Senior Manager - Margin Planning at Zelus Analytics · Altrincham

About Zelus

Zelus is Nike Inc.’s exclusive global licensee for teamwear apparel and equipment, serving athletes and teams from grassroots to elite level across football, rugby, basketball, athletics, hockey, and more. Based in Hilversum, we bring together creative, passionate people to deliver high‑quality product for teams around the world — with a Swoosh on every kit.

The role

We are seeking an experienced Commercial Finance Manager or Commercial Business Partner with exceptional analytical capabilities and commercial acumen. You must be able to cut through complex financial and operational data, structuring and presenting actionable insights clearly for both finance and non-finance stakeholders.

This role is based in our Altrincham office, with a hybrid working pattern of three days in the office (Monday to Wednesday) and two days working remotely (Thursday and Friday). Occasional travel to our Netherlands office will be required.

What you’ll do

You will lead global margin planning, providing clear visibility, financial governance and commercial challenge across pricing and profitability. You will identify the drivers of margin performance, translate insight into action and work with Product, Commercial and Supply Chain to deliver agreed margin targets.

You will own margin visibility, planning, governance, analysis and challenge. Product and Commercial remain accountable for the underlying commercial decisions and their delivery.

Margin Control & Analysis

• Own the reporting of gross product margin (including production and logistics surcharges), setting out not just what happened, but why it happened, what it means and what we need to do about it.
• Own the forward-looking margin forecast, including risks and opportunities, identifying gaps to target early and driving action before they crystallise.
• Break margin movements down to root cause across price, FOB, surcharges, discount, mix and FX, rather than reporting the overall movement.
• Deliver actionable insights on sales trends and margin performance to all stakeholders, from senior management to PLMs.
• Take full ownership of product margins within the margin pack review process.
• Drive business adherence to margin targets and establish continual feedback loops to identify achievements and areas for margin expansion.

Pricing & Price Lists

• Oversee and drive commercial alignment for pricing decisions regarding non-standard pricing strategies.
• Provide the financial governance and challenge on pricing proposals responding to market trends, customer and consumer feedback and cost fluctuations, making sure the economics stack up and decisions are consistent with our margin targets. Product and Commercial own the pricing strategy; you own the financial rigour behind it.
• Review and analyse new discount structure proposals, actively managing the downstream financial impacts of any changes.
• Conduct comprehensive pricing analysis to ensure gross-to-net governance and strict discount control, aligning with the Product function on appropriate WSP/RRP positioning.

Business Partnering & Strategic Planning

• Translate overall company margin targets into clear targets and measures by category, customer and programme, provide visibility of performance against them and challenge constructively where we are off track.
• Drive accountability and ownership of margin targets across all product functions.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Product, Supply Chain, and Commercial teams to align sales goals with margin targets and strategic growth plans.
• Provide analytical support and financial modelling for strategic initiatives and special business projects.

What you’ll bring

• Experience: Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent), minimum 2–5+ years PQE, with strong commercial finance, margin planning or strategic pricing experience in a consumer, retail, apparel or other product-led business.
• Technical Skills: Advanced Excel capabilities (financial modelling, scenario analysis); proficiency with ERP/PLM systems and business intelligence tools.
• Commercial Acumen: Strong grasp of gross-to-net dynamics, WSP/RRP architecture, discount management, and landed cost structures, with the confidence and credibility to challenge senior commercial stakeholders.
• Communication: Proven ability to translate complex margin dynamics into clear executive summaries for cross-functional partners at all levels.

Why join Zelus?

At Zelus, you’ll have the opportunity to lead with impact, work closely with a globally recognised sports brand partner, and help shape how teamwear product comes to life for athletes worldwide. We offer a collaborative, inclusive culture, strong benefits, and real opportunities for professional growth.

Zelus is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We welcome and celebrate diversity in all its forms.

If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know and we will be happy to support you.

Please note: Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK at the time of application. Unfortunately, we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role.