Location
London - Hybrid working model

Hours
Full Time - Fixed Term Contract (Maternity Cover)

About Springer Nature
Springer Nature is one of the leading publishers of research in the world. We publish the largest number of journals and books and are pioneers in open research. Through our trusted brands, we provide technology-enabled products, platforms and services that help researchers uncover new ideas and share discoveries, health professionals stay at the forefront of medical science, and educators advance learning. We are proud to be part of progress, working together with the communities we serve to share knowledge and bring greater understanding to the world.

About the Brand
Macmillan Education provides world-class content in the most relevant, engaging and flexible formats to support students, teachers and institutions in lifelong learning.

About the Role
As Senior Finance Manager, you will act as a key business partner across Central Publishing, Commercial Development, and the Global ELT publishing teams. You will own the financial processes related to Investment in Content (IIC), lead forecasting and reporting activities, and ensure strong financial governance and analysis to support high-quality decision-making. You will also support the development of new business models, pricing decisions, and publishing investment cases. This position is offered on a fixed-term maternity cover basis and is based in our London office with a hybrid working model.

Role Responsibilities
Business partnering - Balances Stakeholder & Communicates Effectively
Act as primary finance business partner to the Central Publishing Management Office (CPMO), providing financial support across all activities with a strong focus on Investment in Content. Partner with the Commercial Development team and Western Europe Sales, supporting pricing, commercial evaluations, and new business model development. Support global ELT Publishers in preparing and evaluating Investment Approval (IA) cases, including IA P&Ls and financial summaries for LLMB review when required. Partner with the Customer Publishing team, including oversight of sub-rights and licensing revenue performance.

Investment in Content (IIC) Ownership - Data analytics & Quantitative Skills, Financial Modelling
Own the financial elements of the IA process, including P&L structure, financial metrics, methodologies, data collection, and approval routes. Ensure Publishing teams understand IA requirements, assessment criteria and timelines; maintain a clear IA pipeline. Consolidate and analyse global monthly Investment in Content spend, providing insight, commentary and recommendations to ensure cost control, compliance with budget, and identification of opportunities to reinvest savings. Lead forecasting and reporting for central IIC costs and develop robust Anaplan forecasting methodologies across the Education Group. Consolidate total Education IIC and amortisation, working with all ELT and Curriculum regions to gather accurate and timely forecast submissions. Conduct Actual vs. IA variance analysis for Birthday Reviews.

Planning & forecasting - Strategic Mindset & Financial Acumen
Lead all planning and forecasting cycles for indirect costs across central Education functions, working closely with relevant business teams to ensure accurate, timely and well-supported submissions to MRPA Education including Anaplan system updates for all forecasts. Prepare high-quality budget and forecast presentations for senior leadership, providing clear insight into central function cost trends and drivers. Own the modelling of central depreciation and amortisation, including monthly reconciliations, variance analysis and clear reporting of movements.

Other - Global Perspective & Business Insights
Maintain strong knowledge of publishing and content cost systems; ensure accuracy of product master data through regular review with Publishing teams. Support systems development work, including input into Edflux requirements and improvements. Act as SAP S4 super user for the Projects (Prepress) module and Order-to-Cash processes. Work with Financial Reporting Services (FRS) and Publishing teams to ensure strong controls and reliable reporting.

Experience
- Qualified accountant (ACA/ACMA/ACCA/CIMA or equivalent) with a strong track record of achievement
- Strong financial modelling and analytical skills, with experience in investment appraisal, commercial evaluation, P&L analysis, business partnering, and supporting commercial teams
- Significant post-qualification finance experience in a complex organisation
- Experience preparing financial presentations for senior management
- Comfortable leading discussions on investment cases and commercial decisions
- Experience working with financial planning tools (e.g., Anaplan, SAP S4) and interest in systems development is desirable
- Experience in publishing, media, or content-driven industries is desirable
- Exposure to M&A or investment processes is an advantage

About you
- High level of accuracy, attention to detail and process discipline
- Able to explain financial concepts clearly to non-finance stakeholders
- Strong relationship-builder who can influence and support senior Publishing and Commercial leaders
- Strong organisational skills with a proactive, problem-solving approach and the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines across diverse teams
- Able to operate effectively in a fast-paced, global environment

Qualifications
Qualified accountant (ACA/ACMA/ACCA/CIMA or equivalent)