Case study: Hiring a Group Financial Analyst in the FMCG Sector

Introduction

A multinational fresh fruit supplier needed a Group Financial Analyst to strengthen consolidation, FP&A and commercial analytics across multiple countries. Networks and advertising had not worked. We were engaged to run an executive search and provide a robust shortlist with clear evidence.

The challenge

• Secure an analytically strong, commercially minded Group Financial Analyst with international, multi-entity experience.
• Build robust group reporting (IFRS), consolidation and intercompany processes; shorten month-end close.
• Deliver SKU/customer margin analytics for perishable categories; improve pricing and mix decisions.
• Manage FX exposure, commodity and logistics volatility; drive working capital discipline.
• Partner with country finance leads, supply chain, commercial and the Group FC/CFO; influence non-finance stakeholders.
• Improve BI and self-serve reporting (Excel/Power BI) and standardise templates.
• Deliver a high-quality shortlist quickly.

Our approach

• Calibrated the role, outcomes and success profile with the CFO and Group Financial Controller.
• Ran a targeted headhunt across fresh produce, chilled FMCG, food importers/distributors and PE-backed multi-country groups; included Big 4/Top 10 qualified talent who had moved in-house.
• Mapped and engaged passive candidates: Group/Regional Analysts, FP&A Managers and Group Reporting Analysts with proven delivery in fast-moving, low-margin environments.
• Structured assessment:
  • Consolidation and intercompany eliminations case (IFRS).
  • Margin bridge and pricing/mix analysis for perishables; waste and yield tracking.
  • FX exposure and hedging scenario; logistics cost variance.
  • 90-day plan to improve month-end close, BI and stakeholder cadence.
  • Stakeholder partnering and influence exercises.
• Each candidate received an evidence-led summary and consistent scorecard; technical testing in Excel/Power BI. Confidentiality protected throughout.

The result

• Delivered an excellent shortlist within four weeks; offer accepted in six.
• The appointed Group Financial Analyst was ACA-qualified (ex-Big 4) with group FP&A and reporting experience in a European food business and strong Power BI skills.
• Early outcomes included a consolidated monthly board pack, month-end close reduced from eight to five days, SKU/customer margin visibility, improved forecast accuracy, tighter working capital governance and an FX exposure map with hedge recommendations.

Why it worked

• Headhunting reached high-performing passive candidates from adjacent food and FMCG businesses.
• A clear brief and structured, evidence-led assessment created confidence.
• Tight timelines and CFO sponsorship kept momentum from shortlist to offer.

Contact us
If you are a fresh produce, food and beverage or FMCG organisation hiring group finance talent, we can help you secure proven analytics and reporting capability.

Call: 0207 160 6996
Email: info@executiveheadhunters.co.uk
Visit: executiveheadhunters.co.uk