At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead finance and operations for a fast-growing premium spirits brand.
- Company: Dynamic, founder-led spirits brand with rapid growth and exciting opportunities.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and the chance to shape a growing business.
- Other info: Be part of a close-knit leadership team driving innovation and strategy.
- Why this job: Join at a pivotal moment and make a real impact on the company's future.
- Qualifications: Professional accounting qualification and experience in fast-paced consumer businesses.
The predicted salary is between 75600 - 92400 £ per year.
About The Company
Our client is a founder-led premium spirits brand growing fast in a category dominated by giants. Topline grew 50% last year, and the business is forecasting 70% this year. Around 80% of sales come from bars and restaurants, with national listings at major UK premium grocers. The first export market has just launched, and the range is expanding across on-trade, grocery and RTD. The business believes the next two years are a real window for challenger brands in spirits, and it intends to make the most of it.
The Role
This is a new leadership role. Until now, finance has been led by a founder with fractional support. Your job is to bring finance in-house, take ownership of operations, and become the person the CEO turns to for a straight answer on what the numbers mean. This isn’t a traditional controller role. You’ll sit on the senior leadership team as a peer to the Heads of Sales and Marketing. Some things need fixing, and some need building from scratch.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Build and own the financial model, and use it to advise on how to grow faster and more profitably
- Lead annual planning and budgeting, and keep forecasts current as the business changes
- Track channel and product economics across on-trade, grocery, RTD and export, so the business knows where every pound of growth comes from
- Support fundraising and investor reporting, including the model and due diligence
Reporting, Cash and Control
- Own monthly management accounts and a board pack that tells the story behind the numbers
- Own the cash flow forecast, and flag early when a decision will change the cash position
- Keep costs, controls and statutory accounts in order alongside external accountants on audit and tax
- Build a finance function that’s fast, reliable and fit for a business growing at pace
Operations
- Take ownership of supply, production, stock and logistics
- Manage key supplier relationships and terms
- Set up the operational and financial foundations for new export markets
Cross-functional Partnership
- Partner with Sales on commercial planning, pricing and trade terms, with clear ownership on each side
- Shape company strategy and OKRs as an active member of the senior leadership team
- Lead by influence across the business, not just within finance
How We’ll Know It’s Working
- A financial model and forecast the CEO and board trust and use to make decisions
- Clear visibility of cash, margin and channel economics, with no surprises
- Management accounts and board reporting delivered on a predictable timetable
- Operations that keep pace with 70% growth
What You’ll Bring
- A professional accounting qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)
- Experience in a fast-growing consumer business, ideally FMCG, drinks or another brand-led business
- Strong modelling, forecasting and cash management, used to drive commercial decisions
- Experience running operations alongside finance, or a clear appetite to take it on
- The judgement to give the CEO a straight answer, and the confidence to push back
- Strong interpersonal leadership: you build trust, influence peers and fit a close-knit senior team
- Comfort in a small, fast-moving team where you’ll help shape the process
Bonus points:
- Experience in spirits, drinks or on-trade led businesses, grocery retail or export markets, or supporting a fundraise or investor reporting.
Why This Role
- Join at a pivotal moment, with two years of opportunity ahead for challenger spirits brands
- Build the finance and operations functions outright, rather than inheriting someone else’s decisions
- Sit on the leadership team as a genuine peer, shaping strategy and OKRs from day one
A People team built for ambitious businesses
The old model for People & Talent doesn’t work for today's businesses. We've built a better one. Traditionally, early-stage Founders had two options: handle People & Talent themselves, losing precious time they should be spending on product or go-to-market, or hire a generalist, expected to cover everything from culture to recruitment to performance. We offer a more impactful alternative: A fully flexible, fractional People & Talent team with specialist skillsets and hands-on delivery, ready to start driving impact for your business in weeks, not months.
Head of Finance in London employer: Foundation Partners
Stride is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee well-being and growth, offering a unique opportunity to work at the forefront of preventive health. With a dynamic work culture that encourages collaboration across all functions, employees can expect meaningful contributions to the company's mission while enjoying benefits like equity, a generous holiday allowance, and a supportive hybrid working environment from our Manchester base. Join us to make a real impact in the health industry alongside a founder with a proven track record in building successful companies.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Finance in London
✨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 Foundation Partners. 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 Head of Finance in London
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 Foundation Partners.
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 Foundation Partners'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 Foundation Partners
✨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 Foundation Partners.
✨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 Foundation Partners 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 Foundation Partners 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.
