At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead commercial finance, drive insights, and support strategic decision-making in a fast-paced environment.
- Company: Join a market-leading, Private Equity-backed Services group in South Manchester.
- Benefits: Hybrid work model, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with the chance to influence at board level and lead a high-performing team.
- Why this job: Play a pivotal role in shaping strategy and driving value creation ahead of a planned exit.
- Qualifications: Fully qualified accountant with experience in high-growth or private equity environments.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
A market-leading, Private Equity-backed Services group is seeking a high‑calibre Head of Commercial Finance to play a pivotal role in its next phase of growth and value creation ahead of a planned exit.
Reporting to the Group CFO and partnering closely with the SLT, you’ll lead commercial finance across a large, multi-site operation — driving insight, performance, and strategic decision making. You will operate at the heart of the business, leading commercial finance activity, shaping strategic initiatives, and supporting board-level decision making in a fast‑paced, results‑driven environment.
Key Responsibilities- Partner with CFO and SLT to shape and deliver commercial strategy
- Lead and develop a high‑performing commercial finance team, with direct oversight of divisional business partnering and pricing functions.
- Deliver high-quality analysis, insight, and challenge to support decision‑making across multiple business units
- Prepare and present compelling, data‑driven insights to the Board and private equity stakeholders
- Identify value creation opportunities and challenge existing assumptions to drive profitability and growth
- Support strategic initiatives including transformation, operational improvement, and potential M&A activity
- Play a key role in the run‑up to a planned private equity exit
- Fully qualified accountant (ACA / ACCA / CIMA or equivalent)
- Proven experience in a private equity‑backed or high‑growth environment
- Strong commercial acumen with the ability to influence at board level
- Experience of working in complex, multi‑site organisations
- Exposure to M&A, transaction environments, or exit processes is advantageous
- A proactive, inquisitive mindset with the confidence to challenge and drive change
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build credibility quickly with senior stakeholders
Head of Commercial Finance in Manchester employer: Axon Moore
Contact Detail:
Axon Moore Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Commercial Finance in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance and private equity sectors. Attend industry events or webinars where you can meet potential employers and showcase your expertise.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company inside out. Understand their commercial strategy and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. We want you to shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be clear about what you bring to the table, especially your experience in high-growth environments and M&A. Confidence is key, so rehearse until it feels natural.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Commercial Finance in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the job description. Highlight your experience in commercial finance and any relevant achievements that align with the role. We want to see how you can drive insight and performance!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for the Head of Commercial Finance role. Share specific examples of how you've influenced decision-making and supported strategic initiatives in the past.
Showcase Your Qualifications: Don’t forget to mention your qualifications, like ACA, ACCA, or CIMA. We’re looking for someone who’s fully qualified and has proven experience in high-growth environments, so make that clear in your application!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Axon Moore
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Head of Commercial Finance, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive decision-making in previous roles. Prepare examples that showcase your ability to deliver high-quality analysis and insights.
✨Understand the Business Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the private equity-backed environment and the specific challenges it presents. Research the company’s recent activities, growth strategies, and any potential M&A opportunities. This will help you speak confidently about how you can contribute to their strategic initiatives.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
You'll be leading a high-performing team, so be prepared to discuss your leadership style and experiences. Think of examples where you've developed teams or influenced stakeholders at a senior level. Highlight your interpersonal skills and how you've built credibility quickly in past roles.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities in complex situations. Prepare for scenarios related to operational improvements or value creation opportunities. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses and clearly demonstrate your thought process.