Head of Finance in London

We are looking for an ambitious, commercially minded finance leader to join a growing international business operating across manufacturing and retail. This is a high-impact leadership role for a commercially minded finance professional who combines strong financial judgement with the ability to influence operational and strategic decision-making. The role sits close to the business, partnering with leadership to improve performance, support growth and help shape the next stage of the company’s evolution.

Operating within a founder-led consumer manufacturing business, this role requires someone who is comfortable working in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment where commercial awareness, adaptability and operational engagement are critical. The successful individual will be naturally hands-on, able to navigate both strategic discussions and day-to-day operational realities, with a strong understanding of the commercial drivers within a B2C environment. Success in the role will come less from hierarchy and more from credibility, commercial instinct, energy and the ability to build trusted relationships across the business.

We are looking for someone who enjoys being close to operations, influencing decisions, challenging performance and helping drive continuous improvement. Candidates are likely to have developed experience within commercially focused finance roles such as Commercial Finance, FP&A, Finance Business Partnering or operational finance leadership, ideally within a consumer, retail, manufacturing or founder-led business. While a strong technical grounding is important, this role is better suited to individuals who have moved beyond pure reporting and control into positions with meaningful exposure to business performance, decision support and strategic influence. This opportunity would suit an ambitious and high-calibre finance leader looking for broader responsibility, visibility and progression within a scaling business. Support and mentoring will be available for the right individual.

Key Responsibilities

• Commercial Finance & Business Partnering
  • Partner closely with the CEO and senior leadership team to support strategic and operational decision-making.
  • Provide commercially focused financial insight to improve profitability.
  • Challenge assumptions constructively and bring a proactive, solutions-oriented mindset.
  • Build strong relationships across manufacturing, supply chain, retail and operational teams throughout Europe.
  • Support investment decisions, growth initiatives and business planning with clear financial analysis.
• Financial Planning, Reporting & Analysis
  • Own the budgeting and forecasting process across multiple entities.
  • Produce accurate monthly reporting, KPIs and meaningful board commentary.
  • Develop robust financial models and forward-looking analysis to support business growth.
  • Deliver high quality reporting suitable for lenders, investors and external stakeholders.
  • Drive improvements in reporting quality, visibility and decision support.
• Financial Control, Statutory Accounts & Audit
  • Oversee preparation and delivery of statutory accounts and ensure compliance across all jurisdictions.
  • Maintain strong financial controls, balance sheet integrity and cashflow management.
  • Ensure compliance with tax, regulatory and statutory reporting requirements.
  • Work closely with external auditors, advisors and banking partners.
• Systems, Process Improvement & Change
  • Support ongoing development of systems, controls and finance processes as the business evolves.
  • Help drive ERP and reporting improvements to create a scalable finance function.
  • Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, accuracy and commercial visibility.
  • Contribute positively to business change and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Team Leadership
  • Lead and develop an established finance team based in Brighton.
  • Create a collaborative, high-performance culture with strong accountability and engagement.
  • Mentor and support developing team members while promoting commercial awareness across finance.
  • Bring energy, credibility and a hands-on leadership style that earns trust across the business.
  • Maintain current relationships with the Groups bankers and external Auditors.

Experience & Background

• Essential ACA / ACCA / CIMA qualified (or equivalent).
• At least 10 years PQE Experience in a Finance Controller, Senior Finance Manager, Senior FP&A, or Head of Finance position.
• Strong commercial acumen with the confidence to influence stakeholders.
• Experience managing audits and statutory accounts.
• Strong forecasting, budgeting and financial modelling capability.
• Hands-on approach with the ability to operate both strategically and operationally.
• Experience working within a multi-entity environment.
• Excellent communication skills with a pragmatic, solutions-focused mindset.
• Focus on systems and processes.

Preferred

• Experience within manufacturing, retail or product-led businesses.
• Exposure to international or European entity structures.
• Experience in a private, entrepreneurial or PE-backed business environment.
• ERP implementation or finance systems improvement exposure.
• Knowledge of automation and AI.