Strategic Finance Analyst

Primark is an international clothing retailer employing more than 70,000 colleagues across 16 countries in Europe and the US. Founded in Ireland in 1969 under the Penneys brand, Primark aims to create maximum joy at minimum cost – less money and less impact on the planet. Primark continues to expand across new and existing markets with the aim of reaching 530 stores by the end of 2026. Every person impacts the culture at Primark. Our values: Caring (we always strive to put people first), Dynamic (we bravely push the boundaries to stay ahead) and Together (we learn more, laugh more and achieve more as a team) outline the behaviours we expect of our people as we work with each other, our customers, our suppliers and our partners. Let’s see what impact you can make

The role of the analyst is to provide support to the strategic finance team in developing insights to enable decision making in the company. Working with leadership and key stakeholders, the strategic finance team support, advise and critically challenges strategic and operational decision making across the business bringing analytical, commercial and strategic insights to drive performance and value creation.

Example areas of where the strategic finance team spend their time include Business Strategy & Planning, Technology & Digital, Property & New Markets and Operational & Tactical Activities. This role will work across strategic initiatives within the Primark Property areas of the organisation, including Property, Retail, Store Development, Space Planning and International Expansion. Although the analyst will naturally be focused on these areas, the expectation is that they will work in an agile nature in providing support across focus activities on the team.

Key Responsibilities

- Providing relevant financial analysis and assisting with the development of financial models and investment cases to support the long‑term strategic goals of both the existing and proposed property portfolio (new store opportunities, store refits, lease renegotiations, franchise operations, international expansion etc)

- Ensuring all proposed investment decisions are appropriately presented with clear explanations of value drivers and recommendations

- Ensuring all data and information used in any investment appraisals are robust and appropriate

- Using an analytical data‑driven approach to provide insight and challenge, and partnering with the organisation to drive business performance and value in this area

- Supporting the Senior Finance Business Partners in presenting analysis and recommendations to senior stakeholders

- Working closely with stakeholders to provide analytical expertise, insights and intelligence so that it can be understood and used to optimise and grow store portfolio in both new and existing markets; whilst making sound financial decisions

- Working collaboratively across the organisation, particularly with the Strategic Finance, Property, Retail, Store Development, Space Planning, International Expansion and FP&A teams

- Understanding our customers and our competitors, while keeping up to date with commercial trends

Essential knowledge, skills and capabilities

- Excellent financial modelling experience and ability to build out robust investment cases in a logical and clear manner

- Advanced report writing abilities with strong attention to detail

- A critical thinker who asks the right questions and is strong in the ‘what if’

- Ability to build relationships across stakeholders, be commercially aware and numerically savvy

- Storytelling and communication skills and comfortable working cross‑functionally throughout the business

- Commercial instinct with the ability to quickly understand the implications of a situation on our commercial performance, incorporate this into an analysis and communicate it effectively

- Action orientated and solutions focused, with a passion and drive to grow the business

- Emotional intelligence to effectively communicate the impact of specific business issues, overcome challenges and formulate growth scenarios

- Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to clearly explain financial and investment issues to non‑finance colleagues at all levels

- Ability to collect, process & perform data analyses with strong skills in data interrogation across financial & non‑financial data

- Effective planning and organisation skills, ability to plan and prioritise work schedule and work within agreed timescales

- Ability to identify risks & opportunities with the confidence to present solutions in a methodical manner

- Ability to work in an agile environment with ad‑hoc, project‑based activities

Successful candidates will meet the following criteria

- Educated to a degree level+ and likely to be a qualified accountant with 2+ years PQE

- Corporate finance, due diligence, investment appraisal or strategy experience, ideally with a property background

- Excellent Excel and financial modelling skills required

- Project experience or experience of working in a fast‑paced environment / retail / FMCG

- High level of commercial acumen with the ability to see beyond the confines of the traditional Finance area

- Demonstrate initiative with strong work ethic

- Detail oriented

- The ability to produce relevant, coherent, succinct information analysis for all levels of management, including understanding the requirements of senior stakeholders in the business

- Ability to structure and present a story to influence decisions

- Self‑motivated with the ability to work independently and pro‑actively

- Strong desire to take ownership of tasks with an ability to follow through to completion

Because you can see how we can be better. Innovate, your way.

What’s a career at Primark all about? The positive impact you’re making, the experiences you’re having and the people you’re with. You’re our inspiration. Embrace what sets you apart, own your career and develop in ways you never expected. Leave your mark. And do it your way.

Primark promotes equal employment opportunity, we strive to create an inclusive workplace where people can be themselves, access opportunities and thrive together.

If you require extra support at any stage of the selection process, please get in touch with our team at removingbarriers@primark.co.uk.

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