Based in the UK with the opportunity to travel internationally (ad-hoc basis), this person will play a pivotal role in driving the future growth strategy for Whitbread.  With an initial focus on Germa...

Role: Finance Manager Property (Acquisitions)

Function:  Property Finance

Location: Dunstable - we have a fantastic hybrid working environment, you’ll need to be in the office at least 2 days per week but the rest of your week can be flexible to what works best for you and your role.

Employment Type: Permanent, Full Time

Salary: Up to £67,000 plus bonus & benefits

Based in the UK with the opportunity to travel internationally (ad-hoc basis), this person will play a pivotal role in driving the future growth strategy for Whitbread.  With an initial focus on Germany, they will be the key point of contact for the Germany Acquisitions Director, building great relationships with them and their team in unlocking new hotel opportunities in the market.

Inside the Role

• Rigorous appraisal and challenge is provided ahead of and during the appraisal process for all new site opportunities, with accurate framing of decisions/actions
• Presentation and explanation of site specific issues to a range of senior stakeholders
• Ability to prepare/write compelling board papers supporting strategically important investments, distilling complex financials into easy to understand, well presented papers.
• Board papers pitched at board level and presented on time and to the correct specification to the investment, Exco. and PLC board meetings
• The role holder will be a recognised expert on Germany investment process and will be in a great position to support further international expansion opportunities
• Lead periodic reviews of the property investment model, working collaboratively across key senior stakeholders in the business to ensure both a  and well understood application of appraisal, leading sign off’s with key senior business stakeholders (COO/MD for Property) ahead of wider adoption/board approval
• Best practice approach adopted to new site investments with alignment across both the UK and international business
• In conjunction with the Project and reporting coordinator, maintain and improve the Investment cycle so that all stakeholders have clear understanding of what is required of them and what will consequently be delivered by the team
• Develop strong relationships with the Germany Acquisitions Director, COO and Business Development Teams to ensure new site opportunities are modelled and presented in a compelling and accurate way.
• Through a strong understanding of the Germany business, be able to credibly challenge and support the teams to prepare high quality investment papers
• Develop financial appraisal models for Germany acquisitions structures, specifically OpCo/PropCo company structure, ensuring assumptions are robust and agreed, and provide insight into the key financial levers and deal structure consideration
• Lead the analysis of the post completion review (PCR) of German site investments, leveraging learnings from the UK PCR exercise and overlaying business and country specific adjustments into the analysis
• Identify learnings, provide recommendations to inform the future strategy and lead the work to roll changes agreed into future site appraisals
• Lead and manage 2 direct reports - provide coaching, support, recognition and development to drive engagement and ensure that output is delivered to the highest standards, in the right way.
• Maintain regular 1-2-1's to develop a robust PDP which develop and enhance their career in line with individual aspirations and capabilities
• Ensure effective communication with the broader property team, driving a coherent and enjoyable team environment

We’re open to you

• Qualified Accountant (ACMA, ACCA, ACA)
• Analytical mind-set with ability to understand, join dots at speed and requires minimal support in coming up with financial models
• Ability to present succinctly to senior stakeholders
• Be able to work out a means to derive meaningful analysis
• Strong commercial acumen with ability to understand, challenge, inform investment decisions
• Inter-personal skills and ability to build strong stakeholder relationships
• Excellent attention to detail
• Excellent organisation & prioritisation skills
• Strong financial modelling expertise is critical
• Ability to present succinctly to senior stakeholders
• Ability to work under pressure and prioritise workstreams
• People Management

We’re 1,200 hotels and restaurants in the UK, Germany and the UAE, but we’re more than that. We’re the 35,000 people supporting our brands every day. The ones sourcing the nation’s favourite breakfast, plating up family favourites, and the great night’s sleep guaranteed people. We’re also always preparing for new openings, looking ahead and revamping our online presence. We do it for our guests, and it’s the details that keep them returning time and time again. We could be at the end of their road, their trusty choice for business trips, or we could be the place they associate with big celebrations up and down the country. We’re a constant in a changing world, and we’d love you to join us. Bring your energy, ideas and sense of fun, we’re waiting and so are our brands. #

In return, we will offer you:    

• An annual Whitbread performance incentive worth up to 30% of base salary  
• An optional contributory pension matched up to 10% 
• BUPA healthcare 
• Up to 60% discount on Premier Inn stays and a regular 25% discount in our Restaurant brands  
• Access to Whitbread’s Save As You Earn scheme, with a fantastic 20% discount on Whitbread shares 
• Recognition for service anniversaries, starting from 1 year 
• Access to a range of discounts from everyday brands 
• Charity donations through our Give and Match and Raise and Match schemes