Head of Finance in Leicester

Head of Finance in Leicester

Leicester Full-Time 80000 - 85000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead financial strategy and drive profitability in a dynamic FMCG environment.
  • Company: Join a leading UK FMCG and fresh food distribution group.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, car allowance, and comprehensive benefits.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in a high-volume, fast-paced food sector.
  • Qualifications: Qualified Accountant with 5-10 years in senior finance leadership.
  • Other info: Remote role with multi-site travel and excellent career growth opportunities.

The predicted salary is between 80000 - 85000 £ per year.

Location: Remote / UK-Based (multi-site travel)

Salary: £80,000 - £85,000 base + bonus, car allowance & benefits

Type: Permanent | Senior Leadership Role

We are partnering with a leading UK FMCG and fresh food distribution group to recruit a strategic Head of Finance for their UK Wholesale division. This is a high-impact, commercially driven leadership role, perfect for a finance professional with extensive FMCG, food manufacturing, or wholesale experience. You will be responsible for shaping financial strategy, driving profitability, and providing commercial insight across a complex, multi-site operation.

Role Overview

As Head of Finance, you will be the trusted finance partner to the Divisional MD and senior leadership team. You'll lead the divisional finance function, providing strategic direction, commercial analysis, and operational oversight, helping to steer growth and optimise performance across the wholesale network. This role is ideal for a hands-on finance leader who thrives in high-volume, fast-moving food environments and can translate numbers into actionable insight for operational teams.

Key Responsibilities

  • Strategic Leadership: Define and deliver divisional financial strategy, driving growth, operational efficiency, and commercial outcomes.
  • Finance Business Partnering: Act as a key advisor to the MD and senior leadership team, influencing decisions across sales, operations, supply chain, and commercial functions.
  • Commercial Insight: Lead pricing, margin, customer profitability, cost-to-serve analysis, and scenario planning in a high-volume FMCG or food setting.
  • Financial Control & Governance: Ensure robust financial control across multi-site operations, including audit readiness, risk management, and regulatory compliance.
  • Planning & Reporting: Oversee budgeting, forecasting, and board reporting, providing actionable insights to support strategic decisions.
  • M&A & Investment Support: Lead financial due diligence, integration planning, and post-acquisition performance monitoring.
  • Team Leadership: Manage and develop a distributed finance team, fostering a high-performance, collaborative culture.
  • Process Improvement: Drive enhancements to systems, reporting, KPIs, and operational processes across the division.

Candidate Profile / Requirements

  • Qualified Accountant (CIMA / ACCA / ACA) with 5-10 years PQE in a senior finance leadership role
  • Extensive experience in FMCG, fresh food, food manufacturing, or food wholesale - essential
  • Proven track record in multi-site operations and complex supply chain environments
  • Strong commercial acumen, with experience in pricing, margin optimisation, contract negotiation, and customer profitability
  • Strategic thinker with the ability to operate hands-on when required
  • Excellent communication and influencing skills to engage and challenge senior stakeholders
  • Comfortable in a fast-paced, dynamic, high-volume market

To apply, please send your CV to

Head of Finance in Leicester employer: Hamilton Woods

As a leading player in the UK FMCG and fresh food distribution sector, our company offers an exceptional work environment that prioritises employee growth and development. With a strong focus on strategic leadership and commercial insight, we foster a collaborative culture where finance professionals can thrive and make a significant impact. Enjoy competitive benefits, including a generous salary package, car allowance, and the flexibility of remote work, all while being part of a dynamic team dedicated to driving success across multi-site operations.
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Contact Detail:

Hamilton Woods Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Finance in Leicester

✨Network Like a Pro

Get out there and connect with people in the finance industry! Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that dream job.

✨Ace the Informational Interview

Set up informal chats with professionals already in roles you’re eyeing. Ask them about their experiences and insights into the company culture. This not only gives you valuable info but also puts you on their radar when opportunities pop up!

✨Showcase Your Expertise

Don’t just wait for job openings; create your own opportunities! Share your thoughts on finance trends or case studies on social media or blogs. We love seeing candidates who are proactive and passionate about their field!

✨Apply Through Our Website

When you find a role that excites you, apply directly through our website. It shows you’re serious and makes it easier for us to spot your application. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step!

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Finance in Leicester

Strategic Leadership
Finance Business Partnering
Commercial Insight
Financial Control & Governance
Planning & Reporting
M&A & Investment Support
Team Leadership
Process Improvement
Qualified Accountant (CIMA / ACCA / ACA)
FMCG Experience
Multi-Site Operations
Strong Commercial Acumen
Excellent Communication Skills
Influencing Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the job description. Highlight your experience in FMCG and food manufacturing, and don’t forget to showcase your strategic leadership skills. We want to see how you can drive growth and profitability!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for the Head of Finance role. Share specific examples of how you've influenced decisions and provided commercial insight in previous roles. We love a good story!

Showcase Your Financial Acumen: In your application, be sure to highlight your qualifications and experience with financial control, governance, and planning. We’re looking for someone who can ensure robust financial practices across multi-site operations, so make that clear!

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, we love seeing applications come through our own platform!

How to prepare for a job interview at Hamilton Woods

✨Know Your Numbers

As a Head of Finance, you’ll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics relevant to FMCG and food distribution. Be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive profitability and operational efficiency in past roles.

✨Showcase Strategic Thinking

Prepare examples that highlight your strategic leadership skills. Think about times when you defined financial strategies or influenced decisions across various functions. This role requires a strategic mindset, so be sure to articulate your thought process clearly.

✨Engage with Commercial Insight

Be prepared to discuss your experience with pricing, margin optimisation, and customer profitability. Bring specific examples of how your insights have led to improved financial outcomes. This will show that you can translate numbers into actionable insights for operational teams.

✨Demonstrate Team Leadership

Since you'll be managing a distributed finance team, share your experiences in team development and fostering a collaborative culture. Highlight any initiatives you've led to improve team performance and engagement, as this is crucial for the role.

Head of Finance in Leicester
Hamilton Woods
Location: Leicester

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