At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and provide commercial insight to drive growth.
- Company: Dynamic PE-backed services group with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and exposure to senior leadership.
- Other info: 12-month maternity cover with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced environment while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Recognised accounting qualification and senior finance leadership experience required.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 120000 £ per year.
East Midlands | Multi-Site Leadership Role | Competitive Salary + Executive Benefits
OVERVIEW
AtkinsClarke have been exclusively engaged to deliver on the search for a commercially focused Divisional Finance Director to join a large and highly successful consumer-led organisation with a significant operational footprint across the East Midlands.
This is a pivotal leadership role within a thriving division of a major group, partnering closely with a talented and commercially astute Managing Director to help drive profitable growth, improve performance visibility and elevate the finance function from a reporting environment into a genuine strategic business partner.
The business is experiencing sustained growth, major customer expansion and continued investment in innovation, creating an outstanding opportunity for an experienced finance leader looking to influence both operational and strategic performance within a fast-paced environment.
COMPANY
Our client is a large-scale, multi-site organisation operating within a highly competitive and customer-focused market.
The business partners with nationally recognised retail and consumer customers across the UK and continues to deliver impressive growth despite wider market challenges.
The organisation has built a strong reputation for operational delivery, innovation and customer partnerships, supported by significant investment into systems, data and future growth initiatives.
Following continued expansion and a broader leadership evolution across the group, the business is now looking to appoint a high-calibre Finance Director who can help shape the next phase of commercial and operational growth.
OPPORTUNITY
Reporting into senior divisional leadership, the Divisional Finance Director will take ownership of a sizeable finance function while acting as a trusted commercial advisor to the Managing Director and wider leadership team.
The role will suit a commercially minded and operationally aware finance leader who enjoys working closely with stakeholders to challenge performance, improve visibility and influence strategic decision-making. This is not a traditional reporting-focused FD role. The organisation is seeking someone who can help create a stronger commercial finance culture across the business and drive finance deeper into operational and strategic conversations.
Key responsibilities will include:
- Leading and developing a sizeable multi-site finance function
- Acting as strategic finance partner to the divisional Managing Director
- Driving improved commercial insight, forecasting and performance visibility
- Supporting operational leaders with proactive analysis and decision support
- Improving financial reporting, data utilisation and business intelligence capability
- Challenging margins, cost models and operational efficiencies
- Supporting growth initiatives, customer profitability and innovation projects
- Developing a more commercially focused finance culture across the business
- Leading budgeting, forecasting and long-range planning processes
- Supporting senior leadership with strategic decision-making and future growth plans
- Driving process improvements, governance and financial controls across the division
This role offers genuine strategic influence within a high-performing and evolving business environment.
PERSON
We are looking for an experienced and commercially capable Finance Director who combines strong technical capability with exceptional stakeholder engagement and leadership skills.
The successful candidate will likely demonstrate:
- Previous experience operating within a large, complex or multi-site environment
- Strong commercial finance and business partnering capability
- The ability to influence senior operational and commercial stakeholders
- Experience leading and developing finance teams through change and growth
- Strong analytical and data interpretation capability
- Confidence operating within fast-paced operational environments
- The ability to balance strategic thinking with operational delivery
- A collaborative and approachable leadership style
- Strong communication skills with the ability to engage at all levels
- Experience within retail, manufacturing, FMCG or another operationally intensive environment would be advantageous
Most importantly, the business is seeking someone who can build relationships, bring energy and credibility to the leadership team and help shape the future direction of the finance function.
OFFER
This is an outstanding opportunity to join a highly successful and growing organisation in a visible and influential leadership role with genuine long-term potential.
- Competitive salary & Executive benefits package including car allowance, bonus and family healthcare
- Hybrid working environment
- Significant strategic exposure within a large-scale organisation
- Opportunity to shape and evolve a major finance function
- Long-term growth and progression potential
- High-performing and commercially ambitious leadership team
Divisional Finance Director employer: AtkinsClarke
AtkinsClarke is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and collaborative work culture that thrives on commercial insight and strategic leadership. As a Divisional Finance Director, you will be at the forefront of driving profitable growth within a fast-paced, PE-backed environment, with ample opportunities for professional development and exposure to senior stakeholders. The company values inclusivity and provides flexible working arrangements, making it an attractive place for ambitious finance professionals seeking meaningful and rewarding careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Divisional Finance Director
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their financial strategies and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. Show them you’re not just another candidate, but the right fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be clear about your achievements and how they relate to the Divisional Finance Director role. Highlight your commercial insight and leadership skills to make a lasting impression.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It streamlines the process and ensures your application gets directly to the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team!
We think you need these skills to ace Divisional Finance Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Divisional Finance Director role. Highlight your experience in financial leadership and business partnering, as these are key for us. Use specific examples that showcase your strategic insight and commercial challenge.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should tell us why you’re the perfect fit for this fast-paced environment. Share your passion for finance and how you've influenced strategy in previous roles. Keep it concise but impactful!
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; we want to see your achievements! Quantify your successes where possible, like improvements in financial performance or successful M&A activities. Numbers speak volumes!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures it gets to the right people quickly. Plus, you’ll get a confirmation that we’ve received it!
How to prepare for a job interview at AtkinsClarke
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Divisional Finance Director, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics relevant to the role, such as forecasting and budgeting techniques. Be ready to discuss how you've used these skills to drive performance in previous roles.
✨Understand the Business Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the company's operations and the private equity environment. Research their recent projects and strategic initiatives. This will help you speak confidently about how you can contribute to their growth and align with their commercial goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to discuss your approach to leading finance teams and partnering with operational leaders. Share specific examples of how you've influenced strategy and decision-making in a fast-paced environment. Highlight your ability to balance detail with the bigger picture.
✨Practice Your Communication Skills
Given the collaborative culture, strong communication is key. Prepare to articulate complex financial concepts in a way that resonates with non-financial stakeholders. Role-play potential scenarios with a friend to refine your delivery and ensure clarity.
