At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial performance and strategy for high-growth pharmaceutical divisions.
- Company: Dynamic international healthcare business focused on growth and transformation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, hybrid work, pension, and additional benefits.
- Other info: Flexible working model with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on business performance while partnering with senior leaders.
- Qualifications: Fully qualified accountant with strong commercial finance experience in pharma.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
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
- 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
- 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 in Reading employer: Gleeson Recruitment Group
Join a dynamic international healthcare business in Reading as the Head of Commercial Finance, where you will play a crucial role in shaping strategy and driving growth across high-potential divisions. With a strong focus on employee development, a flexible hybrid working model, and a competitive benefits package, 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 on business performance in a thriving sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Commercial Finance, Pharmaceutical Sector in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to connections in the pharmaceutical sector and let them know you're on the hunt for a Head of Commercial Finance role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by brushing up on your financial modelling skills. Be ready to discuss how you've influenced commercial decisions in the past, especially around pricing and profitability. Show them you can translate complex data into actionable insights!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just wait for job postings; be proactive! Research companies in the healthcare space that are investing in growth and reach out directly. Tailor your approach to highlight how your experience aligns with their strategic goals.
✨Tip Number 4
Finally, apply through our website! We’re all about making connections and helping you land that dream job. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and contributing to our growth in the pharmaceutical sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Commercial Finance, Pharmaceutical Sector in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Head of Commercial Finance. Highlight your experience in commercial finance, especially within the pharmaceutical sector, and showcase how you've influenced strategic decisions in previous roles.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this position. Mention specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to drive performance and profitability, and don’t forget to show your enthusiasm for the role.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since this role requires excellent communication skills, make sure your application reflects that. Use clear and concise language, and if possible, include examples of how you've translated complex data into actionable insights for stakeholders.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity in our growing team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Gleeson Recruitment Group
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Head of Commercial Finance, you’ll need to be on top of your financial game. Brush up on key metrics related to profitability, pricing, and market dynamics. Be ready to discuss how you've used data to influence commercial decisions in the past.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Mindset
This role is all about strategic decision-making. Prepare examples of how you've acted as a business partner to senior leaders, providing insights that shaped financial strategies. Think about specific scenarios where your input led to significant outcomes.
✨Communicate Clearly
You’ll need to translate complex financial data into clear insights for stakeholders. Practice explaining your past projects or analyses in simple terms. This will demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively with non-financial colleagues.
✨Be Proactive and Confident
The job requires someone who can challenge and influence stakeholders. Prepare to discuss times when you took the initiative to drive change or improve processes. Show them you’re not just reactive but also proactive in your approach.
