Head of FP&A at Synlait External Careers Site

Rakaia, Canterbury, New Zealand -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

19 Apr, 26

Salary

0.0

Posted On

19 Jan, 26

Experience

10 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

FP&A, Financial Modelling, Analytics, Commercial Acumen, Leadership, Communication, Risk Management, Continuous Improvement, Team Building, Coaching, Excel, ERP Systems, BI Tools, Proactive Mindset, Insight Generation, Decision Support

Industry

Food and Beverage Manufacturing

Description

About the role We have an exciting opportunity for a Head of FP&A to join our Finance team. We’re on the lookout for a commercially minded finance leader who can bring clarity, insight and strategic partnership to support decision-making at the executive and Board level. Reporting to the CFO, this role leads the FP&A function and is pivotal in driving high-quality financial planning, forecasting, budgeting and long-range modelling. You will work closely with senior leaders, providing actionable insights, highlighting risks and opportunities and enabling the business to execute with confidence. This is a key leadership role where you will build, coach, and inspire a high-performing FP&A team, drive change and ensure the function is a true strategic brain and core business partner. This role is based at our manufacturing site in Dunsandel, with the flexibility to spend time at our city-centre office if needed. Key responsibilities of this role include Leading the end-to-end FP&A function, including forecasting, budgeting, gap analysis, and long-range planning. Reviewing actual financial performance against forecast and budget, identifying key drivers and variances. Providing clear, insightful commentary and actionable recommendations to senior leaders and the Board. Developing and maintaining robust financial models, including profitability, milk price, and scenario modelling. Preparing high-quality dashboards and reports for the Executive Leadership Team. Proactively identifying risks and opportunities, with a forward-looking mindset to detect issues before they arise. Partnering closely with Finance Business Partners (FBPs) and the wider business to enable execution and deliver results. Driving continuous improvement and change across the FP&A function. Building and leading a high-performing team, coaching and developing talent to deliver excellence. Skills and Experience The ideal candidate will bring their combined strong technical expertise in FP&A, financial modelling, and analytics with the ability to translate complex data into actionable insight. They are forward-looking, proactive, and skilled at detecting risks and opportunities early to support informed decision-making. Proven experience in working capital forecasting, including cashflow visibility, liquidity planning, and scenario modelling to support short‑ and long‑term funding needs will be a plus. The ideal candidate will have the following skills and attributes: 8+ years’ experience in FP&A or related finance roles, with at least 3 years in a leadership position. CA/CPA (or equivalent) professional qualification. Proven experience working with senior leaders to influence decisions and drive commercial performance. Strong commercial acumen with financial modelling and analytical expertise. Experience in manufacturing, dairy, or similarly complex environments preferred. Advanced Excel capability, experience with ERP systems (SAP) and BI tools. Mandarin language skills highly desirable. Agile, forward-thinking mindset with the ability to drive change and detect risks early. Strong communication skills with the ability to tell a clear financial story. Proven ability to build, coach, and lead high-performing teams. Our Manufacturing site is based in Dunsandel, we also have an office in the city centre so there would be flexibility to work between the two offices. About us – The Synlait Spirit Synlait is more than a global leader in milk nutrition – we're a purpose-led team that’s Doing Milk Differently For A Healthier World. Our Synlait Spirit guides everything we do, from how we show up each day to the impact we create together. You’ll be joining an authentic, down-to-earth team that lives the three values that underpin the Synlait Spirit. Be The Difference means we understand before we act – that means asking why, supporting each other to think differently, stay curious, and continuously look for smarter ways to deliver value. Whether it’s in the paddock, the plant or the boardroom, we’re driven by impact and inspired to make a meaningful difference every day. We Move as One by working together with respect, trust and a shared commitment to doing what’s right. We collaborate across teams to deliver innovative solutions and create opportunity for those around us. We feed the world’s most vulnerable, including newborn babies, so we have to be Right on the Mark. That means we take accountability seriously, act with courage and focus our energy on what matters most. We combine expert farming and state of the art processing to deliver high quality nutritional products to all over the world. At Synlait you’ll be challenged and supported to grow. We know everyone brings something unique to the table so we’re an inclusive workplace, where diverse perspectives fuel innovation and success. What we offer: Health insurance cover & partnered with top brands for great benefits and discounts Excellent parental leave with our Matua policy B CorpTM certified Social Club membership opportunities What's next? Apply now! Include your most recent CV and cover letter summarising your abilities and what you can bring to Synlait. We wish you the best of luck in your application. We encourage you to apply early as we will be reviewing applications regularly and may close the advertisement early. Together we will continue to create a workplace where everyone can thrive and contribute their best. Applicants outside of New Zealand will only be considered if you have the legal right to live and work in New Zealand. #LI-KT1

Responsibilities

Lead the end-to-end FP&A function, including forecasting, budgeting, and long-range planning. Provide actionable insights and recommendations to senior leaders and the Board.