Finance Automation & Process Optimisation Manager

We are Lightsource bp – and we’re on a mission to become a global leader in onshore renewables, anchored by our proven track record in solar development. For over a decade we’ve been actively working to diversify the way our world is powered with sustainable and responsible renewable power. We work to safely deliver affordable, reliable, large-scale onshore renewable and energy storage solutions to help the world decarbonise. Our growing business is constantly innovating and investing to help drive the energy transition. Our people and projects are focused on supporting long-term sustainable growth and energy security. Lightsource bp (LSbp) operates with five core values: Safety, Integrity, Respect, Sustainability and Drive. We seek to attract and hire individuals who share our commitment to creating a safe workplace, uphold the highest standards of integrity, and demonstrate respect for colleagues, communities, and the environment. Our recruitment process promotes sustainability by valuing long-term growth and responsible practices, while seeking candidates with the drive to innovate and lead in the global energy transition. Together, these values shape how we engage, assess, and welcome talent to join us in delivering transformational solar power solutions worldwide. Lightsource bp was fully acquired by bp in 2024. What You’ll do As Lightsource bp accelerates its growth trajectory, there is a strong focus within the Finance team to deliver continuous improvement and an evolution of the Finance systems, policies and processes. The role of the Finance Automation & Process Manager, will work closely with cross-functional teams to identify opportunities for process improvements, design and implement automation solutions, and ensure the successful deployment of these projects to enhance operational efficiency and accuracy. Duties and Responsibilities Digital Project Management & Implementation • Lead and manage finance digital transformation projects – including automation initiatives – from discovery through to implementation, ensuring delivery on time, within budget, and to the required standard. • Collaborate across all finance functions to coordinate activities, dependencies, and impacts • Identify, assess, and prioritise opportunities for digitalisation and automation that offer enduring business value • Facilitate workshops, interviews, and process mapping sessions to define optimised, scalable workflows before build • Oversee delivery through internal IT resources and/or offshore teams, ensuring business requirements are accurately translated into technical designs • Apply process improvement methodologies and where relevant leverage AI, machine learning, and analytics to enhance workflows and insights • Ensure all solutions meet governance, compliance, and security requirements, and are tested thoroughly prior to deployment • Manage programme roadmaps, maintain milestone tracking, and produce dashboards to track benefits realisation Stakeholder Engagement • Partner proactively with finance teams, IT and other key stakeholders to align on priorities and secure buy-in • Facilitate and lead workshops, discovery sessions, and alignment meetings to ensure initiatives meet business needs and are understood across regions • Promote transparency through regular communication of project objectives, risks, progress, and benefits to technical and non-technical stakeholders • Act as the bridge between business users and technology teams, driving consensus and ensuring final solutions meet agreed quality standards Technical Expertise, Governance, and Support • Maintain knowledge of automation, low-code solutions, and other technologies relevant to finance operations • Establish and maintain governance frameworks for digital and automation initiatives, including documentation standards, sprint planning disciplines, and role clarity • Ensure embedded performance monitoring and maintenance procedures are in place post-go-live • Build and maintain knowledge, best practices and process documentation to support continuous improvement Training and Change Management • Create and deliver training and onboarding for impacted finance teams. • Produce clear process documentation, user guides, and communication materials to drive adoption • Monitor the uptake of new solutions, collect feedback, and implement refinements to ensure benefits are fully realised and sustained over the long term Who we’re looking for Knowledge • Experience of assessing, executing, and documenting digital transformation business opportunities • A strong understanding of processes and polices that underpin an efficient global finance function. • Strong stakeholder management and robust communication skills (written, oral and interpersonal) • Ability to present financial information to senior level stakeholders • Familiarity with SAP ECC/S/4HANA, Snowflake, Workday, and Microsoft Power Platform valued • Exceptionally strong analytical skills Qualifications • Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Business, Information Systems, or related field (or equivalent practical experience) • Professional certification in project management highly desirable • Lean Six Sigma or process improvement qualification advantageous • Qualified or Part-Qualified Accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA) desirable but not essential — strong finance process knowledge is key Experience • 3+ years’ experience in project management and process improvement • 3+ years’ experience working in an operational finance role within a finance function of an international business • 3+ years’ experience in project management and process improvement and re-design • 3+ years’ experience of development and documentation of finance policies and procedures Why you’ll make a great member of the team Personal qualities • They will be an adaptable and organized individual who has had experience of working within an international, multi entity group and running projects to a successful conclusion. • Flexible and positive can-do approach in a changing environment, while keeping a clear head under pressure • An effective problem solver with curiosity to understand and challenge the business to drive value creation • Self-starter able to work under limited direction and supervision • Willingness to take on a variety of duties and travel as required • Represent Lightsource bp values of Safety, Integrity, Safety, Sustainability and Drive • Ability to prioritise and while managing multiple projects concurrently . Why you’ll want to work for us Our company is a place where you can be yourself and grow, a place where your ideas and opinions matter. Be you We pride ourselves on being an inclusive community, where every individual is valued and treated with respect. Be responsible Our culture is driven by our core values. From operating safely to ensuring our solar projects are responsible and promote biodiversity. Be recognized Alongside a competitive salary, we offer a variety of benefits including annual bonus, retention bank, health insurance, pension and other local benefits. Be inspired Beyond your day-to-day working life at Lightsource bp, there’s a variety of initiatives that will contribute to your own personal development. Initiatives to get involved with including our charitable causes, supporting our solar honey project or our sustainability initiatives. Our Core Values Lightsource bp truly cares about creating a sustainable future through safe, responsible and meaningful low carbon energy projects. Our core values of Safety, Integrity, Respect, Sustainability and Drive are the guiding principles for everything we do. We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, socioeconomic status, neurodiversity/neurocognitive functioning, veteran status or disability status. Individuals with disabilities may request a reasonable accommodation related to LSbp’s recruiting process (e.g., accessing the job application, completing required assessments, participating in telephone screenings or interviews, etc.). If you would like to request an accommodation related to the recruitment process, please contact us to request accommodations.