At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial performance and partner with sales to drive growth in the pharmaceutical sector.
- Company: Join a dynamic international healthcare business focused on innovation and transformation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, bonus, flexible hybrid working, and a comprehensive benefits package.
- Other info: Embrace inclusivity in a supportive environment with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on business performance while collaborating with senior leadership.
- Qualifications: Fully qualified accountant with strong commercial finance experience in pharmaceuticals.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ 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
At Gleeson Recruitment Group, we embrace inclusivity and welcome applicants of all backgrounds, experiences, and abilities. We are proud to be a disability confident employer.
By applying you will be registered as a candidate with Gleeson Recruitment Limited. Our Privacy Policy is available on our website and explains how we will use your data.
Head of Commercial Finance, Pharmaceutical Sector, Reading employer: Gleeson Recruitment Ltd
Join a dynamic international healthcare business in Reading, where you will play a crucial role as Head of Commercial Finance, driving performance and profitability across high-growth divisions. With a strong focus on employee development, a flexible hybrid working model, and a commitment to inclusivity, this company offers a supportive work culture that empowers you to make a real impact while enjoying competitive compensation and benefits.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Commercial Finance, Pharmaceutical Sector, Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your 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 in high-growth environments. Show them you can be the strategic partner they need!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere; focus on companies that align with your values and career goals. Use our website to find roles that excite you and tailor your approach to each one. Quality over quantity is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. Share any additional insights you think might be valuable, showing your proactive nature and genuine interest in the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Commercial Finance, Pharmaceutical Sector, Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the job description. Highlight your commercial finance experience, especially in the pharmaceutical sector, and showcase how you've acted as a strategic business partner 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 role. Mention specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to drive performance and profitability.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since excellent communication is key for this role, make sure your application reflects your ability to translate complex data into clear insights. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon where possible.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates!
How to prepare for a job interview at Gleeson Recruitment Ltd
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Head of Commercial Finance, you'll need to be on top of financial performance metrics. Brush up on key figures related to profitability, pricing, and market dynamics before the interview. Being able to discuss these confidently will show your potential employer that you’re ready to hit the ground running.
✨Understand the Business Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the pharmaceutical sector and the specific challenges it faces. Research the company’s product portfolios and recent developments. This knowledge will help you engage in meaningful discussions about how you can contribute to their growth and strategy.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to be asked about how you would handle specific financial scenarios or challenges. Think through examples from your past experience where you've successfully influenced commercial decisions or improved outcomes. Be ready to articulate your thought process and the impact of your actions.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a strategic business partner, your ability to translate complex data into clear insights is crucial. Practice explaining financial concepts in simple terms. During the interview, demonstrate your communication skills by engaging with the interviewers and encouraging a two-way conversation.
