At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and drive growth for a premium consumer retail brand.
- Company: Join one of the UK's biggest consumer success stories in Manchester.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, equity options, and hybrid working model.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace that values diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
- Why this job: Shape the future of a dynamic brand while making a real impact.
- Qualifications: Proven finance leader with strategic vision and transformation experience.
CFO | PE Backed Premium Consumer Retail Brand | Manchester
Harmonic are delighted to be partnering with one of the UK's biggest consumer success stories in the search for their next CFO.
HQ'd in the North West, our client has built a substantial portfolio of consumer brands and technology-enabled businesses, with operations spanning commerce, fulfilment, digital platforms and international markets.
Following a period of significant growth, investment and organisational evolution, the business is entering an important next phase. The Board is seeking a high-calibre Chief Financial Officer to help shape that next chapter, strengthening financial performance and discipline while supporting strategic growth, operational transformation and long-term value creation.
This is a broad and highly influential CFO mandate. The successful candidate will work closely with the CEO, Board and senior leadership team, combining strategic input with rigorous financial management and a strong commercial orientation.
The role will suit an experienced finance leader who is comfortable operating in a fast-moving, complex environment and who brings the credibility to engage with the Board, investors and external stakeholders while remaining close to the operational drivers of the business.
Duties:
- Act as a key strategic partner to the CEO and Board, helping define and execute the Group's long-term strategy.
- Identify opportunities to improve profitability, cash generation, returns and shareholder value.
- Provide rigorous challenge and insight across major strategic and investment decisions
- Lead the Group's finance function and maintain the highest standards of financial control, reporting and governance.
- Own budgeting, forecasting, long-range planning and performance management.
- Ensure high-quality, timely and commercially relevant financial information is available to the Board and executive team
- Lead relationship with a range of key financial stakeholders.
- Develop and articulate financial narrative around the Group's strategy, performance and prospects.
- Oversee results, market communications and investor engagement alongside the CEO and Board.
- Maintain strong relationships with banking, audit, legal and professional advisers.
- Establish clear performance metrics and ensure meaningful follow-through against targets.
- Use technology, data and automation to modernise the finance function and improve decision support.
- Provide the Board and Audit Committee with clear, balanced and independent financial insight.
- Lead, develop and inspire a high-performing finance organisation.
- Develop succession, capability and organisational depth within the finance function.
Key characteristics:
- Strong track record of AI / transformation success
- Strategic and commercially minded
- Compelling communicator who can build confidence across multiple stakeholders
- Driven by transformation and continuous improvement.
- Clear judgement and ability able to navigate competing priorities
- Team mentorship emphasis to develop strong finance team
- Prepared to challenge established thinking and bring an objective perspective.
Salary:
- £120,000 - £160,000 + equity + benefits
Location:
- Manchester (Hybrid)
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.
CFO | PE Backed Premium Consumer Retail Brand in Manchester employer: Harmonic Group Ltd
Join a pioneering scale-up at the forefront of the gaming and tech industry, where creativity and collaboration drive innovation. As a fully remote Senior Finance Manager, you'll enjoy a flexible work environment that promotes professional growth and offers the chance to partner with ambitious founders. With competitive salary packages and a commitment to inclusivity, this role provides a unique opportunity to shape financial strategies in a dynamic and rapidly evolving sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land CFO | PE Backed Premium Consumer Retail Brand in Manchester
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We think you need these skills to ace CFO | PE Backed Premium Consumer Retail Brand in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Us Your Leadership Skills:In the corporate leadership and management field, it's essential to highlight your leadership experience. Use your CV to flesh out examples of how you've led teams to success or managed significant projects. We want to see specific instances where your actions made a tangible difference in your previous roles!
Quantify Your Achievements:Numbers talk, especially in management! When detailing your achievements in your CV or cover letter, don’t just say you improved team performance. Instead, say you boosted productivity by 30% over six months through effective strategy implementation. This makes your application pop and shows us what you can bring to Harmonic Group Ltd.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to narrate your professional journey. We’re looking for motivation and a clear understanding of what corporate leadership means to you. Dive into your aspirations and how they align with the values and vision of Harmonic Group Ltd. Make it personal – we want to get to know you!
Tailor Your CV for Management Roles:Ensure your CV reflects the management skills that are essential for this role. Focus on competencies like strategic planning, team building, and problem-solving. Use a clean layout, and don’t forget to align your experiences with those keywords mentioned in the job listing. This will help you stand out from the crowd!
How to prepare for a job interview at Harmonic Group Ltd
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
You’ll want to thoroughly convey your unique approach to leadership. During the interview with Harmonic Group Ltd, be ready to share real-life examples of how you've inspired and motivated teams in the past. Think about specific achievements that illustrate your strategic thinking and your ability to drive results.
✨Brush Up on Management Theories
Expect some technical questions related to management theories and practices. Brush up on concepts like transformational leadership, servant leadership, or situational leadership. Be prepared to discuss how you would apply these theories to the role at Harmonic Group Ltd, especially in the specific context of the challenges they’re currently facing.
✨Craft Your Vision for the Company
Since this is a full-time leadership role, spending time thinking about your vision for Harmonic Group Ltd could really set you apart. Consider potential strategies for growth and how you would lead teams towards achieving them. This shows not just enthusiasm, but also strategic foresight that they’ll likely be looking for in a candidate.
✨Emphasise Team Dynamics and Culture
In corporate leadership, team dynamics and organisational culture are everything. Be ready to discuss how you've fostered a positive work environment in previous roles. Bring up examples of how you've managed diverse teams effectively—this will resonate well at Harmonic Group Ltd as they’re likely seeking a candidate who can enhance their workplace culture.