About the Team
The People Organization Business Operations team enables strategic decision-making through financial planning, workforce cost management, business performance reporting, and transformation execution. The team partners with People leaders, Finance, and cross-functional stakeholders to provide transparency on headcount, operating expenses, and business performance while supporting enterprise transformation initiatives and cost-efficiency programs.
Mission | Purpose of the Role
The Business Operations Specialist works closely with the Finance Business Controller and is responsible for providing business office support for the People Organization through financial planning, budgeting, cost management, performance reporting, and transformation program execution. The role enables leadership decision-making through analytics, financial insights, workforce cost transparency, and strategic business partnering.
The position plays a key role in supporting large-scale transformation initiatives, operational cost management ensuring financial discipline and alignment with organizational objectives.
Responsibilities
Financial Planning & Business Steering
Monitor and track People Organization operating expenses (OPEX) against approved plans and targets.
Identify financial risks, opportunities, and mitigation actions to support delivery of financial commitments.
Develop team-level financial summaries.
Support monthly, quarterly, and annual business reviews.
Manage the Wave Tool cost reduction and investment entries
Budget Planning & Cost Management
Support headcount and cost planning processes across the People Organization.
Perform budget analysis, forecasting, variance assessment, and cost-center reviews.
Partner with People Org Finance Controller and business leaders to ensure cost transparency and effective financial governance.
Contribute to multi-year financial planning activities.
Performance Reporting & Analytics
Develop and maintain financial and operational dashboards to support decision-making.
Consolidate and analyze business performance data from multiple sources.
Produce management reporting and insights for senior leadership.
Drive continuous improvement in reporting automation, visualization, and data quality.
Transformation & Cost Optimization Programs
Support the planning, execution, and tracking of strategic transformation initiatives.
Facilitate headcount reduction cost tracking and cost optimization programs.
Monitor progress against transformation targets and savings commitments.
Provide analytical support for organizational change and workforce restructuring activities.
Business Model & Cost Allocation Management
Support People Organization financial model development and continuous improvement.
Manage cost allocation methodologies, recharge mechanisms and consumption-based charging models.
Analyse service scope, volume changes, and financial impacts.
Provide recommendations to improve operational efficiency and financial transparency.
Global Mobility & Service Recharging
Support financial processes related to Global Mobility and other People services.
Maintain recharge and allocation reporting.
Analyse cost movements and ensure accurate financial tracking.
Collaborate with Finance stakeholders on process improvements and reporting needs.
Business Partnering & Strategic Analysis
Conduct financial, workforce and operational analysis to support strategic decisions.
Support with business cases, recommendations and executive presentations.
Support special projects and cross-functional initiatives across the People Organization.
Process Improvement & Governance
Identify opportunities to simplify and improve business processes.
Support governance and reporting frameworks that enhance operational effectiveness.
Drive consistency in reporting methodologies, planning assumptions, and performance metrics.
Contribute to a culture of continuous improvement and data-driven decision-making.
Key Deliverables
Financial plans and forecasts
OPEX and cost management reports
Executive dashboards and performance scorecards
Headcount and workforce cost analytics
Transformation and cost-saving progress reports
Business model and charging analysis
Leadership presentations and business reviews
Strategic business cases and recommendations
Utilise AI to support financial analysis and scenario planning
Demonstrated experience in business operations, finance, controlling or business planning
Strong capabilities in financial analysis, budgeting, forecasting, and reporting capability.
Experience managing and analyzing large datasets and translating finding into clear, executive-level insights.
Knowledge of workforce planning, headcount management, and cost allocation methodologies.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Experience supporting transformation programs and organizational change initiatives.
Advanced proficiency in Excel and Power BI skills (desirable).
Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills across functions and organizational levels.
Experience in a global technology organization.
Experience working with enterprise planning, reporting, and financial systems.
Knowledge of workforce transformation and cost optimization programs.
Success Measures
Delivery of financial targets and forecasting accuracy.
Quality and timeliness of executive reporting.
Cost transparency and financial governance effectiveness.
Achievement of transformation and productivity objectives.
Stakeholder satisfaction and business partnership effectiveness.
Automation and simplification of reporting and planning processes.
Nokia is a global leader in connectivity for the AI era. With expertise across fixed, mobile and transport networks, powered by the innovation of Nokia Bell Labs, we’re advancing connectivity to secure a brighter world.
Our recruitment process
We act inclusively and respect the uniqueness of people. Our employment decisions are made regardless of race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law. We are committed to a culture of inclusion built upon our core value of respect.
If you’re interested in this role but don’t meet every listed requirement, we still encourage you to apply. Unique backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences enrich our teams, and you may be just the right candidate for this or another opportunity.
The length of the recruitment process may vary depending on the specific role's requirements. We strive to ensure a smooth and inclusive experience for all candidates. Discover more about the recruitment process at Nokia.
Skills Required
- Experience in business operations, finance, controlling, or business planning
- Financial analysis, budgeting, forecasting, and reporting capabilities
- Experience managing and analyzing large datasets and translating findings into executive-level insights
- Knowledge of workforce planning, headcount management, and cost allocation methodologies
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Experience supporting transformation programs and organizational change initiatives
- Advanced proficiency in Excel
- Power BI skills
- Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills across functions and organizational levels
- Experience in a global technology organization
- Experience with enterprise planning, reporting, and financial systems
- Knowledge of workforce transformation and cost optimization programs
Nokia Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Nokia and has not been reviewed or approved by Nokia.
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Equity Value & Accessibility — Equity programs include a global employee share purchase plan with company matching and multi‑year share awards. These mechanisms broaden participation and tie rewards to long‑term outcomes.
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Healthcare Strength — Health coverage includes major medical plans with supplementary options such as vision, legal services, and care navigation. The range of offerings indicates comprehensive support for medical needs.
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Parental & Family Support — A global policy grants paid leave for new parents regardless of gender and provides structured return‑to‑work support. Company‑paid life insurance further strengthens family protection across regions.
Nokia Insights
What We Do
At Nokia, we create technology that helps the world act together. As a trusted partner for critical networks, we are committed to innovation and technology leadership across mobile, fixed and cloud networks. We create value with intellectual property and long-term research, led by the award-winning Nokia Bell Labs. Adhering to the highest standards of integrity and security, we help build the capabilities needed for a more productive, sustainable and inclusive world.
