At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic finance team and drive strategic growth in a thriving consumer-led organisation.
- Company: Join a large-scale FMCG company with a strong reputation for innovation and operational excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, executive benefits, hybrid working, and significant career progression opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with a focus on growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by shaping the finance function and influencing strategic decisions.
- Qualifications: Experience in commercial finance and leading teams in fast-paced environments.
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 UK 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.
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.
Qualifications & Requirements:
- 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 FMCG, manufacturing, retail or another operationally intensive environment would be advantageous
About the Business:
Our client is a large-scale, multi-site FMCG organisation operating within a highly competitive and customer-focused market. With a turnover of c£400m across the division and a workforce of over 1,500 employees, the business supplies 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.
Benefits & Package:
- Salary up to £150,000
- 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 in Leicester employer: AtkinsRéalis
AtkinsClarke is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and collaborative work culture that empowers finance leaders to drive strategic growth within a large-scale FMCG organisation. With a competitive salary of up to £150,000 and an executive benefits package, employees enjoy significant exposure to senior leadership and the opportunity to shape a major finance function. The company prioritises employee development and offers a hybrid working environment, making it an attractive place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in finance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Divisional Finance Director in Leicester
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like AtkinsRéalis. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Divisional Finance Director in Leicester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to AtkinsRéalis.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on AtkinsRéalis's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at AtkinsRéalis
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with AtkinsRéalis.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at AtkinsRéalis will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former AtkinsRéalis employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
