Unilever Looking for Finance IT Manager, IT Function, ekaterra at Bengaluru, Karnataka Full Time

Job Title: Finance IT Manager, IT Function, ekaterra

Work Location: India

Job Type: Fulltime

Travel required: Limited travel. Now limited due to CV19 restrictions

About ekaterra

Unilever is proud of its tea business ekaterra, the biggest in the world, with world class purpose driven brands such as Lipton, PG tips and Pukka. eka stands for unity and one purpose while terra stands for earth and nature. As ekaterra we are united in one purpose: growing a world of wellbeing through the regenerative power of plants. Recently Unilever announced that it had agreed to sell ekaterra to CVC Capital Partners Fund VIII.

Present in more than 100 countries, ekaterra generated revenues of €2 billion in 2019. With 11 production factories in four continents and tea growing estates in three countries, ekaterra is a profitable and growing business offering a world of wellbeing with the regenerative power of plants to hundreds of millions of consumers. As a standalone entity, ekaterra is even better positioned to lead the industry with dedicated focus driving greater growth and value.

Under CVC’s ownership, ekaterra has an exciting future ahead with opportunities for increased investments in our brands, our people and our capabilities. Combining the strength and scale of its global iconic brands with speed and agility, ekaterra is brewing a ‘corporate start-up’ mindset that’s opening-up new opportunities to flourish every day – both for its business, and its people.

At ekaterra, we work alongside people who put consumer love at the heart of every decision. Diverse minds who celebrate new ideas, share our values and the commitment we have for the wellbeing of all. In return, we create an environment that gives our people space and freedom, where they can grow as leaders. A connected community where ideas can thrive. Where you explore new challenges. Learning all you need to master your field, and even more about yourself.

Be part of this amazing blend. Join our collective and help us grow a better world of wellbeing and a better you.

The qualities we look for in you:
ekaterra is made up of a special blend of individuals which make our teams exciting and diverse. To be part of our blend we are looking for individuals who think Green and are environmentally conscious, who understand the power of simplicity and who are accountable for their actions. We want those who infuse mastery and passion in everything they do to create great products and unforgettable experiences for our consumers.

What’s in it for you?

We believe that growth is for everyone, we believe in growing leaders, and we believe in making space to grow an owner’s mentality. Like nature, we adapt, we change and we grow. We believe in connections over hierarchies and work levels. We have a ‘corporate start-up’ approach; we act with speed and agility and we have the strength and scale of a large corporation. We are building a better world of wellbeing, and a better you.

Your Role:
The Finance IT Manager will support the delivery, operation and regular upgrade of Finance solutions, including SAP S/4HANA Extended Cloud and associated interfaces. You will act as the interface between the Business and the technical delivery team to ensure Finance applications, including S/4HANA solution and associated development and support meet the needs of the Finance function.

The role will support the creation and maintenance of the Finance IT strategy and Finance ERP roadmap, including upgrades, version releases and enhancements based on the business strategy and market trends. You will prepare analysis for the Finance IT Lead to partner with SAP and other key technology vendors (e.g. Blackline) to influence their product roadmaps wherever possible to drive optimal solution outcomes for the business.

Together with the Infrastructure and end user Computing team, and in conjunction with the Business, you will support the preparation of an annual ERP maintenance schedule to ensure continuity of service and minimise any business disruption.

Your Key Tasks:
Support the delivery, operation and regular upgrade of Finance solutions, including SAP S/4HANA Extended Cloud, ensuring it remains aligned to the current and future business needs.

Gather business requirements for Finance solution developments and ensure the delivery of subsequent changes and improvements are in line with internal guidelines and change management processes.

Build and maintain strong working relationships with key Finance solution vendor contacts (e.g. SAP, Blackline), finance process leads and other key finance team members.

Support the development and maintenance of the Finance IT strategy in alignment with the business strategy, solution roadmaps and market trends.

Ensure that the Finance IT development and application management services are delivered in accordance with all contractual SLAs and business expectations.

Support regular Finance IT performance management meetings with key business stakeholders to drive performance improvements within the IT Team and software vendors.

Maintain a view of future solution functionality and aligned technologies that would enhance, simplify or delight our customers and shareholders.

Stakeholder Management and key interfaces:
Role reports to the Finance IT Lead.

Engagement with SAP, Blackline and other software vendors as and when required.

Engagement with Finance process leads and super users.

Engagement with IT managers for IT infrastructure, local IT, security and service management.

Engagement with IT delivery and support partner/s.

Skills and Experience:
A background in strategy development, portfolio management, delivery and operational support oversight for Finance IT.

A background in the implementation, enhancement and/or the operational support of SAP ERP Finance modules (ideally S/4HANA Extended Cloud) including acting as an interface to Finance process leads and super users.

If you do not have direct experience in SAP S/4HANA Extended Cloud, you have a clear understanding of its capabilities and how it differs from S/4HANA on/any premise and legacy SAP ERP solutions.

Experience partnering with software vendors to ensure the prompt resolution of incidents and provision of product information.

Previous experience working as a project manager and/or business analyst on fast-paced IT transformation projects/programmes.

Articulate communicator with good influencing skills and the ability to communicate technical issues in an easy-to-understand way and convert business requirements and concerns into technical language.

A clear external lens on IT development and trends that can support the Finance ERP roadmap.

Degree in business administration or a technology-related field, or equivalent work- or education-related experience.

Finance domain experience desirable.

Who we are looking for:
You have great attention to detail and an ability to work independently with limited guidance.

Relationship management. You understand the importance of effective communication and influencing skills within teams, vendors, suppliers, stakeholders, and leadership teams.

Personal drive, with a track record of working to tight timelines in a challenging environment.

Understand the importance of diverse cultures and values different views and perspectives.

Appreciation of the challenges faced with a greenfield site, with the entrepreneurial mindset required for successful outcome.

Excellent leadership qualities, encouraging ownership, assertiveness and openly challenging to get the best from teams and partners.

Excited about the Role?

Please apply online. Your application will be reviewed against our requirements and we will be in touch to provide you with an update on the status of your application.

ekaterra is an organisation committed to equity, inclusion and diversity to drive our business results and create a better future, every day, for our diverse employees, global consumers, partners, and communities. We believe a diverse workforce allows us to match our growth ambitions and drive inclusion across the business. We are interested in every individual bringing their whole self to work and this includes you! Therefore if you require any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at the time of your application so that we can support you through your recruitment journey.