commercially minded Finance Business Partner with experience supporting manufacturing operations to join our Finance team based in Preston. As one of our Finance Business Partners, you will work closely with operational leaders to provide financial insight and support the business through an exciting period of transformation. As part of our ongoing operational evolution, the business is introducing World Class Manufacturing (WCM) principles to further strengthen our manufacturing excellence and drive continuous improvement across our operations. This role will support manufacturing leadership in linking financial performance with operational improvement initiatives such as lean manufacturing, waste reduction, productivity optimisation, and cost efficiency. This role will play a key part in strengthening financial control, improving operational performance, and supporting strategic decision-making across the organisation. Working closely with senior stakeholders, you will translate financial data into meaningful business insights while contributing to budgeting, forecasting, and performance analysis. The Person We are looking for an experienced Finance Business Partner with strong commercial awareness and the ability to translate financial information into meaningful business insight. You thrive in a collaborative environment, enjoy influencing stakeholders, and are comfortable working in a fast-paced, evolving business. You will be analytical, proactive, and solutions-focused, with the ability to build strong relationships across the organisation while driving improvements in financial processes and reporting. Ideally, you will also have experience supporting manufacturing environments where operational excellence frameworks such as World Class Manufacturing (WCM), Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, or similar methodologies are used to drive performance improvements. The Role Working within the Finance team, with colleagues based across our Preston and Warwick offices, you will be an integral member of the team supporting key finance activities across the business. As the business continues its transformation over the coming years, our Finance team will play a crucial role in providing strategic support, improving financial insight, and strengthening commercial decision-making. This role will focus on delivering financial analysis, supporting financial planning cycles, strengthening financial controls, and partnering with business leaders to drive performance and identify opportunities for improvement. You will also work closely with manufacturing and operational teams to support initiatives aligned to World Class Manufacturing (WCM), helping to link financial outcomes with operational performance, productivity improvements, and cost optimisation. Responsibilities • Provide financial analysis and deliver insights that link financial performance to wider business strategy. • Support financial reporting to improve clarity, impact, and understanding of business performance. • Implement and maintain effective commercial procedures and financial controls. • Partner with business stakeholders to support strategic decision-making and financial performance. • Assist with financial planning processes including budgeting, forecasting, and performance monitoring. • Identify risks and opportunities within financial performance and recommend actions. • Build strong relationships with senior managers and operational teams. • Support the monitoring of strategic initiatives and their financial impact. • Identify and implement process improvements to enhance financial reporting, controls, and planning activities. • Partner with manufacturing leaders to support World Class Manufacturing and operational excellence initiatives, linking operational improvements to financial performance and cost management. Requirements Education Qualified Accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) with post-qualification experience. Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business, Economics, or a related field. Experience Experience working in a Finance Business Partnering or similar commercial finance role. Experience supporting manufacturing or operational environments. Exposure to or understanding of World Class Manufacturing (WCM) or similar operational excellence frameworks such as Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, or Six Sigma. Strong understanding of the relationship between the Income Statement, Balance Sheet, and Cash Flow. Experience supporting financial planning, analysis, and translating business strategy into financial plans. Strong commercial acumen with the ability to identify risks and opportunities. Skills Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to evaluate business performance. Strong communication skills, both written and verbal. Advanced IT skills including Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint. Experience using ERP systems and data analytics tools such as Power BI. Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills. Ability to present financial information clearly to non-finance audiences. Strategic mindset with the ability to identify future opportunities and trends. Comfortable working in a fast-paced and evolving environment while driving change. About BAXI We're leading the energy transition to zero carbon by offering complete residential and commercial heating and hot water solutions. As one team across the UK and Ireland, and with the backing of our global parent company, BDR Thermea Group, we work together with a collective knowledge and expertise that’s literally centuries in the making. We’re proud of our heritage, manufacturing in the UK since 1866, and we’re experienced in adapting to changing needs. Our portfolio includes trusted brands such as Baxi, Main, Megaflo, Remeha, Andrews Water Heaters, Potterton Commercial, Heatrae Sadia, and Packaged Plant Solutions. Whether you're joining us in the field or working at one of our established hub locations, you’ll be part of a team that offers opportunities in a historically rich British manufacturing company focused on sustainable, greener, and cleaner energy solutions. 📍 Preston – Home to our Manufacturing since 1866 – Bamber Bridge – PR5 6FN 📍 Warwick – Home to our Commercial Services – Brook House – CV34 4LL Our Benefits Our package includes a competitive basic salary plus a variable incentive scheme. We also offer: 25 days holiday plus UK bank holidays Contributory pension scheme Income protection Maternity, paternity and enhanced sick pay schemes Employee discounts and additional benefits Our Approach At BDR Thermea Group, we believe that diversity, equity, and inclusion are critical to our success. We are committed to creating a workplace where every employee feels valued, respected, and empowered to bring their whole selves to work. At BDR Thermea Group, we believe that diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) are critical to our success. We are committed to creating a workplace where every potential future employee feels valued, respected, and empowered to bring their whole selves to work. Please check out our DE&I policy on our website to find out more. If you’re exploring new job opportunities but don’t see a role that matches your skills, create an account by selecting the "Sign In" option at the top right of this screen. Then, sign up for "Job Alerts" to stay updated on future openings. At BDR Thermea Group, we don't just talk about making a difference - we live it every day. As a member of our team, you will be part of a company that is leading the way in the global energy transition, shaping the future of sustainable heating and hot water systems. You will have the opportunity to work alongside passionate colleagues who share our core values: One Team, Sustainable Future and Customer Focus and commitment to making a positive impact on the world. We believe that our employees are our greatest asset, and we are committed to supporting your growth, development, and well-being. As a possible future employee, you can expect to be part of a purpose-driven environment that encourages creativity, innovation, and collaboration. Take the first step towards your exciting career with BDR Thermea Group and join us on our journey towards a sustainable future.