Head of Finance & Strategy (m/f/d)

As a leading international food wholesaler, we at METRO are specialized in catering to the needs of hotels, restaurants, caterers (HoReCa), independent merchants (Traders), and more. With approximately 15 million customers worldwide, our unique multichannel mix offers the flexibility of purchasing goods in-store or via our digitally connected Food Service Distribution (FSD) delivery. In addition, we are continuously expanding our international online marketplace, METRO MARKETS, to meet the needs of our professional customers. We furthermore take pride in our commitment to sustainability which is considered in all our actions and being listed in various sustainability indices and rankings for years is proof for our dedication (e. g. MSCI, CDP). With our business operations spanning 32 countries, over 90,000 employees worldwide and generating sales of around €30 billion in the fiscal year 2022/23, we are determined to continue our journey to growth. 

At METRO, we have set ourselves ambitious goals with our “sCore” growth strategy which is closely accompanied by our Fundamentals. These shared values provide us with rules of conduct that are binding for everyone at METRO, in all countries and companies. Our commitment to wholesale is at the forefront of our mission, and we are constantly striving to improve. With our ONE METRO spirit, everyone stands together, bringing curiosity, determination, courage, drive, commitment, and trust. Find out more about METRO at careers.metroag.de. 

As the Head of Finance & Strategy (Central) for a global convenience franchise business, you will be accountable for driving the financial strategy and supporting the scaling of Hard Franchise business model across multiple markets. Your main focus will delivering a profitable growth agenda (targeting €2.0bn turnover and 10% EBITDA in 10 years), aligning country operations with group goals, and ensuring efficiency across all markets. Reporting to the Global Convenience SVP, you will also oversee planning, forecasting, and compliance while supporting the local Finance and Analytics teams.

Please note: This job offer is particularly suitable for candidates (m/f/d) who are based in Poland, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Romania or Turkey.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and support the scaling of the Hard Franchise business model, with a focus on long-term profitability and growth (Group target: €2.0bn turnover in 10 years, 10% EBITDA).
• Identify financial opportunities to enhance the commercial performance and operational efficiency of the convenience franchise, ensuring a streamlined approach across all countries.
• Oversee forecasting and planning to deliver on overall P&L performance, both at the group level and for each individual country.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant legal, health & safety, governance, and corporate standards, supporting the creation and scaling of a professional and compliant business model.
• Lead engagement with local Hard Franchise Finance and Analytics teams, ensuring alignment with group-wide objectives through VCP and other strategies.
• Collaborate with country teams to support business analytics, strategic financial planning, and commercial initiatives that drive performance improvement.
• Report directly to the Global Convenience SVP, with functional oversight of Finance & Business Analytics teams from each country, ensuring effective cross-country collaboration and accountability.

Candidate Profile:

• 5+ years of experience in commercial finance and analytics, ideally within a retail or franchise environment.
• Proven expertise in financial reporting, KPI development, and business analytics, with a focus on driving profitability and operational efficiency.
• Leadership experience at a senior finance/corporate level, delivering financial strategies and programs across multiple countries and functions.
• Strong understanding of corporate governance and legal requirements across various jurisdictions.
• Ability to simplify complex financial processes while engaging stakeholders and building consensus at all levels.
• Demonstrated capacity to define the role and add significant value to a large-scale, multinational business unit.
• Exceptional stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence and lead through collaboration rather than top-down direction.
• Strong analytical skills, with a clear focus on setting measurable objectives and driving results through key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Empathetic leadership style with the ability to build strong teams, foster positive engagement, and challenge the status quo when necessary.

Top Challenges:

• Refine and implement the Franchise expansion strategy across multiple countries, ensuring seamless execution and establishing strong relationships in each market.
• Support the recruitment and onboarding of local talent while promoting effective knowledge sharing and best practices across countries and teams.
• Navigate the complexities of a corporate infrastructure while maintaining the agility and entrepreneurial spirit needed to drive franchise growth.
• Strengthen localized relationships with controlling, legal, and compliance teams at both the country and group levels to ensure smooth franchising processes.

Career Perspectives:

• Shape your leadership role within a large-scale, global business, and make a significant contribution to the continued success and expansion of the Metro Group.
• As part of the central leadership team, influence and refine the existing franchise model to create sustainable benefits at both the local and global levels.
• Explore further leadership opportunities within the global Metro Group, with potential roles at both the country and corporate levels.