VP, Operations & Business Planning (Finance)

Job Summary:

The Vice President, Operations & Business Planning serves as the senior finance leader for WPVI and WTVD, providing strategic financial leadership across both stations. This executive is responsible for financial planning and analysis, budgeting, forecasting, long-range and capital planning, investment analysis, business performance management, and strategic decision support.

As a key member of the executive leadership teams, the VP serves as a trusted advisor to the Presidents & General Managers and OTV leadership, translating financial and operational insights into strategies that drive performance, growth, profitability, and effective resource allocation.

This position plays a critical role in shaping the long-term direction of the business through strategic financial leadership, operational discipline, investment evaluation, workforce planning, and enterprise-wide decision-making.

Based in Philadelphia, this role requires regular travel to Raleigh-Durham, including approximately monthly visits and additional travel as business needs require.

Key Responsibilities:

• Serve as a member of the executive leadership teams for WPVI and WTVD, providing strategic financial and business leadership.
• Partner with Presidents & General Managers and OTV leadership to evaluate business performance, strategy, investments, resource allocation, and growth opportunities.
• Lead financial strategies that support short-term performance objectives and long-term growth initiatives.
• Evaluate operational and market opportunities that improve profitability, efficiency, and long-term business sustainability.
• Direct budgeting, forecasting, financial planning, capital planning, and performance management activities across the two-station portfolio.
• Lead Annual Operating Plans (AOP), Latest Operating Plans (LOP), forecasts, budgets, and long-range strategic planning.
• Develop financial models, scenario analyses, and investment analyses to support key business initiatives and investment decisions.
• Develop recommendations regarding capital investments, resource allocation, and business growth opportunities.
• Align financial resources with enterprise priorities and station objectives.
• Advise leadership on organizational design, workforce planning, resource allocation, and operational investments.
• Monitor financial performance and key business drivers across both stations.
• Translate complex financial and operational data into actionable insights and recommendations for executive leadership.
• Lead regular business reviews, performance discussions, and strategic planning sessions with senior stakeholders.
• Identify financial risks and opportunities and develop strategies to improve business outcomes.
• Create executive-level reporting and insights to support informed decision-making.
• Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing finance organization, fostering accountability, collaboration, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.
• Build organizational capability through talent development, succession planning, and mentoring.
• Partner with OTV, Corporate Finance, Human Resources, Legal, and operational leaders on strategic initiatives and business priorities.
• Support technology investments, capital planning initiatives, and major business transformation efforts.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, financial controls, and reporting requirements.
• Maintain the integrity of financial processes and promote strong financial stewardship across the organization.

Required Qualifications:

• 12+ years of progressive experience in finance, FP&A, accounting, corporate finance, strategic finance, or business planning.
• Significant leadership experience managing finance teams and partnering with executive leadership.
• Demonstrated expertise in budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, long-range planning, and financial strategy development.
• Proven ability to influence executive decision-making through data-driven insights and recommendations.
• Strong financial modeling, analytical, communication, and executive presentation skills.
• Experience leading cross-functional initiatives and managing competing business priorities.
• Ability and willingness to travel regularly to Raleigh-Durham, including approximately monthly visits and additional travel as needed.

Preferred Qualifications:

• MBA, CPA, or equivalent advanced finance credential.
• Experience in media, broadcasting, entertainment, digital media, or other consumer-facing businesses.
• Experience leading finance functions within a complex, matrixed organization.
• Experience supporting multi-site, regional, or portfolio-based business operations.

Systems Knowledge:

• SAP
• Cognos
• Coupa
• WideOrbit
• Advanced Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft Office Suite

Required Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, Accounting, Economics, Business Administration, or a related field.

The hiring range for this position in Philadelphia, PA is $176,700.00 to $236,900.00 per year. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. A bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.