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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and operations for a fast-growing cosmetics business.
- Company: Join a dynamic, values-driven scale-up with international recognition.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace welcoming diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a high-growth environment focused on innovation and sustainability.
- Qualifications: Proven finance leadership experience in SMEs, ideally within cosmetics or personal care.
The predicted salary is between 100000 - 150000 £ per year.
Harmonic Finance are delighted to be working on a retained basis with one of the UK's fastest-growing cosmetics businesses in their search for a commercially astute and ambitious CFO. This is a rare opportunity to join a dynamic, values-driven scale-up with international recognition for its high-quality, innovative, and sustainable products. The business has experienced significant growth and is now entering a new phase of maturity and operational sophistication.
With a strong culture built on collaboration, transparency, and long-term thinking, this is an environment where finance plays a central role in shaping strategy and driving performance.
The Role
This is a high-impact, hands-on CFO position suited to a founder-friendly operator who can balance strategic thinking with execution. Working closely with the Founder and senior leadership team, you will take full ownership of the finance function while acting as a key strategic partner across a complex and evolving business environment. You will be instrumental in evolving the business from financial insight to true operational control, ensuring robust financial discipline, clear visibility on performance, and effective capital allocation.
Key Responsibilities
- Act as a core member of the leadership team, shaping strategic and operational decision-making
- Partner closely with senior leadership to improve performance, and optimise capital deployment
- Establish best-in-class financial control and discipline, shifting from reactive reporting to proactive, decision-oriented management
- Own cash flow and working capital visibility, with a strong focus on near-term performance and liquidity
- Lead budgeting, forecasting, and long-range planning
- Drive system improvements to support scale, efficiency, and data-led decision-making
- Support strategic initiatives including financing, debt structuring, and potential M&A activity
- Work closely with the Founder on capital allocation, prioritisation, and future fundraising plans
What We're Looking For (Essential)
- Proven experience as a senior finance leader within an SME or scaling business with £30m - £100m revenue.
- Background in Cosmetics, Personal Care, or adjacent sectors (e.g. Food & Beverage)
- Fully qualified (ACA / ACCA / CIMA)
- Commercially sharp with the ability to operate both strategically and hands-on
- Experience partnering with founders and senior leadership teams
- Strong track record in building and leading high-performing finance teams
- Experience in financial planning, cash management, and operational finance
- Exposure to strategic finance areas such as fundraising, debt, or M&A
- Experience in a fast-growth environment
- Exposure to international expansion
- Experience supporting new product development or innovation-led businesses
- Prior involvement in an exit or IPO process
- Experience implementing finance systems or driving digital transformation
- Experience operating within group or multi-entity business structures (highly advantageous)
Location: London - Hybrid working
At Harmonic, we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace. We actively welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and assure you that every candidate will be thoughtfully considered for the roles we represent, without regard to race, religion, gender expression, disability, or sexual orientation.
Chief Financial Officer | Scaling Cosmetics & Personal Care Business | London / Hybrid employer: Harmonic FinanceTM | Certified B Corp
Contact Detail:
Harmonic FinanceTM | Certified B Corp Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Financial Officer | Scaling Cosmetics & Personal Care Business | London / Hybrid
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the cosmetics and personal care 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!
✨Showcase Your Expertise
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your experience in financial planning and operational finance. Share specific examples of how you've driven performance and improved capital deployment in previous roles. We want to see that hands-on approach!
✨Be Ready for the Interview
Prepare for those interviews by brushing up on the latest trends in the cosmetics industry and understanding the company’s values. We recommend having a few questions ready that show you’re genuinely interested in their mission and how you can contribute to their growth.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate candidates who align with our values, so make sure to showcase your unique skills and experiences.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Financial Officer | Scaling Cosmetics & Personal Care Business | London / Hybrid
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of CFO in a scaling cosmetics business. Highlight your experience in finance leadership, especially in SMEs, and showcase any relevant achievements that align with the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention your passion for the cosmetics industry and how your strategic thinking can drive performance in our dynamic environment.
Showcase Your Financial Acumen: In your application, be sure to highlight your experience with financial planning, cash management, and operational finance. We want to see how you've successfully navigated complex financial landscapes in previous roles.
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 from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Harmonic FinanceTM | Certified B Corp
✨Know Your Numbers
As a CFO, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics relevant to the cosmetics industry, such as cash flow management and capital allocation. Be ready to discuss how you've used these metrics to drive performance in previous roles.
✨Showcase Strategic Thinking
This role requires a balance of strategic insight and hands-on execution. Prepare examples of how you've partnered with leadership teams to shape business strategy. Think about specific initiatives where your financial insights led to significant operational improvements.
✨Cultural Fit is Key
The company values collaboration and transparency. During the interview, highlight experiences where you've fostered a positive team culture or navigated challenges in a collaborative way. This will show that you align with their values and can thrive in their environment.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-world scenarios. Think about challenges you've faced in financial planning or cash management, and be ready to explain your thought process and the outcomes. This will showcase your ability to think on your feet and adapt to changing circumstances.