At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and support decision-making for a high-performing team.
- Company: Join a dynamic, forward-thinking business where finance is key to success.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, benefits, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a tangible impact while developing your leadership skills in a fast-paced environment.
- Qualifications: CIMA qualified graduate with 3+ years in commercial finance leadership.
- Other info: Mandeville is acting as an Employment Agency for this role.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Head of Commercial Finance
West Midlands
Full-Time Permanent
Competitive Salary + Benefits
Are you a commercially astute finance leader looking for your next challenge? We\’re on the hunt for a Head of Commercial Finance to join a high-performing team and help shape the financial strategy of the business.
In this pivotal role, you\’ll partner with the Category Director and wider category team, providing expert financial insight and decision support to drive both strategic and tactical growth. You\’ll be at the heart of delivering net margin targets while ensuring robust financial controls and streamlined processes.
What You\’ll Be Doing:
Acting as a trusted business partner to the Category Director, challenging and shaping financial performance and strategy.
Leading and developing a team of Category Finance Business Partners and the External Contract Support (ECS) team.
Driving standardisation and efficiency across financial reporting and decision support processes.
Modelling and forecasting supplier rebate opportunities and risks, and advising on supplier deal scenarios.
Delivering margin analysis to uncover insights and opportunities.
Providing independent risk assessments on system price realignments and capital investment decisions.
Supporting category reviews with internal and external financial insights
Leading the development of rebate budgets and financial targets for brands.
Managing short-term projects and providing ad-hoc financial analysis to support key decisions.
What You\’ll Bring:
Graduate with a CIMA qualification (or equivalent) and minimum 3 years PQE.
Proven experience in a commercial finance leadership role.
Skilled in Microsoft Excel and experienced with BI/MI tools.
Strong people management capabilities with a collaborative leadership style.
Excellent communicator, confident influencer, and credible stakeholder manager.
Naturally analytical and highly numerate, with a passion for driving insight-led decisions.
Able to juggle multiple priorities under pressure, with a solutions-focused mindset.
Driven to exceed expectations and deliver results in a fast-paced environment.
Why Join?
You\’ll be joining a dynamic, forward-thinking business where finance plays a critical strategic role. You\’ll have the opportunity to lead, influence, and make a tangible impact, while also supporting the growth and development of a talented team.
Mandeville is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.
Head of Commercial Finance employer: Mandeville
Contact Detail:
Mandeville Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Commercial Finance
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the finance sector, especially those who have experience in commercial finance roles. Attend industry events or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and learn about the latest trends in financial strategy.
✨Tip Number 2
Research StudySmarter's current financial strategies and recent projects. Understanding our approach will not only help you tailor your discussions during interviews but also demonstrate your genuine interest in contributing to our goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've driven financial performance in previous roles. Highlight your experience in leading teams and implementing efficient processes, as these are key aspects of the Head of Commercial Finance position.
✨Tip Number 4
Familiarise yourself with the tools and technologies we use at StudySmarter, particularly in BI/MI reporting. Being able to speak knowledgeably about these tools will set you apart as a candidate who is ready to hit the ground running.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Commercial Finance
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in commercial finance leadership. Emphasise your CIMA qualification and any specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to drive financial strategy and performance.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your understanding of the role and the company. Discuss how your skills align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description, particularly your experience in leading teams and driving financial insights.
Highlight Key Skills: In your application, focus on key skills mentioned in the job description, such as financial modelling, stakeholder management, and analytical abilities. Use specific examples from your past roles to illustrate these skills in action.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial in a finance leadership role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Mandeville
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Commercial Finance, you'll be leading a team. Be prepared to discuss your leadership style and provide examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past. Highlight your ability to develop talent and foster collaboration.
✨Demonstrate Financial Acumen
Expect questions that assess your financial expertise, particularly in commercial finance. Be ready to discuss your experience with financial modelling, forecasting, and margin analysis. Use specific examples to illustrate your insights and decision-making processes.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
You may be asked to analyse hypothetical situations related to supplier deals or financial strategies. Practice articulating your thought process and how you would approach these scenarios, focusing on risk assessment and strategic recommendations.
✨Communicate Effectively
Strong communication skills are essential for this role. Prepare to demonstrate your ability to influence stakeholders and convey complex financial information clearly. Consider practising your responses to ensure you can articulate your thoughts confidently.