Commercial Finance Director - Boots Opticians in London

At Boots Opticians, we are on a mission to build a brilliant future for our people, enabling them to make a difference for our customers and colleagues every day. As the Commercial Finance Director for Boots Opticians, you will play a pivotal role in shaping our financial strategy and driving business performance within a dynamic and collaborative environment.

What You'll Be Doing

In this critical leadership position, you will report directly to both the Managing Director of Boots Opticians and the CFO of Boots UK. Your primary responsibility will be to lead a team of finance professionals, driving financial strategy, and ensuring robust financial management, internal controls, and strategic oversight. You will act as a trusted advisor to the Managing Director and the leadership team, influencing key business decisions, strategic business ventures, and driving progress across the organisation. Your hands‑on approach will be essential as you navigate the complexities of financial accounting, business partnering, and transformation initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the financial strategy and governance for Boots Opticians, ensuring alignment with overall business objectives.
• Provide insightful analysis and challenge to drive accountability for strategic goals and annual budgets.
• Oversee statutory compliance and audit processes, ensuring best‑in‑class standards in reporting and control.
• Foster collaboration across the Boots UK and Boots Opticians businesses, and our strategic partner, engaging with internal and external stakeholders to enhance financial performance.
• Full P&L responsibility for the Boots Opticians business in conjunction with the Managing Director.
• Cultivate a high‑performing finance team, driving engagement and development to achieve exceptional results.

What You'll Need to Have

• Fully qualified Finance Professional (ACA/CIMA/ACCA) with a proven track record in a senior finance role within a complex and geographically spread environment (and ideally in a retail/brand environment).
• Strong leadership capabilities, with the ability to inspire and mobilise teams towards a shared vision while holding them accountable for performance.
• Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to translate complex financial data into compelling narratives for non‑finance colleagues.
• Resilience and tenacity to thrive in high‑pressure and ambiguous situations, demonstrating sound judgement and decision‑making.
• Experience in managing relationships within a matrix organisation, effectively navigating diverse teams and stakeholders.
• Experience in leading finance functions through organisational change, demonstrating adaptability and strategic foresight.
• A strong understanding of global finance disciplines, including management accounting, financial accounting, and planning.
• Proven ability to drive results and set high standards across finance teams, making a tangible impact on business performance.

Where Your Brilliance Can Take You

This role offers a unique opportunity to influence the direction of Boots Opticians and contribute to the overall success of Boots UK. You will have the chance to shape financial strategies that drive growth and innovation, while also developing your leadership skills in a supportive and inclusive environment. Your contributions will be recognised and valued, allowing you to make a meaningful impact on our customers and communities.

A Bit About Us

At Boots, we’re proud to be an equal opportunity employer, creating a place where everyone feels welcome, supported, and free to be themselves. We believe that when our people feel valued and included, they thrive, so we’re committed to creating a brilliant Boots for our people so they can make a difference for our customers and colleagues every time.