Finance Transformation Business Partner - 6… at WHSmith · Swindon

PLEASE NOTE: As part of our organisational changes, our ongoing structure and roles continue to be reviewed. While this role is being advertised, circumstances may change and the role could be withdrawn/amended.

At WHSmith Europe our people are at the heart of everything we do. They are the ones that go the extra mile for our customers, the ones that enable our growth. We are seeking a driven and analytical Transformation Finance Business Partner to join us on an intensive 6-month journey. In this role, you will play a critical part in identifying, scoping, redesigning, and embedding new ways of working. Your primary focus will be simplifying and aligning financial and operational processes across IT, Procurement, and Group Functions to drive efficiency, clarity, and future-proof operations

What you will be doing:
• Process Discovery & Scoping: Partner with cross-functional stakeholders in IT, Procurement, and Group Functions to map current-state processes, identify pain points, bottlenecks, and areas of unnecessary complexity.
• Redesign & Standardization: Design streamlined, future-state processes and standard operating procedures (SOPs) that align financial practices with broader organizational goals.
• Change Management & Embedding: Drive the adoption of new ways of working through targeted communication, training, and stakeholder engagement to ensure long-term sustainability.
• Impact Measurement: Define and track key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure efficiency gains, cost reductions, and process compliance throughout the 6-month project lifecycle.

What we are looking for:
• Experience: Proven experience in finance transformation, business analysis, or process optimization—specifically working with IT, Procurement, or corporate support functions.
• Analytical Skills: Strong ability to analyse complex data sets, map process workflows, and translate findings into actionable, user-friendly improvements.
• Communication & Collaboration: Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to influence and guide teams through transition periods.
• Project Delivery: Demonstrated success in delivering short-term transformation projects or process re-engineering initiatives within tight timeframes.

How we reward our teams:
• Hybrid Working Model from home and in the office
• 4pm Friday Finish
• Flexible Working
• 25 Days holiday, plus your Birthday off, plus Bank Holidays with an opportunity to buy extra days holiday
• Family Friendly Leave
• Company Pension scheme
• Annual Bonus based on company and personal performance
• Competitive Salary and Car Allowance
• Private Medical
• Cycle to work scheme
• Staff Discount Card for railway stores (subject to policy)

About us:
Celebrating over 230 years, we’re proud to have grown into a globally recognised brand present in over 30 countries – the air of familiarity people love and trust on their journey. As a diverse group of over 6,000 colleagues, we’re all on the same journey to a better business through our commitments to our planet, people and the communities we serve.

Our business operates from two key locations, In a vibrant area of London, close to Aldgate and Liverpool Street Station, while the other is located at Swindon's International Business Park, just off the M4 with excellent transport links and over 100 on-site parking spaces.
For WHSmith Europe, our mission is simple – to create value for our stakeholders by providing a platform for global brands across airports, hospitals, rail stations and other markets. Our operational environment is fast-paced and highly regulated, requiring exceptional standards of maintenance, compliance, health & safety and colleague welfare across every location.
We’re all about creating an inclusive and welcoming workplace where everyone can be themselves and do their best. No matter your background, age, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, race or ethnicity, marital status, religion, sex, sexual orientation or anything else that makes you, you—you’re welcome here.
We’re also open to flexible working where possible, so if that’s something you need, let’s chat. And if you need any adjustments during the selection process, just let our Talent Acquisition team know—we’re happy to help!