At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the finance function and partner with the CEO to drive growth and strategy.
- Company: Fast-growing leisure operator in the competitive socialising space.
- Benefits: Competitive salary of £150k plus generous equity and career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and play a key role in scaling a thriving business.
- Qualifications: CFO experience in multi-site consumer or hospitality, qualified accountant.
- Other info: Work in a vibrant environment with a clear expansion plan and investor backing.
The predicted salary is between 150000 - 150000 £ per year.
We’re working with a fast-growing operator in the competitive socialising space — a multi-site consumer business combining premium leisure experiences with food and drink. With four sites live and a clear roll-out plan (2 in 2026, 4 in 2027), the business is entering a critical phase of expansion. Backed by institutional capital and supported by an experienced Chair and NED group, the business is now looking to hire a full-time CFO to help scale the platform and deliver a future exit.
The Role
This is a true #1 finance role, partnering directly with the Founder/CEO and owning the finance function end-to-end. You’ll be responsible for building the infrastructure, discipline and insight required to scale at pace, while laying the groundwork for an eventual transaction.
Key areas of focus:
- Partnering the CEO on strategy, growth and commercial decision making
- Embedding finance across operations (working closely with site GMs)
- Building best-in-class reporting, controls and KPI ownership
- Driving performance insight across sites (pricing, promotions, margins)
- Owning budgeting, forecasting and long-range planning
- Tight management of cash, working capital and rollout economics
- Leading investor reporting and supporting future funding events
- Building a scalable finance function, systems and data infrastructure
- Leading exit readiness (QoE, diligence, data integrity) and transaction execution
What we’re looking for
Must-have:
- CFO experience in a multi-site consumer / hospitality / retail business
- Proven track record delivering the same playbook: rollout, scale then exit (PE or trade)
- Full ownership of finance (P&L, balance sheet, cash)
- Experience operating in an investor-backed environment (VC/PE)
- Qualified accountant (ACA / ACCA / CIMA or equivalent)
Nice to have:
- Exposure to competitive socialising / leisure formats
- Experience working with a founder-led CEO
Profile
- High energy, hands-on and delivery-focused
- Comfortable operating both in the detail and at Board level
- Strong commercial instinct - able to turn data into action
- Confident challenging stakeholders and driving accountability
- Motivated by building and exiting a business
The role will need you to be in the Berkshire head office 2-3 days per week. Benchmark salary is £150k plus generous equity.
Chief Financial Officer | PE Backed | Leisure in Wokingham employer: Blackwaters Consulting Group
Contact Detail:
Blackwaters Consulting Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Financial Officer | PE Backed | Leisure in Wokingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by doing your homework. Research the company’s recent projects, their growth plans, and their culture. This will not only help you answer questions but also show that you’re genuinely interested in being part of their journey.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your achievements! When you get the chance to talk about your experience, focus on specific results you’ve delivered in previous roles. Use numbers and examples to illustrate how you’ve successfully scaled businesses or improved financial performance.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Financial Officer | PE Backed | Leisure in Wokingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of CFO in a multi-site consumer business. Highlight your experience in scaling operations and managing finances, especially in hospitality or retail. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of your past successes in finance and how they relate to our growth plans. Keep it engaging and personal!
Showcase Your Strategic Mindset: In your application, emphasise your ability to partner with CEOs and drive commercial decisions. We’re looking for someone who can think strategically about growth and performance, so make sure to highlight relevant experiences that demonstrate this skill.
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. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Blackwaters Consulting Group
✨Know Your Numbers
As a CFO, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics relevant to the leisure and hospitality sectors. Be ready to discuss how you've managed P&L, cash flow, and budgeting in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Mindset
This role is all about partnering with the CEO on strategy and growth. Prepare examples of how you've contributed to strategic decision-making in past positions, especially in scaling businesses or preparing for exits.
✨Understand the Business Model
Familiarise yourself with the competitive socialising space and the specific business model of the company. Be prepared to discuss how you would embed finance across operations and drive performance insights tailored to their unique offerings.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
You'll need to be comfortable challenging stakeholders and driving accountability. Think of scenarios where you've successfully navigated stakeholder relationships and how you can apply that to this role. Confidence is key!