Head of Business Engagement

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HSBC is one of the largest banking and financial services organisations in the world, with operations in 57 countries and territories. We aim to be where the growth is, enabling businesses to thrive and economies to prosper, and, ultimately, helping people to fulfil their hopes and realise their ambitions.


We are currently seeking an experienced individual to join this team in the role of Head of Business Engagement.


The Head of Business Engagement is a pivotal position in directing the Finance operating model design and delivery within the Finance Chief Operating Officer (COO) functions. This role is crucial for managing COO activities related to finance, such as cost review and strategic insights, and plays a significant part in the finance simplification agenda. It involves leading strategic projects related to location and operating model strategy, engaging with various finance teams to ensure alignment with the overall strategy, and embedding a forward-looking performance culture. Additionally, the role offers the opportunity to bring thought leadership in aligning operating model delivery between finance and other enabling functions like Risk, DAO, and technology. This position is ideal for someone looking to influence and mobilise beyond the direct sphere of finance, working closely with senior leadership to navigate strategic alignment.


In this role, you will:

• Manage COO Activities: Oversee finance areas related to cost review, forecasting, and provide strategic insights to support business finance and other COO activities.
• Navigate the Finance Simplification Agenda: Collaborate with functional and project delivery leads to streamline finance processes and enhance efficiency.
• Lead Strategic Projects: Execute key projects related to location and operating model strategy, ensuring alignment with the overall finance strategy.
• Engage with Finance Teams: Foster collaboration with group, regional, and business finance teams to embed finance operating model and control design principles.
• Embed Performance Culture: Develop and implement a framework for change adoption, embedding robust KPIs and real-time analytics to promote a forward-looking performance culture.

To be successful in this role you should meet the following requirements:

• Consulting Background: Demonstrable experience within Financial Services and experience of the accounting/regulatory rules governing the Group.
• Qualified Finance Professional: ACA, CA, ACCA, CFA, CIMA, MBA (Finance) or equivalent or qualified by experience.
• Extensive Leadership Experience: Proven track record of leading, motivating and engaging a global team and managing ad-hoc deliverables effectively.
• Project Management: Operating model finance programme experience or audit project management (e.g., Section 166).
• COO Activities: Experience in COO-related activities, either within a firm or through consulting assignments.
• Organisational Change: Demonstrable experience in implementing and successfully delivering global organisational change, particularly in driving operating model delivery, either in an internal role or as an external management consultant.
• Cost and Controls Culture: Experience in implementing a strong cost and controls culture within a global organisation, preferably within a finance function, whether directly or as an external consultant.
• Stakeholder Relationship Management: The ability to develop effective working relationships with stakeholders of different seniority and geographical locations is crucial.

The base location for this role will be Edinburgh and with a hybrid working pattern.

Being open to different points of view is important for our business and the communities we serve. At HSBC, we’re dedicated to creating diverse and inclusive workplaces - no matter their gender, ethnicity, disability, religion, sexual orientation, or age. We are committed to removing barriers and ensuring careers at HSBC are inclusive and accessible for everyone to be at their best. We take pride in being a Disability Confident Leader and will offer an interview to people with disabilities, long term conditions or neurodivergent candidates who meet the minimum criteria for the role.


If you have a need that requires accommodations or changes during the recruitment process, please get in touch with our Recruitment Helpdesk:


Email: hsbc.recruitment@hsbc.com
Telephone: +44 207 832 8500