FET Lead – Senior Finance Manager

About the role

The Finance Excellence Transformation (FET) Lead will drive business performance, strategic planning and financial management for Unilever’s Southern Africa region. Reporting to the Head of Finance Southern Africa, this senior position combines leadership, analytical insight and hands‑on financial control to support growth and profitability.

Key responsibilities

• Lead monthly, quarterly and year‑end close processes, ensuring accurate reporting for local and global requirements.
• Develop and maintain corporate management accounting systems, budgeting, planning, reporting and performance‑management frameworks.
• Provide strategic analysis, variance analysis and board‑level presentations to senior stakeholders.
• Consolidate CEO updates, maintain historical data integrity and drive robust business‑planning and forecasting processes.
• Partner with divisions and global teams on the Annual Operating Plan, financial forecasts and target setting.
• Drive gross‑margin improvement, pricing strategy implementation (NRM/NRR) and optimisation of marketing investment through Project Symphony.
• Maintain alignment across reporting systems such as SAP, BW, GCUT and iFinance.
• Build effective relationships with business partners across Southern Africa and globally.

Required profile

• Senior finance experience with a proven track record in business performance and strategic planning.
• Strong leadership and decision‑making capabilities, able to influence senior stakeholders.
• Excellent analytical skills with experience in variance analysis and executive reporting.
• Ability to manage complex financial controls in line with a global framework.

Required skills

• SAP
• Business Warehouse (BW)
• GCUT
• iFinance