Joules Finance Analyst (Product & Trade)

The Role We believe in dressing well for the weekend, every weekend. We are inspired by the countryside, coasts and towns in which we love to spend time. We champion our customers’ style every step of the way and our people are no exception to this. Prepare to be part of a dynamic, hard-working, collaborative and inspirational team, creating and bringing product to market season after season for our iconic British brand. You can expect a journey outlined with clear goals and aspirations shared by the whole business whilst building cross-collaborative relationships including the opportunity to work with our Founder; Tom Joule, and his Senior Team who have a wealth of knowledge to share. Step into the role of a Finance Analyst! Discover an exciting opportunity to take on an integral role here at Joules Head Office. Your role of Finance Analyst sits within our friendly and passionate Finance  department.  What You'll Do * In-depth Financial Analysis and Strategic Reporting: Taking the lead on comprehensive P&L analysis for key business segments, specifically focusing on New Business ventures, the Wholesale channel, and all Licensing agreements. This involves not only reporting the figures but also providing strategic insights into performance drivers, identifying areas for margin improvement, and modeling the financial impact of strategic decisions within these areas. * Merchandise and Trade Performance Management: Overseeing the preparation and meticulous maintenance of a suite of essential trade and merchandising reports. This includes, but is not limited to, the detailed Stock Pack for inventory oversight, rigorous Sale Reports for tracking top-line performance, accurate Buy Budget planning, tracking Intake flow, and developing sophisticated Ad-hoc Reporting capabilities to answer specific commercial queries quickly and effectively. * Cost Control and Margin Optimization: Closely tracking and analyzing the critical components that impact gross margin, including the detailed tracking of the Margin Rollup process to understand cost evolution. A specific focus is placed on monitoring and analyzing Air Freight costs, implementing measures to optimize this expenditure, and scrutinizing design-related financials, particularly the management of Provisions for potential write-downs and the analysis of actual versus target design Margins. * Core Financial Operations and Sample Management: Providing robust support for the core financial functions of the business. This encompasses active involvement in the preparation of Management Accounts, developing and refining Sales Forecast models, contributing to the annual Budgeting cycle, managing the weekly and monthly Cashflow forecasting, and taking responsibility for the efficient financial and physical management of all company Samples, ensuring they are tracked, accounted for, and their costs are correctly allocated. * Expense and Overhead Control Reporting: Generating detailed and actionable Cost Centre Reports across various departments and functional areas of the business. This reporting is essential for maintaining strict control over overhead expenses, providing budget holders with the necessary data to manage their costs effectively, and highlighting variances that require management intervention. What You'll Bring To really shine within the role of a Finance Analyst you must be able to work flexibly and at pace with a flair for Finance and a keen interest in the Fashion Industry. However, what we value most here at Joules is your ability to really align with who we are. So, if you: * Want to be part of a team who loves getting stuff done * Have a genuine team spirit * Are fearlessly creative with ideas to share * Are not afraid to fail and grow  * Have a genuine positivity for the future of our brand and all we can achieve * Are adaptable and can embrace change * Can work collaboratively and are always ready to give it your all * Enjoy celebrating success  Then look no further, the role of a Finance Analyst at Joules was made for you!  From a technical and operational perspective, it would also be advantageous if you can demonstrate the below: * We are seeking a detail-oriented, motivated individual who thrives in a dynamic environment.  * You will have the ability to remain calm under pressure and manage a wide range of stakeholders, including senior management. * Strong numerical and analytical skills with high attention to detail. * Excellent communication and customer service abilities. * Ability to challenge processes and drive improvements. * Intermediate Excel skills. * Experience in handling challenging conversations with suppliers. * Part-qualified in ACA/ACCA/CIMA. * Previous experience in a financial role, with a strong focus on data accuracy.   Where will you be working? This is a full time role based at ‘The Barn’ - this is Joules’ purpose built Head Office in Market Harborough, Leicestershire. Built in 2020, our team benefits from a creative, collaborative and open plan working environment that boasts comfort and exceptional design. It’s truly a great place to work. We value your dedication and understand the importance of balance. This role is office based and typically requires 5 days a week working onsite, as we believe this is where we make the best decisions together. We do offer discretionary flexibility to support your needs and help you navigate life's demands as and when your work allows.  Our Partnership with Next Combining Joules’ exceptional product design, marketing and brand building skills with NEXT’s Total Platform infrastructure enables us to reach more of our customers with authenticity and integrity, as well as provide exceptional customer service. Joules lead on Product, Design, Print, Creative Brand Strategy and Marketing whilst NEXT supports on Retail, HR, Finance, Distribution, Customer Service and Returns - offering operational excellence.  In essence, our partnership with NEXT means that we are perfectly positioned to move forward with the next chapter of our journey and in the words of our Founder, Tom Joule… ‘This is just the start!’ Sponsorship In accordance with Home Office guidance successful candidates will be required to evidence their right to work in the UK before commencement of employment. Joules does not hold a Sponsor Licence and would not, therefore, be able to sponsor a successful candidate under the Skilled Worker route. The successful candidate must be able to demonstrate the right to work without sponsorship. #LI-Onsite Our Working Way At Joules, we honour our British heritage while creating products and experiences that delight, inspire, and connect with our customers every day. We are committed to bringing freshness and innovation to our collections, delivering style, quality, and joy in every season. We strive to be the leading brand in preppy, heritage ‘time off’ clothing, offering standout outerwear and rainwear, layered autumn and winter essentials, fresh spring and summer styles, and a broad selection across womenswear, menswear, kidswear, and homeware. At Joules we lead on product, design, print, creative brand strategy and marketing whilst NEXT supports retail, HR, finance, distribution, customer service and returns - offering operational excellence. * 23 days holiday plus bank holidays * Health and Wellbeing benefits - Opt in Healthcare cash plan, free digital GP via the Aviva App, Wellhub app access with discounted gym membership, free access to an array of health and wellness apps and much more * We offer flexible start and finish times and discretionary flexibility to support your needs and help you navigate life's demands as and when your work allows * 25% staff discount on Joules and NEXT products * Up to 10% off most NEXT partner Brands & Branded Beauty products * Up to 25% off Joules partner Brands * Opt-in clothing allowance * Access to fantastic discounts at our NEXT staff shop * Life assurance * Reward Schemes - From a cycle to work scheme to discounts with nearly 1000 retailers * Collaborative, progressive and supportive working environment * Competitive employer pension contributions * Financial, physical and mental wellbeing support via our Employee Assistance Program * Dedicated Learning and Development * The Cafe - Our infamous on-site cafe offering subsidised, healthy, fresh and varied food available from breakfast through to lunch and beyond * Free on-site Parking & low cost EV charging points Conditions apply to all benefits. These benefits are discretionary and subject to change. We aim to support all candidates during the application process and are happy to provide workplace adjustments when necessary. Should you need support with your application due to a disability or long-term condition, feel free to get in touch with us by email headoffice_joulesHR@next.co.uk (please include 'Workplace Adjustments' in the subject line), or call us on 0116 284 2486 and leave a voicemail.