Finance Business Partner - Co Brand

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Finance Business Partner - Co Brand

🔹 Company: IHG Hotels & Resorts

🔹 Location: Windsor, Berkshire, United Kingdom

🔹 Job Type: Full time, Hybrid (3 days a week in the Windsor office)

🔹 Category: Finance, Strategy

🔹 Date Posted: July 4, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site/Hybrid

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Assisting in developing business strategy and evaluating cost & revenue optimization opportunities
• Supporting strategic planning and reviewing financial performance to aid senior management decision-making
• Leading cross-functional teams and driving change in a complex matrix organization
• Engaging with senior leadership and external partners to optimize loyalty programs and financial models

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong business acumen and the ability to work effectively with various stakeholders. It is ideal for an experienced finance professional looking to expand their strategic and leadership skills in a global hospitality company.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Assist in developing business strategy and evaluate longer-term cost & revenue optimization opportunities

✅ Perform tactical interventions with the business to close gaps vs. plan and achieve project delivery

✅ Enhance commercial acumen by proactively engaging with business counterparts to understand business drivers and industry / competitive challenges

✅ Support the (3-year) strategic planning process, formal budget review process and quarterly forecast review process

✅ Review monthly / quarterly financial performance reports and commentary of high value business areas including transparency of risks and opportunities

✅ Assist decision-making of senior management by assessing risks and opportunities to improve key financial and winnings metrics

✅ Identify improvement opportunities by benchmarking performance within / across regions

✅ Engage external partners to optimize loyalty partner programs, especially regional credit card partners

✅ Lead financial modeling for cobrand and partner deals for both new and existing opportunities, especially in international markets

ASSUMPTION: This role involves a mix of strategic planning, financial analysis, stakeholder management, and project delivery. Strong communication and interpersonal skills are essential for success.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or a related field. An MBA or relevant postgraduate qualification would be an advantage.

Experience: At least 5 years of experience in finance, strategy, and/or management consulting, with a strong preference for credit card industry and/or international consumer market experience.

Required Skills:

• Proven experience in leading cross-functional teams and driving change in a complex matrix organization
• Strong financial acumen and analytical skills
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
• Familiarity with financial systems such as Holidex, GRS, Concerto, and Essbase

Preferred Skills:

• Experience working in the hospitality industry
• Fluency in additional languages, particularly those relevant to international markets

ASSUMPTION: Candidates with experience in the credit card industry or international consumer markets are strongly preferred. However, exceptional candidates from other relevant backgrounds may also be considered.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: £60,000 - £80,000 per annum (AI-estimated, based on industry standards for a role of this level in the UK hospitality sector)

Benefits:

• Competitive benefits package, including health insurance, pension, and employee discounts on hotel stays
• Opportunities for career progression and international exposure within the IHG group
• Hybrid work arrangement, with 3 days a week in the Windsor office

Working Hours: Full-time position, with standard working hours Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM. Occasional flexibility may be required to meet business needs.

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards and may vary depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications. The final salary offer will be made at the discretion of IHG Hotels & Resorts.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Hospitality. IHG Hotels & Resorts is one of the world's leading hotel companies, with a portfolio of 19 brands and over 6,300 open hotels in more than 100 countries.

Company Size: 10,001+ employees. As a large organization, IHG offers extensive resources and opportunities for career growth and development.

Founded: 2003. IHG was founded in 2003 and has since grown to become a global leader in the hospitality industry.

Company Description:

• IHG Hotels & Resorts provides True Hospitality for Good, with a commitment to sustainability and responsible business practices
• The company operates a diverse portfolio of brands, catering to various market segments and guest preferences
• IHG is a publicly-traded company listed on the London Stock Exchange (LON:IHG) and the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE:IHG) as American Depositary Receipts (ADRs)

Company Specialties:

• Hotels, resorts, and food & beverage services
• Loyalty programs and partnerships
• Sustainability and responsible business practices

Company Website: http://www.ihgplc.com

ASSUMPTION: IHG Hotels & Resorts is a well-established and respected company in the hospitality industry, offering a range of career opportunities and development prospects for employees.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Mid-level to senior. This role is suitable for experienced finance professionals looking to expand their strategic and leadership skills in a global organization.

Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Head of Finance for the relevant business unit and may have indirect reports within the team.

Work Arrangement: Hybrid, with 3 days a week in the Windsor office. This arrangement offers flexibility while maintaining a strong connection to the team and the wider organization.

Growth Opportunities:

• Progression within the finance function, such as moving into a more senior role or specializing in a specific area
• Expansion into other areas of the business, such as operations, marketing, or human resources
• International assignments, as IHG operates in over 100 countries

ASSUMPTION: This role offers a range of growth opportunities, both within the finance function and across the broader organization. Successful candidates will have the chance to develop their skills and advance their careers in a global hospitality company.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Modern, professional office environment with on-site amenities and facilities.

Office Location(s): Windsor, Berkshire, United Kingdom. The Windsor office is located in the Windsor Dials 1 building, with easy access to local transport links and amenities.

Geographic Context:

• The Windsor office is located in the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, offering a mix of urban and rural surroundings
• The area is well-connected by road and public transport, with easy access to London and other major towns and cities
• Windsor is home to many historic sites, including Windsor Castle, and offers a range of cultural, leisure, and shopping opportunities

Work Schedule: Standard working hours are Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM. However, some flexibility may be required to meet business needs, particularly for senior roles.

