At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial performance and partner with sales to drive profitability.
- Company: Dynamic international healthcare business focused on growth.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, hybrid work, and comprehensive benefits.
- Other info: High-profile position with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Join a pivotal role influencing strategic decisions and driving transformation.
- Qualifications: Fully qualified accountant with strong commercial finance experience.
We are partnering with a growing international healthcare business to appoint a senior commercial finance leader supporting two high‑growth divisions. This is a pivotal role, operating at the centre of strategic decision‑making and working closely with senior commercial leadership.
This position sits within a UK leadership team and plays a key role in driving performance, profitability and long‑term growth across two specific product portfolios. The business is investing heavily in these areas and is seeking a commercially astute finance professional to help shape strategy and unlock value. You will act as a true business partner to divisional directors, providing insight, challenge and support across all aspects of financial planning and execution.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead financial performance management across multiple business units, including delivery of monthly results, forecasting and planning cycles
- Partner closely with Sales and Marketing teams to influence commercial decisions and improve outcomes
- Deliver actionable insight into profitability, pricing and market dynamics
- Support key processes such as demand planning, product launches and investment decisions
- Develop and present financial strategies and scenarios to senior stakeholders
- Evaluate pricing structures, contract performance and tender opportunities
- Build financial models to assess growth initiatives, market expansion and product performance
Candidate Profile
- Fully qualified accountant (ACA, CIMA or equivalent)
- Strong commercial finance experience, ideally within the pharmaceutical sector
- Proven ability to operate as a strategic business partner at senior level
- Experience analysing pricing, margins, and routes to market
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to translate complex data into clear insights
- Strong systems capability, with exposure to ERP and data/analytics tools
- Proactive and delivery‑focused, with the confidence to challenge and influence stakeholders
- Able to work approx 3 days per week in Reading
Why Apply?
- Opportunity to join a business investing in growth and transformation
- High‑profile role with direct exposure to senior leadership
- Broad and strategic remit with real impact on business performance
- Flexible hybrid working model
- Competitive salary, bonus and benefits package
Head of Commercial Finance, Pharmaceutical Sector employer: Gleeson Accountancy Recruitment
Join a dynamic and growing international healthcare business as the Head of Commercial Finance in Reading, where you will play a crucial role in shaping strategy and driving performance across high-growth divisions. With a strong focus on employee development, a flexible hybrid working model, and a competitive salary package including bonuses and benefits, this company fosters a collaborative work culture that values insight and innovation. This is an exceptional opportunity to partner with senior leadership and make a tangible impact in the pharmaceutical sector.
Contact Details:
Gleeson Accountancy Recruitment Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Commercial Finance, Pharmaceutical Sector
✨Unlock Networking Opportunities
Dive into industry-specific events like pharmaceutical conferences and seminars, where you can meet hiring managers from companies like Gleeson Accountancy Recruitment. These are goldmines for making connections and learning about job openings before they hit the mainstream job boards.
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Get involved with organisations such as the Royal Pharmaceutical Society or your local pharmaceutical professionals' network. Being an active member can boost your credibility and may even lead to job referrals in top organisations like Gleeson Accountancy Recruitment.
✨Leverage Internships for Full-time Roles
If you can, consider pursuing internships in the pharmaceutical industry, especially with companies like Gleeson Accountancy Recruitment. These opportunities often pave the way for full-time positions and allow you to demonstrate your capabilities firsthand.
✨Tailor Your Approach
When you're applying for roles, don't rush it! Take the time to customise your applications for specific positions, showcasing relevant skills and experiences that align with what Gleeson Accountancy Recruitment is looking for. A tailored application can really make you stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Commercial Finance, Pharmaceutical Sector
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:When applying for a role in the pharmaceutical industry, it's crucial to highlight any relevant experience you have. Whether that's internships, lab work, or even related coursework, make sure to weave this into your CV and cover letter. We want to see how your background aligns with the role you're applying for at Gleeson Accountancy Recruitment!
Emphasise Your Understanding of Regulations:The pharmaceutical industry is heavily regulated, so it's important to indicate your familiarity with industry standards and regulations. In your cover letter, mention any training or certifications you've received that are relevant, or discuss projects where you’ve navigated compliance. This will show Gleeson Accountancy Recruitment that you're not just a fit for the job but also a safety-conscious candidate!
Tailor Your CV to Be Result-Driven:Craft your CV to highlight quantifiable achievements, especially if you have previous roles in pharmaceuticals or related fields. Use metrics to demonstrate your impact, such as improved processing times or successful project completions while working on trials. This analytical approach will resonate well with hiring managers at Gleeson Accountancy Recruitment!
Convey Your Passion for the Industry:In your cover letter, express why you are passionate about working in the pharmaceutical sector. Whether it’s your desire to contribute to groundbreaking drug research or improve patient outcomes, let it shine through! At Gleeson Accountancy Recruitment, we value candidates who are truly enthusiastic about their work—you might just stand out from the crowd.
How to prepare for a job interview at Gleeson Accountancy Recruitment
✨Understand the Science
Make sure you brush up on key pharmaceutical concepts and recent developments in the industry. You might get asked some technical questions during the interview at Gleeson Accountancy Recruitment that show your grasp of drug development processes or regulatory requirements, so be ready to discuss them clearly.
✨Showcase Relevant Experience
If you have any hands-on experience or internships in a laboratory setting, be sure to highlight these in your responses. Think about the projects you worked on, the methodologies you used, and the impact you made. It's all about telling a story that connects your background to the role you're applying for.
✨Know Their Products
Take some time to familiarise yourself with Gleeson Accountancy Recruitment’s product range and recent breakthroughs. Understanding their portfolio not only shows your enthusiasm for the role but also allows you to ask insightful questions that demonstrate your interest in actively contributing to their projects.
✨Be Ready for Regulatory Scenarios
In a full-time pharmaceutical role, understanding the regulatory landscape is crucial. Prepare for situational questions that may test your problem-solving skills concerning compliance and safety standards. You could be asked how you'd handle a hypothetical issue regarding a drug’s market release, so think through your approach.
