Head of Global P2P Operations

• Title:

  Head of Global P2P Operations

• Reporting To:

  Head of Finance Operations

RWS

• Oversee and maintain full ownership and accountability of the end-to-end P2P processes, ensuring smooth service delivery across the SSC.
• Manage service level agreements (SLAs), performance metrics, and reporting for P2P operations.
• Ensure robust internal controls and compliance within the P2P function.
• Develop, obtain corporate approval and maintain all related policies, process documentation and training materials
• Work closely with the Master Data Management teams to ensure key data elements are structured, standardised and consistent across the different systems to ensure operational efficiency
• Manage P2P systems and process interfaces with external and/or internal partners

Monitor P2P Process Performance and Ensure Compliance

• Inform the definition of P2P service level agreements (SLA) and KPI
• Develop analytics-driven reporting to measure efficiency of end-to-end P2P processes
• Ensure compliance and accuracy of P2P process activities with all policies, procedures, and regulations
• Contribute towards P2P policy and controls ownership and ensure process documentation is regularly reviewed and kept up to date
• Participate in governance forums to provide input on items such as P2P process scope and service delivery and assist in resolving operational issues
  

Strategic Direction & Process Vision:

• Define, communicate, and embed a clear P2P process vision and roadmap.
• Establish strategic initiatives to standardise and continuously improve P2P processes.
• Set the direction for transformation projects, including leading P2P aspects for the unified ERP programme and finance roadmap initiatives.
  

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Engage with senior leadership and stakeholders across the business to drive process improvements.
• Act as a key influencer to effect change in upstream processes and support integrated business strategies.
• Collaborate closely with Treasury, IT, Finance, and other shared services teams to align on best practices and process standards.

People Management:

• Lead the P2P delivery and process teams and oversee direct reports, ensuring clear performance goals and accountability.
• Foster a high-performance culture that supports career development, mentorship, and continuous learning.
• Drive cross-functional collaboration and ensure alignment between various P2P stakeholders.
  

Sharing Leading Practices:

• Champion leading practices within the P2P function, sharing innovative approaches across the organization.
• Represent P2P interests at global forums and leadership meetings, ensuring that insights and best practices are disseminated across teams.

Skills & Experience

• Extensive (10+ years) leadership experience in Procure-to-Pay (P2P) processes and shared services, ideally within a high volume global or multi-regional SSC environment.
• Expert knowledge and functional experience in P2P processes such as payments, purchasing, account reconciliations, invoice processing, T&E claims, period end activities, and more
• Proven track record in strategic planning and execution, including setting and communicating process visions and roadmaps.
• Hands-on experience managing transformation projects, such as unified ERP implementations and finance roadmap initiatives.
• Demonstrated success in managing cross-functional teams and influencing senior leadership to drive change in upstream processes.
• Experience in service delivery management, including meeting SLAs, implementing performance metrics, and maintaining robust internal controls.
• Ability to set a clear strategic direction for P2P, drive process innovation, and share leading practices across the organization.
• Exceptional interpersonal and stakeholder management skills to effectively engage with IT, finance, and other key business areas.
• Deep understanding of P2P operations, with a strong focus on continuous improvement, standardization, and operational efficiency.
• Expertise in leading transformational change, managing risk, and ensuring seamless integration of new processes within existing operations.
• Solid understanding of financial processes, compliance, and risk management to oversee service delivery and financial performance.
• Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to articulate complex processes and influence decisions at the senior leadership level.
• Proven ability to manage, mentor, and develop high-performing teams while fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement.
• Ability to travel when necessary

Beneficial to have:

• Six Sigma Green or Black Belt certification
• Qualified accountant (CIMA/ACCA)
• Knowledge of and/or experience with Microsoft Dynamics 365
• Experience working with analytics tools
• Knowledge and experience of applying RPA and/or AI to improve process efficiency

About RWS Finance