Group Head of Financial Planning & Analysis

ABOUT PRODUCTLIFE GROUP (PLG)

ProductLife Group’s mission is to improve human health by delivering regulatory compliance services for the safe and effective use of medical solutions. Since almost 30 years, ProductLife Group (PLG) supports clients through the entire product life cycle, combining local expertise with global reach spanning more than 130 countries. It provides consulting and outsourcing services in the areas of regulatory affairs, quality and compliance, vigilances and medical information, covering both established products and innovative therapeutics & diagnostics. With a goal of continuously improving the value delivered to people and customers, PLG is committed to long-term partnership, innovation, flexibility, and cost efficiency.

PLG is a fast-growing organization, evolving from €25m revenue in 2020 to €210m in 2024, and with an ambition to reach €600m by 2028. The development being supported by a continued M&A strategy (23 build-ups closed since 2020).

ABOUT THE ROLE

The ideal candidate will have a proven track record as a Head of FP&A or in a similar senior finance role within a high-growth, multi-national environment. S/he will demonstrate strong technical accounting expertise, process improvement skills, and leadership capabilities.

The Head of FP&A will support the CFO in shaping the financial strategy of the organization and providing insights to drive decision-making and business performance at the global level.

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Group Head of Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A). The successful candidate will be responsible for overseeing P&L consolidation, financial planning and analysis, managing budgeting and forecasting processes, analyzing performance and key performance indicators (KPIs), supporting strategic decisions, and ensuring alignment with Group financial objectives.

Key Responsibilities and Competencies

Strategic Planning and Analysis

• Lead the financial planning and analysis function, providing insights and recommendations to senior management to support the Growth strategy, the effectiveness of world-class Operations and supporting functions
• Manage the budgeting and forecasting processes, ensuring accuracy and timeliness and consistency with the strategic plan of the Group
• Deliver forward-looking financial insights and analysis to drive long-term profitability and growth.
• Support strategic decision-making by providing financial analysis and insights. Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of financial strategies and initiatives.

Management Reporting

• Oversee the Management Reporting (P&L, across the Group, i.e. monthly and cumulative financial statements of the Company and its Subsidiaries (including a detailed income statement, a balance sheet, a cash flow statement and detailed statement of debt, as well as a comment on the business activity), together with a comparison with (a) the corresponding month of the previous financial year and (b) the corresponding monthly budget, as well as a comment on all this information, including any discrepancies recorded
• Design and improve reporting frameworks to enhance clarity and decision-making at the executive level.
• Ensure alignment of financial reporting across business units and geographies.

Business Performance Management

• Analyze financial performance and KPIs, identifying trends and areas for improvement.
• Oversee and support the value creation strategy of the Group, i.e. financial impact of business synergies and cost optimizations across entities and with HQ, consistently with the Target Operating Model.
• Conduct variance analysis, identifying risks and opportunities, and recommending mitigating actions.
• Create and maintain dynamic financial models to support decision-making on investments, acquisitions, and operational improvements
• Develop and implement financial models and tools to support business planning and decision-making..

Team Leadership and Development

• Build and lead a high-performing FP&A team, fostering a culture of excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Mentor and develop team members to strengthen analytical capabilities and business acumen.

Post-Merger Integration, Process Improvement and Technology Enablement

• Oversee the financial integration of newly acquired businesses from management reporting, processes, tooling and organizational standpoints.
• Support the implementation of the ERP finance, dashboarding, financial cube (EPM) and the consistency and completeness of the related masterdata
• Drive automation and process enhancements in financial planning, forecasting, and reporting.
• Standardize processes and methodologies to ensure consistency and scalability across the group.
• Ensure alignment with Group financial objectives and policies.
• Collaborate with various departments to gather and analyze financial data.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Act as a trusted advisor to the CFO, CEO, and executive team by providing financial insights and strategic guidance.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Operations, Commercial, and IT, to optimize business processes and ensure financial alignment.
• Prepare presentations and reports for the board of directors, investors, and other key stakeholders.

Required qualification and skills:

Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field; MBA or relevant professional certification (e.g., CFA, CPA) is preferred.

Minimum 10 years of proven experience in financial planning and analysis, preferably in a multinational organization developing buy-and-build strategies

Strong knowledge of financial principles, practices, and regulations.

Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.

Proficiency in financial modeling and forecasting techniques.

Strong communication and presentation skills.

Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.

High level of integrity and professionalism.

Skills and Competencies:

Leadership and team management skills.

Advanced proficiency in financial software and tools.

Strong attention to detail and accuracy.

Ability to think strategically and provide actionable insights.

Excellent organizational and time management skills.

Benefits:

Competitive salary and benefits package.

Opportunity to work in a dynamic and international environment.