Role: Global Process Owner – Acquire to Retire

Purpose of role:The Global Process Owner Acquire to Retire will deliver process simplification, standardisation and transformation across the Primark ‘Acquire to Retire’ process. You will be responsible for ensuring the ‘Acquire to Retire’ process supports Primark’s ambitious growth plans as we continue to grow our global store network. You will hold ultimate responsibility for all finance ‘Acquire to Retire’ processes from planned build/acquisition of these assets to retirement/disposal. You will be expected to lead the strategic transformation of these processes ensuring they operate in a controlled, consistent and effective manner.

Reports to: Finance Transformation Director

Location: Dublin Head Office 

Key Responsibilities:

• End-to-end ownership and accountability for the successful delivery of the transformation of the Acquire to Retire process
• Develop process vision, strategy and objectives for the Acquire to Retire end‐to‐end process focusing on delivering significant improvements in the productivity, efficiency and effectiveness of the Acquire to Retire process in Primark by leveraging leading-edge process design and technology
• Develops and defines key processes, policies, procedures and controls for the Acquire to Retire process
• Identifies, develops, and implements process improvement initiatives to simplify processes, automate processes, or eliminate “work‐arounds” in order to transform the Acquire to Retire end-to-end process
• Exercises the authority and ability to make the necessary process changes
• Build successful relationships with key stakeholders in Store Development, Property, New Markets, Technology, Internal Control, Financial Reporting and Finance Business Partnering to help drive the transformation of the Acquire to Retire process
• Coordinate design and delivery of relevant finance process improvements in a seamless fashion, by collaborating with the other Global Process Owners, key finance stakeholders and senior leadership across the business
• Expected to influence internal and external stakeholders and act as a champion for innovation and adoption of new practices
• Key stakeholder in the Primark Governance Framework, driving engagement and supporting others across Finance in preparing for and engaging with Governance forums
• Acts as a governing authority for end‐to‐end process changes and identifies and engages process stakeholders to build a coalition of support
• Drive consistency in the end to end Finance Acquire to Retire process by documenting and developing robust risk and control matrices and process notes by reference to the ABF FCF General Accounting and Control Environment (identifying gaps and areas of improvement), including roles & responsibilities

Essential knowledge, skills and experience:

• Deep understanding of Acquire to Retire processes and how they impact the finance ecosystem
• Commercial awareness and strategic mind-set, with ability to demonstrate a sound knowledge of wider business
• Strong engagement and communication skills, with proven ability in developing effective working relationships across all levels of the organisation, particularly with senior management
• Excellent planning and project management skills, ability to multi-task, plan and prioritise work schedule for self and team and work within agreed timescales
• Demonstrates leadership skills with the ability to inspire, lead, build & deliver through high performing teams
• Able to draw knowledge from a broad experience of financial roles
• Brings a challenger mentality and constantly looks for continuous improvement
• Process oriented, with good experience of delivering change across processes & systems
• Experience working on transformation programmes/change programmes desired across people, process & systems

Successful candidates will meet the following criteria:

• Educated to degree level +
• Accounting qualification (ACCA, ACA, CIMA, CPA or equivalent) an advantage
• 7+ years PQE having worked in finance roles and in a people management role
• Process oriented with a logical mind-set, using reasoning consistently to come to the correct conclusion
• Knowledge of transformation through business process change, automation (incl. RPA), Business Intelligence & data analytics would be advantageous. E.g. applications such as Automation Anywhere, Alteryx, MS Power Automate etc.
• Understanding of software delivery lifecycle an advantage particularly around requirement elicitation/refinement/documentation, UAT and business readiness (i.e. support from project to operations – user documentation, training, workshops)
• Accreditation and/or practitioner experience of Transformation, Change Management or Project Management e.g. APMG, PMI CAPM/PMP, Lean Six Sigma, Agile Product Owner, etc. would be advantageous
• Strong financial and analytical acumen
• Thrive in a fast-paced environment
• Demonstrate initiative with strong work ethic
• Proven experience working in a large organisation with multi-currency and multi-national exposure
• Experience with Oracle Financials is an advantage