Spark Business Operations Lead

Sonepar is a independent family-owned company standing as the world leader in B-to-B distribution of electrical equipment, solutions, and services . In 2024, Sonepar achieved sales of €32.5 billion. Present in 40 countries with a dense network of brands, the Group is leading an ambitious transformation to make its customers’ lives easier providing them with an omnichannel experience and sustainable solutions in the building, industry, and energy markets.

Sonepar’s 46 000 associates are committed to accelerating the world’s electrification and driven by a shared Purpose: Powering Progress for Future Generations.

As a Business Operations Manager for Sonepar Digital, you will be responsible for the financial oversight of the Digital Factory, Omnichannel, and Data operations. You will ensure project budgets are properly monitored, costs are accurately accrued, and financial planning is aligned with strategic objectives. You will collaborate closely with the leadership team and play a key role in supporting decision-making through financial insights and reporting.

Key responsibilities

Project Cost Monitoring & Accruals

• Ensure accurate tracking of project and ongoing budgets and actuals.
• Closely monitor costs to ensure that allocated budgets are properly used and not overspent.
• Monitor and provision consultant fees, licenses, and personnel costs.
• Guarantee the reliability of monthly closings in collaboration with accounting teams.

Capacity Review & Monthly Reporting

• Lead the monthly Capacity Meeting: analyze movements related to consultants and licenses.
• Engage with key stakeholders across the Digital Factory to understand the root causes of variations and gather business rationale.
• Consolidate insights and submit findings for validation by the leadership team.

Forecasting & Planning

• Manage financial forecasting details (3 times per year) and contribute to the 3-Year Strategic Plan.
• Work closely with the Digital Factory leadership to build, challenge, and consolidate projections.
• Support the preparation of slides and reports for group-level leadership presentations.

Capex Management & Tax Review

• Identify and qualify expenses eligible for capitalization (Capex).
• Assess and challenge tax risks.
• Prepare Capex files and business cases in coordination with the Capex Finance Manager.

Ad-Hoc Projects

• Conduct financial analyses for strategic initiatives such as internalization plans.
• Support various ad-hoc financial projects and contribute to continuous improvement efforts.

Cost accounting

• Creation and monitoring of Purchase Orders in Talentia
• Monitoring of invoicing and service receptions
• Management of supplier creation requests

The experience you bring

• Master\'s degree in finance, accounting, or a related field.
• Proven experience in financial controlling, ideally within a digital/IT/consulting environment (min 3-5 years).
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Proficient in Excel and financial planning tools (e.g. SAP, Anaplan…).
• Ability to work independently and in a cross-functional team.
• Fluent in English & French (written and spoken).

Soft Skills

• Proactive and solution-oriented mindset.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced and evolving digital environment.
• Strong business acumen and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to challenge the status quo constructively and drive improvements.