ASSUMPTION: The Windsor office provides a modern and professional work environment, with easy access to local amenities and transport links. The geographic context offers a mix of urban and rural surroundings, with a range of cultural, leisure, and shopping opportunities.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application and resume screening
• Phone or video call with the hiring manager to discuss the role and assess cultural fit
• On-site or virtual interview with a panel of stakeholders, including representatives from the finance function and the relevant business unit
• Final interview with the Head of Finance or another senior leader within the organization

Key Assessment Areas:

• Financial acumen and analytical skills
• Communication and stakeholder management skills
• Leadership and teamwork skills
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
• Demonstrate your understanding of the hospitality industry and IHG Hotels & Resorts' business by conducting thorough research before your interview
• Prepare examples of your past achievements that showcase your ability to drive change, challenge priorities, and deliver results

ATS Keywords: Finance, strategy, management consulting, credit card industry, international consumer market, cross-functional teams, change management, senior leadership communication, financial systems, commercial acumen, risk assessment, performance benchmarking, financial modeling, project delivery, budget review, forecast review, loyalty programs

ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role is likely to be competitive, with a focus on assessing candidates' financial acumen, strategic thinking, and cultural fit. Successful candidates will be able to demonstrate their relevant experience and skills, as well as their understanding of the hospitality industry and IHG Hotels & Resorts' business.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Financial systems: Holidex, GRS, Concerto, Essbase
• Microsoft Office Suite: Excel, PowerPoint, Word
• Project management tools: Asana, Trello, or similar
• Data visualization tools: Tableau, Power BI, or similar

ASSUMPTION: This role requires proficiency in financial systems and Microsoft Office Suite. Familiarity with project management and data visualization tools would be an advantage.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• True Hospitality: We put our guests and colleagues at the heart of everything we do
• One IHG: We're a team, collaborating across brands and borders to create a dynamic culture of belonging
• Responsible Business: We act responsibly for our guests, our communities, and our planet

Work Style:

• Collaborative and team-oriented, with a focus on driving results through cross-functional partnerships
• Adaptable and resilient, with the ability to thrive in a dynamic and changing environment
• Data-driven and analytical, with a strong focus on continuous improvement and performance optimization

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do I have a proven track record of driving change and delivering results in a complex matrix organization?
• Am I comfortable working with senior leadership and external partners to optimize loyalty programs and financial models?
• Do I have strong financial acumen and analytical skills, with the ability to assess risks and opportunities to improve key financial and winnings metrics?

ASSUMPTION: IHG Hotels & Resorts values a collaborative and team-oriented work style, with a strong focus on driving results through cross-functional partnerships. Successful candidates will be adaptable, resilient, and data-driven, with a proven track record of driving change and delivering results in a complex matrix organization.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Balancing the demands of strategic planning and day-to-day tactical interventions
• Managing multiple stakeholders and competing priorities in a complex matrix organization
• Adapting to a hybrid work arrangement, with 3 days a week in the Windsor office
• Keeping up with the fast-paced and dynamic nature of the hospitality industry

ASSUMPTION: This role presents a range of challenges, including balancing strategic and tactical demands, managing multiple stakeholders, adapting to a hybrid work arrangement, and keeping up with the fast-paced hospitality industry. Successful candidates will be adaptable, resilient, and able to thrive in a dynamic and changing environment.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Compared to other finance business partner roles, this position places a stronger emphasis on strategic planning and external partner engagement, particularly in the credit card industry
• Within the hospitality industry, this role is unique in its focus on co-brand and partner deals, particularly in international markets
• Career progression in this role may lead to more senior finance positions within IHG Hotels & Resorts or other hospitality organizations

ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique blend of strategic planning, financial analysis, stakeholder management, and project delivery, with a focus on co-brand and partner deals in the credit card industry. Successful candidates will have the opportunity to develop their skills and advance their careers in a global hospitality company.

📝 Sample Projects

• Conducting a comprehensive review of regional credit card partner programs to identify optimization opportunities
• Developing a financial model for a new international cobrand deal, including revenue projections, cost structures, and risk assessments
• Analyzing historical financial performance data to benchmark regional performance and identify improvement opportunities

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the range of responsibilities and challenges faced by the finance business partner in this role. Successful candidates will be able to demonstrate their ability to tackle similar projects and deliver results.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe the strategic priorities for the business unit and how this role supports their achievement?
• How does this role collaborate with other finance teams and business units within IHG Hotels & Resorts?
• What opportunities are there for professional development and career progression within the finance function and the wider organization?
• How does the hybrid work arrangement support the needs of the business and the team?
• What are the key challenges facing the hospitality industry, and how does this role contribute to addressing them?

ASSUMPTION: These key questions will help candidates better understand the role, the organization, and the industry, enabling them to make an informed decision about their application.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through the IHG Hotels & Resorts careers portal
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
• Prepare examples of your past achievements that showcase your ability to drive change, challenge priorities, and deliver results
• Research the hospitality industry and IHG Hotels & Resorts' business to demonstrate your understanding and enthusiasm for the role
• Follow up with the hiring manager or the IHG Hotels & Resorts recruitment team one week after submitting your application to confirm receipt and inquire about the next steps in the process

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.