At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape financial strategy and lead a dynamic finance team in a growing food business.
- Company: Join Little & Cull, a leading UK supplier of premium bakery products.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, executive package, and genuine career progression opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with strong focus on team development and strategic insight.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the financial direction of a respected food producer.
- Qualifications: Fully qualified accountant with experience in finance leadership roles.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 ÂŁ per year.
Hays are delighted to be exclusively retained by Little & Cull in the search for their new Finance Director. Little & Cull is a leading UK supplier of premium bakery products and prepared dishes, trusted by foodservice operators across the travel, leisure, hospitality and casual dining sectors. Operating across two production sites in Devon and headquartered just off the A38 in Newton Abbot, the business combines chef‑led creativity with strong commercial expertise to deliver food that consistently performs in professional kitchens.
With a turnover of approximately £25 million, Little & Cull has built a reputation for innovative, high‑quality products supported by responsive, knowledgeable and genuinely personal service. Its extensive portfolio is thoughtfully developed in house to meet the evolving needs of its foodservice partners, helping them serve outstanding food with confidence. The company also excels in bespoke product development, working closely with clients to create tailored recipes, formats and flavour profiles that reflect brand identity, operational requirements and emerging trends.
Now in its 20th year, Little & Cull continues to demonstrate consistent and sustainable organic growth, testament to its customer focus, culinary expertise and long‑standing commitment to great food.
Your new role
Reporting to the Board, the Finance Director will shape the financial strategy of the business and act as a key commercial partner across Operations, Commercial and Supply Chain. This is a forward‑looking, influential leadership role with a focus on strategic insight, commercial performance, investment planning and supporting continued business growth. The Finance Director will hold overarching responsibility for the finance function, leading a team of five. Day‑to‑day financial reporting and management accounts will be overseen by an experienced Finance Manager, enabling the Finance Director to maintain a broader, more strategic perspective.
Strategic Leadership
- Lead and evolve the financial strategy to support sustainable, profitable growth.
- Provide clear financial insight, challenge and strategic guidance to the CEO and leadership team.
- Drive long‑term planning, scenario modelling and investment appraisal.
- Support strategic decision‑making across product development, pricing, capex and operational planning.
Finance Oversight & Governance
- Hold overall responsibility for financial governance, risk management and control frameworks.
- Ensure high‑quality financial information, with day‑to‑day reporting led by the Finance Manager.
- Oversee statutory accounts, audit processes and regulatory compliance.
Commercial & Operational Business Partnering
- Provide insight on customer profitability, product investment and portfolio growth opportunities.
- Support system improvements, automation and the strengthening of financial processes.
- Contribute to strategic projects, including operational efficiency programmes and potential future expansion opportunities.
Leadership & Team Development
- Lead and develop a finance team of five, fostering a culture of accountability, high performance and collaboration.
- Support the ongoing development and oversight of the daily finance function.
- Build strong cross‑functional relationships to ensure finance is seen as a proactive and valued business partner.
What you'll need to succeed
- Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA).
- Proven experience as a Finance Director or senior finance leader in light manufacturing, FMCG or ideally food production within a similarly sized organisation.
- Strong commercial acumen, with the ability to influence and shape business direction.
- Comfortable operating in a demanding, fast‑moving, entrepreneurial environment.
- Demonstrated ability to lead, develop and motivate teams and partner senior leaders.
What you'll get in return
- A strategic, career‑defining role within a respected, high‑growth food producer.
- The opportunity to shape financial strategy and influence long‑term business direction.
- A collaborative, agile working environment where your impact will be visible.
- Competitive salary, executive package and genuine progression potential.
Finance Director employer: Little & Cull
Contact Detail:
Little & Cull Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Director
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts, attend finance events, and connect with people on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its financial strategies. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals, especially in areas like investment planning and operational efficiency.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be prepared to share examples of how you've developed teams and fostered collaboration in previous roles. Companies love candidates who can lead and inspire others.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always looking for talented individuals who can help shape the future of finance in exciting industries.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Finance Director role. Highlight your experience in financial strategy, team leadership, and commercial acumen. We want to see how your background aligns with what Little & Cull is looking for!
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. Mention specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to drive growth and lead teams, just like they do at Little & Cull.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a Finance Director, you'll need to lead a team and influence senior leaders. Make sure to include examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past. We want to see your leadership style in action!
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining the team at Little & Cull!
How to prepare for a job interview at Little & Cull
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Finance Director, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics relevant to Little & Cull, such as profit margins, cash flow, and ROI. Be ready to discuss how you've used these metrics to drive business decisions in the past.
✨Showcase Strategic Insight
Prepare to discuss your experience with long-term planning and investment appraisal. Think of specific examples where your strategic insights have led to successful outcomes. This will show that you can contribute to the company's growth and direction.
✨Understand the Business Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the food production industry, especially trends affecting FMCG and light manufacturing. Being able to speak knowledgeably about market dynamics and how they impact financial strategy will impress the interviewers.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Since you'll be leading a finance team, be prepared to share your leadership philosophy. Discuss how you've developed teams in the past and fostered a culture of accountability and high performance. This will highlight your ability to motivate and guide others.