Finance Business Partner

Job Overview

Avanti West Coast is looking for a Finance Business Partner to join our dynamic team and play a pivotal role in shaping the financial success of our business. As a Finance Business Partner, you will be the key financial lead for designated Directorate teams, providing strategic and financial decision support. You’ll work closely with Executive Directors, Heads of Department, and Budget Holders to review performance, identify risks and opportunities, and ensure financial plans align with operational delivery and commitments under our train operator contract with the Department for Transport (DfT).

• Partner with Directorate leadership teams to support and challenge business objectives and financial targets.
• Lead financial planning for Annual Business Plans and Quarterly Forecasts.
• Engage with budget holders to develop action plans, performance measures, and corrective actions.
• Deliver insightful financial reporting and analysis to aid decision‑making.
• Appraise investment proposals and conduct post‑implementation reviews to ensure ROI.
• Support supplier tenders and contract negotiations, representing Avanti West Coast in First Group tenders.
• Promote strong financial control and ensure Finance is seen as a trusted, value‑adding partner.
• Drive process improvements and benchmark best practices to enhance business performance.

• Proven experience in finance business partnering within a complex organisation.
• Strong analytical and modelling skills with the ability to influence senior stakeholders.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to identify risks and opportunities and provide actionable insights.
• A proactive approach to improving processes and delivering value.

• Final salary pension
• Free travel on Avanti West Coast for you/spouse/partner/dependents
• Privilege Travel card (75% off other train operators’ fares for leisure travel)
• 30 days holiday rising by 1 for every completed year of service to a maximum of 37 days (inclusive of bank holidays)
• 10 free journeys on other First Group Train Operators

• Seniority Level: Mid‑Senior level
• Employment Type:
  
  Full‑time
• Job Function:
  Finance and Sales
• Industry: Rail Transportation

Birmingham, England, United Kingdom

We value the differences that make each of us outstanding! Avanti West Coast recognises the benefits of building a diverse workforce and employing people from diverse backgrounds, which includes their race, religion, age, gender, gender identity, disability, and sexual orientation.

• Passionate – We foster a culture where everyone is driven by our mission and are dedicated to achieving it together.
• Committed – We are committed to safety, reliability and delivering the very best for our customers, our colleagues, stakeholders and the industry.
• Integrity – We believe in taking responsibility for our reactions and decisions to ensure we do the right thing even when it is difficult to do and hold others accountable for doing the same.
• Ambitious – We strive to be the best and are curious to new ways of working within our business and the wider industry.
• Authentic – We are genuine, caring and grounded individuals that operate and communicate with openness, trust and clarity.