At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead commercial finance decisions and support strategic growth in a dynamic global business.
- Company: CAVU, a forward-thinking company transforming airport travel experiences.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 25 days holiday, annual bonus, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Hybrid working with opportunities for international collaboration and career development.
- Why this job: Join a rapidly growing team and influence major commercial decisions in the travel industry.
- Qualifications: Recognised accounting qualification and significant experience in commercial finance.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
About CAVU
For airports, for partners, for people. We are CAVU. At CAVU, our purpose is to find new and better ways to make airport travel seamless and enjoyable for everybody – from the smallest ideas to the biggest transformations. Every day is an opportunity to create better travel experiences. From our revenue‑accelerating single‑platform technology, Propel, through to our world‑class hospitality venues including 1903 and Escape Lounges, our solutions make travel smoother for passengers and more profitable for our clients and partners. We know that to bring your best ideas, you need the space to think, the support to grow, and the freedom to be your authentic self. Whether you’re working from our offices, from home, in our lounges, or on the road, we provide an environment where you can create, innovate, and help transform airport travel. Together, we can reach new heights. Together, we are CAVU.
The role
We’re looking for a commercially minded Head of Commercial Finance to join our growing Experiences division. Reporting directly to the Finance Director, you’ll play a key role in shaping commercial decisions across a fast‑growing global business. You’ll lead finance partnering for our Americas region while supporting strategic business development, global growth initiatives and new product development across the Experiences portfolio. This is a highly visible leadership role where you’ll work closely with senior stakeholders across the UK and US, providing insight, challenge and commercial guidance that influences business performance and future investment decisions. You’ll also lead two reports, helping develop capability across the wider team while driving a culture of continuous improvement. As our Experiences business continues its ambitious growth journey, this role offers the opportunity to influence international expansion, support new partnerships and franchises, and play a significant part in the business planning and forecasting process.
What you’ll be doing
- Partnering with senior stakeholders across the UK and Americas to provide commercial finance leadership and insight.
- Acting as the lead finance partner for the Americas region, supporting operational performance and strategic growth.
- Supporting business planning, forecasting, budgeting and reporting across the global Experiences business.
- Leading commercial appraisal of new business opportunities, partnerships and investment decisions.
- Delivering insightful financial analysis to influence strategic and operational decision making.
- Supporting international expansion into new markets, ensuring appropriate financial governance and controls are established.
- Leading and developing two direct reports while coaching and supporting the wider finance team.
- Driving improvements across reporting, forecasting, financial processes and analytical capability.
- Working cross‑functionally with Growth, Operations, Delivery and Corporate Finance teams to support successful commercial outcomes.
About you
You’ll be an experienced commercial finance professional who enjoys partnering with senior stakeholders, building trusted relationships and influencing business decisions. You’re naturally curious, commercially aware and thrive in fast‑paced, growing organisations where no two days are the same. We’re looking for someone who brings:
- A recognised accounting qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).
- Significant experience within commercial finance, finance business partnering or commercial leadership.
- Experience influencing senior stakeholders and challenging decisions in a constructive, commercially focused way.
- Strong business partnering skills with the confidence to build relationships across international teams and remote stakeholders.
- Previous experience leading or coaching finance professionals.
- Excellent commercial awareness with the ability to translate financial information into meaningful business insight.
- Experience within a consumer‑focused industry such as travel, hospitality, leisure or retail would be advantageous, although airport experience isn’t essential.
- A proactive, collaborative approach and genuine enthusiasm for helping a growing international business succeed.
This role is based at Manchester Airport with hybrid working (typically two days per week in the office). You’ll also be comfortable flexing your working hours on 3 days of the week to collaborate with US stakeholders and travelling to the US approximately once per quarter.
What’s in it for you
As well as a competitive benefits package, you’ll be joining a business that is growing rapidly with genuine opportunities to develop your career. You’ll work alongside passionate colleagues, influence major commercial decisions and play a key role in shaping the future of our Experiences division. Our benefits include:
- 25 days holiday, increasing with service (up to 28)
- Option to buy up to 10 extra days + 4 flexible bank holidays
- 10% company pension
- Annual bonus scheme
- On‑site gym
- MediCash scheme
- A range of flexible benefits and discounts, including up to 50% off CAVU products such as Escape Lounges and Airport Parking
- Rail and retail discounts
- 2 paid volunteering days per year
- Access to health & wellbeing events, ID&E activities, and learning opportunities
- Formal and informal development options, including mentoring programmes and learning grants
- Enhanced parental leave (T&Cs apply)
Equal Opportunities & Reasonable Adjustments
We’re building something brilliant at CAVU: a diverse team of people who reflect the global customer base we serve. We’re proudly part of MAG, and together we’re on a mission to be number one in our industries – and that takes talent in all its forms. Whether this is your first role or your next big step, we want to hear from you, even if you don’t think you tick every box. What matters most is what you bring. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident employer. If you need any adjustments to support your application or interview, just let us know – we’re committed to helping you perform at your best.
Our Colleague Communities play a big part in that journey, including Women’s Network, Embrace (Race & Ethnicity), Fly with Pride (LGBTQIA+), Mind Matters (Mental Health), PACT (Parents & Carers), RespectABILITY (Disability & Neurodiversity), and the CAVU Global ID&E Affinity Group.
Head of Finance in Manchester employer: Manchester Airports Group
CAVU is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and inclusive work culture, offering employees the chance to thrive in a fast-paced environment while contributing to innovative solutions in airport travel. With a competitive benefits package, opportunities for professional growth, and a commitment to diversity and well-being, CAVU empowers its team members to make a meaningful impact on the future of travel. Located at Manchester Airport with hybrid working options, employees enjoy flexibility and collaboration across international teams, making it an ideal place for those looking to advance their careers in a supportive setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Finance in Manchester
✨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
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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.
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We think you need these skills to ace Head of Finance in Manchester
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 Manchester Airports Group.
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Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Manchester Airports Group'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 Manchester Airports Group
✨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 Manchester Airports Group.
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✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Manchester Airports Group 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 Manchester Airports Group 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.
