Director Shared Services

Interested candidates should email their CV in confidence to Agnieszka Kuzdzal, Research Leader, Accreate Executive Search – akuzdzal@accreate.com – quoting ‘SSC Director Russia – sharedserviceslink.com website’ in subject line.

Our client

Our client is a U.S. headquartered, Fortune 100, global food and beverage organisation with revenues of US$60Bn employing over 25,000 employees in Russia a fast-growing strategically important market offering abundant opportunity.

Within Russia, the company has integration programs underway currently to merge existing legal entities into one integrated business. This centralisation project will enable the subsequent development of a significant shared services organisation. Currently, there exists a legacy shared finance centre established c1.5years ago employing c200 employees located in a town within 5 hours commute of Moscow. The existing Shared Services Centre manages Accounts Payable, Payroll and expenses work streams.

Job Responsibilities

The SSC Director will have overall responsibility to design and deliver a new shared services operating model for the company in Russia. The role will provide both strategic direction and operational insight and guidance to the company relating to shared services and its relationship with the front line business. It is envisaged that the new Shared Services organisation will employ 400+ at the outset and Shared Services functional areas will be expanded from existing coverage to also take-on Accounts Receivable, Cash Management, Payroll, Internal Control and Systems with potential to further extend scope to other areas over time.

At a strategic level, the role will involve providing direction and leadership to the company executive team translating the group strategy and resulting business requirements to define the optimal shared services scope, structure, organisation and operations. At an operational level, the role will involve leadership in managing the organisational, functional and technical aspects of the shared services organisation, driving set-up and transition activities and defining and managing the relationship between the shared services organisation and the front line company operations. In addition, the role will include identification of continuous improvement opportunities which leverage the shared services capabilities.

Reporting directly into the Controlling & Reporting Vice President EER, this is an ideal role for an individual with a proven track record in setting up ‘best-in-class’ Shared Services organisations from Greenfield/Brownfield stage. Given how critical this role is, successful delivery should lead to further excellent career development opportunities within the global organisation.

Experience & Qualifications

• 12-15+ year’s operations finance or customer service experience with a proven track record designing and managing large operations, projects and initiatives within a shared services environment
• Strong understanding of business operating models and the implications of Global and Regional process management in a business both in Shared Service and in front line business.
• Knowledge of relevant technologies and understanding of the possibilities and limitations of technology in servicing customers. Knowledge of SAP is a distinct advantage.
• Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) industry skills advantageous.
• Working knowledge of in scope functional areas. Must be highly self-motivated and a multi-tasker with the energy and drive to work on own initiative.
• Willingness to be based in Russia and travel (estimated at 25%) when required.
• Familiarity and experience of working across varied and diverse international cultures.

This is a critical new hire for our client. An attractive remuneration package will be offered to reflect the seniority of this role. 

Interested candidates should email their CV in confidence to Agnieszka Kuzdzal, Research Leader, Accreate Executive Search – akuzdzal@accreate.com – quoting ‘SSC Director Russia – sharedserviceslink.com website’ in subject line.