Finance Business Partner - Central & Projects
Join us on the Journey...
Join one of the UK’s leading transport groups as a Finance Business Partner supporting the commercial strategy and performance of our Coach operating entities (c£350m turnover). This is a pivotal role within our Finance Planning & Analysis (FP&A) team, offering the opportunity to work closely with senior leaders and drive business-critical decisions.
The Role
As Finance Business Partner, you'll act as a trusted advisor to the commercial and operational leadership teams, providing insight, analysis, and strategic challenge. You'll lead a small team and be responsible for delivering robust planning, forecasting, reporting, and performance analysis that supports the business in achieving its growth goals.
You’ll report to the Head of FP&A and be a key point of contact for senior stakeholders across pricing, marketing, sales, and operations.
Key Responsibilities
- Business Partnering & Commercial Insight
- Work with commercial teams to understand and improve financial performance, identifying risks, gaps, and opportunities
- Support pricing strategies through market and competitor analysis
- Lead financial evaluation of bids, tenders, marketing campaigns, and new initiatives
- Provide financial modelling and ROI assessments for investment proposals
- Collaborate on continuous improvement projects and contractual negotiations
- Reporting & Performance Management
- Ensure accurate and timely reporting for revenue and commercial P&Ls
- Produce insightful reports and dashboards that track KPIs and highlight performance drivers
- Support monthly, quarterly, and board-level reporting processes
- Assist with year-end audit and compliance activity
Planning & Strategy
- Drive annual budget, forecasting, and long-range financial planning cycles
- Hold stakeholders accountable for delivering agreed performance targets
- Lead and improve financial risk and opportunity reporting
Leadership & Development
- Lead, coach and develop a small team of finance professionals
- Foster a culture of performance, collaboration, and continuous improvement
What We’re Looking For
- Qualified Accountant (ACCA / CIMA / ACA) with 3+ years post-qualification experience (Essential)
- Proven experience in business partnering roles, ideally in transport, logistics, or manufacturing
- Strong analytical skills, with the ability to interpret complex financial and non-financial data
- Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills
- Advanced Excel and data modelling proficiency
Why Join Us?
- Be part of a high-impact finance team shaping the future of our Coach business
- Hybrid working model with flexibility to support work–life balance
- A dynamic, commercially focused role where your insights will directly influence strategy
- Supportive environment with clear progression and development opportunities
Ready to take the next step in your finance career? Apply now and help drive the success of a key part of our business.
What we offer in return for your hard work and commitment...
- Free Bus & Coach travel for yourself on the National Express network
- Complimentary coach travel for a Nominated Person or complimentary bus travel for a Spouse or Partner on the National Express network
- Life Assurance
- Company pension
- Employee Assistance programme
- Private online GP service
National Express is committed to creating an inclusive workplace that reflects the diverse communities we serve and we positively encourage applications from all sectors of the community.
We are a Disability Confident Committed employer and should you require any adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process please let us know.
We reserve the right to close this advert early if we receive a high volume of applications before the advertised closed date.
Things to Note...
At National Express, we are really proud of our health and safety record and as a result, we operate a Drugs and Alcohol Policy which is applicable to all employees.
As part of your initial assessment, we will complete Drug and Alcohol testing and you may be subject to random tests during your employment.