At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead finance function, drive value creation, and support strategic decisions in a high-growth retail business.
- Company: Dynamic, multi-site retail-led business backed by private equity.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, equity options, and comprehensive benefits package.
- Other info: Opportunity for hands-on leadership and significant impact on business performance.
- Why this job: Be a key player in shaping strategy and driving growth in an exciting environment.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with experience in private equity and retail sectors.
Are you a commercially minded Finance Director who wants to be genuinely embedded within a high-growth business rather than simply leading a finance function? Do you thrive in fast-paced, private equity backed environments where strategic influence, operational involvement and value creation sit at the heart of the role? This is an outstanding opportunity for an experienced Finance Director to join a dynamic, multi-site retail-led business entering an exciting phase of growth, transformation and acquisition activity.
The business is looking for a high-calibre Finance Director who can operate as a true partner to the CEO and senior leadership team, helping shape strategy whilst leading and developing a capable finance function. You will play a pivotal role across commercial decision making, M&A activity, operational performance and driving a clear value creation agenda across the business.
The Opportunity
- Lead and develop the finance function, creating a high-performance and commercially focused team
- Act as a strategic partner to the CEO and Board, providing insight and challenge to support key business decisions
- Work closely with the CEO, Board and PE sponsor to identify, develop and execute value creation initiatives that improve business performance and enterprise value
- Drive financial performance, cash management and business planning, with a clear focus on improving EBITDA and cash generation
- Identify opportunities to improve margins, profitability, working capital and operational efficiency
- Support and lead M&A activity including acquisitions, integrations and investor processes
- Provide commercial insight to support growth initiatives, pricing decisions and operational improvements
- Translate financial and operational data into actionable recommendations that drive performance
- Build strong relationships with lenders, investors and external stakeholders
- Deliver robust reporting, forecasting and financial controls within a fast-paced environment
- Support the wider leadership team in driving operational and commercial performance
- Help shape and execute the long-term strategic growth and value creation plan
About You
- Qualified accountant (ACA / ACCA / CIMA)
- Proven experience operating within a private equity backed environment
- A demonstrable track record of creating value within PE-backed businesses, with clear examples of initiatives you have personally led or materially contributed to that have improved EBITDA, cash generation, margins, growth or enterprise value
- Strong commercial understanding with the ability to look beyond the numbers and identify where value can be created across the wider business
- Proven experience working alongside a PE sponsor, CEO and Board to deliver a value creation plan
- Strong track record of delivering or supporting M&A activity
- Previous experience within a retail or multi-site consumer-facing business
- Commercially astute with the ability to influence at Board and investor level
- Hands-on leadership style with the ability to operate both strategically and operationally
- Strong stakeholder management and communication skills
- Experience leading and developing finance teams through change and transformation
- Ambitious, driven and comfortable working within a growth-focused, acquisitive environment
This role would suit an energetic and commercially driven Finance Director who has genuinely created value in a PE environment and wants to play a key role in the next stage of growth. This is not simply a role focused on reporting the numbers. The successful individual will be expected to challenge the business, identify opportunities, drive change and ultimately help increase the value of the investment.
Finance Director - PE / Retail - West Yorkshire employer: Headstar
Headstar is an excellent employer that values accuracy and flexibility, making it an ideal workplace for those seeking a part-time role in finance. With generous annual leave and the opportunity to work flexible hours, employees can achieve a healthy work-life balance while contributing to a stable organization. The supportive work culture fosters professional growth, ensuring that your skills are recognised and developed in a meaningful way.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Director - PE / Retail - West Yorkshire
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Headstar. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Director - PE / Retail - West Yorkshire
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Headstar.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Headstar's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Headstar
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Headstar.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Headstar will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Headstar employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
