At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy for international growth and optimise sales margins.
- Company: Join a high-growth international business with ambitious expansion plans.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 25 days holiday, discounts, and educational sponsorship.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of a dynamic business and influence key commercial decisions.
- Qualifications: Fully qualified accountant with senior commercial finance experience.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
This is a rare opportunity to step into a highly influential leadership role at a time of significant growth and ambitious international expansion for Iceland’s International & Partnerships business.
As Head of Financial Strategy - International & Partnerships, you’ll play a critical role in shaping the future direction of a rapidly evolving division. With a strong focus on what’s next, you’ll look beyond current performance to identify growth opportunities, assess emerging risks and ensure commercial decisions today drive long‑term success.
Working closely with the Managing Director for International & Partnerships, the Trading Finance Director and the Executive team, you’ll operate at the heart of strategic decision‑making – influencing business behaviour, guiding key commercial outcomes and positioning the business for sustainable, profitable growth across international and wholesale markets.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead financial strategy for Iceland’s international and Wholesale division, helping to maximise sales and optimise margin.
- Full ownership of the long‑term strategic planning via budgets and target setting, working in partnership with the MD of Iceland International and Partnerships.
- Support international and domestic expansion, through being financial lead for major commercial negotiations.
- Provide financial insight on the Customer portfolio to ensure clear direction to the Commercial team on areas of opportunity and risk for sales and margin growth.
- Act as the strategic link to Exec board on financial performance and long‑term plans.
What we’re looking for
- Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).
- Senior commercial finance experience within international, wholesale, FMCG or retail businesses.
- A strategic, forward‑looking thinker with a strong commercial lens and the ability to assess future opportunities and risks.
- Proven experience influencing business behaviour and key commercial decisions at senior levels.
- Strong stakeholder management and people leadership experience, including managing managers.
About You
- Commercial and outcome focused, with a clear growth mindset.
- Confident challenging thinking and decision‑making at senior and executive level.
- A clear, credible communicator who can simplify complex financial issues.
- A collaborative leader with a strong business partnering approach.
Why join us?
This is a genuine opportunity to shape the long‑term financial strategy of a high‑growth international business. You’ll operate at the heart of commercial decision‑making, influence future expansion plans and play a pivotal role in where the business goes next.
What you'll get from us
- A competitive salary with an excellent benefits package.
- 25 days holiday plus 8 days bank holiday.
- 15% store discount and 30% Club Individual restaurant discount.
- Charity fundraising events.
- Educational sponsorship.
- Enhanced maternity and paternity leave.
- Long service awards.
- Reward and recognition.
Head of Financial Strategy – International & Partnerships in Wales employer: Iceland Foods Ltd.
Iceland offers an exceptional work environment for the Head of Financial Strategy – International & Partnerships, where you will be at the forefront of shaping a high-growth international business. With a strong emphasis on employee development, competitive salaries, and a comprehensive benefits package, including generous holiday allowances and educational sponsorship, Iceland fosters a collaborative culture that values innovation and strategic thinking. Join us to influence key commercial decisions and drive sustainable growth in a dynamic and supportive setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Financial Strategy – International & Partnerships in Wales
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that dream role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company inside out. Understand their financial strategies, recent news, and market position. This will help you tailor your answers and show them you’re genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in terms of strategic thinking and commercial decision-making. Confidence is key, so rehearse until it feels natural.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Financial Strategy – International & Partnerships in Wales
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Head of Financial Strategy. Highlight your experience in commercial finance and any leadership roles you've held, especially in international or wholesale settings. We want to see how your background aligns with our ambitious growth plans!
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. Share specific examples of how you've influenced business decisions and driven financial strategy in previous positions. We love a good story that showcases your skills!
Showcase Your Strategic Thinking:In your application, emphasise your ability to think ahead and identify growth opportunities. We’re looking for someone who can assess risks and make informed decisions that lead to long-term success. Make sure to include relevant examples that demonstrate this skill!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, we love seeing applications come directly from our site!
How to prepare for a job interview at Iceland Foods Ltd.
✨Know Your Numbers
As a candidate for the Head of Financial Strategy, you need to be on top of your financial game. Brush up on key financial metrics relevant to international and wholesale markets. Be prepared to discuss how you've used data to drive strategic decisions in your previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
This role is all about shaping the future direction of the business. Come ready with examples of how you've identified growth opportunities and assessed risks in past positions. Think about how you can apply that experience to Iceland’s International & Partnerships division.
✨Communicate Clearly
You’ll need to simplify complex financial issues for various stakeholders. Practice explaining your past projects and strategies in a way that’s easy to understand. This will demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively at senior levels.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a collaborative leader, you’ll be managing managers and influencing behaviour. Prepare to discuss your leadership style and provide examples of how you've successfully led teams through change or challenging situations. Highlight your stakeholder management experience as well.
