At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and oversee budgeting for a growing consumer goods business.
- Company: Dynamic entrepreneurial company with a strong track record in retail and wholesale.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, hybrid working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a fast-paced environment with potential for long-term career advancement.
- Why this job: Shape the financial future of a successful brand while driving impactful growth.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with 10-15 years of experience in finance leadership roles.
The predicted salary is between 110000 - 120000 £ per year.
Location: London / Bedford / Home (Hybrid)
Salary: c.£110-120,000 base + Bonus + Benefits
MDM Consultants are exclusively retained to appoint a Group Finance Director on behalf of a privately owned, entrepreneurial consumer goods business that has a long history and is highly successful working with major retailers.
Operating across design, sourcing, and wholesale distribution, the group supplies well-being and lifestyle products to major UK retailers. The business has a strong track record of growth and is now entering its next phase, including the development of its own brand and expansion into new channels, both in the UK and internationally.
The immediate focus is on strengthening the finance function and supporting continued growth. While there is long-term potential for an exit, this is not a short-term mandate and requires a Finance Director focused on building a robust, scalable platform.
The Opportunity
This is a key leadership appointment, working closely with shareholders and the senior management team to shape the financial direction of the business. The role combines strategic input with a highly hands-on approach. You will take ownership of financial planning, reporting, and commercial decision-making, while also playing a central role in enhancing processes, improving reporting quality, and evolving the finance function.
Alongside the core wholesale model, the business is expanding into direct-to-consumer, marketplace, and international channels. This creates a broad, commercially engaging remit with real scope to influence the next stage of growth.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the development and delivery of financial strategy aligned to business objectives
- Oversee budgeting, forecasting, and financial modelling
- Provide clear, insightful reporting and commentary to the board
- Manage and develop the outsourced finance function, with a view to building capability over time
- Drive improvements in financial processes, controls, and reporting
- Support funding, cash flow management, and banking relationships
- Partner with leadership on commercial decision-making, including product profitability and channel strategy
The Individual
We are seeking a commercially minded Finance Director who combines strong technical capability with a pragmatic, sleeves-rolled-up approach.
- Qualified accountant with c.10-15+ years post-qualified experience
- Previous experience operating as an FD, or a clear step-up from a senior finance leadership role within an SME environment
- Background in retail, wholesale, consumer goods, or product-led businesses preferred
- Strong understanding of product-driven models, margin dynamics, and working capital
- Comfortable operating in an entrepreneurial, evolving business with pace and ambiguity
- Able to balance strategic thinking with hands-on delivery, particularly in the early stages
- Experience of preparing a business for sale or supporting a transaction process would be beneficial, but not essential as this is a medium to long term objective.
Ideally 2 days a week in London, 1 day in Bedford and 2 days at home.
Finance Director employer: MDM Consultants Limited
Contact Detail:
MDM Consultants Limited 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 your connections in the finance sector and let them know you're on the hunt for a Finance Director role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities that aren't advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching the company inside out. Understand their financial strategies, recent developments, and how they align with your experience. This will help you showcase how you can contribute to their growth.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of a follow-up! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation and reiterate your interest in the role. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got a range of exciting roles, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge. Plus, it’s super easy to keep track of your applications and updates.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Finance Director. Highlight your experience in financial strategy, budgeting, and reporting, and don’t forget to showcase any relevant achievements in retail or consumer goods.
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 entrepreneurial environment. Share specific examples of how you've driven financial improvements and supported growth in previous roles.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a Finance Director, you'll be leading teams and influencing decisions. Make sure to highlight your leadership experience and how you've successfully managed finance functions or improved processes in the past.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get you on our radar quickly!
How to prepare for a job interview at MDM Consultants Limited
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Finance Director, you’ll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics relevant to the consumer goods sector, such as margin dynamics and cash flow management. Be ready to discuss how you've used these metrics to drive business decisions in your previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Mindset
This role requires a blend of strategic thinking and hands-on execution. Prepare examples of how you've developed and implemented financial strategies that align with business objectives. Highlight your experience in budgeting, forecasting, and financial modelling to show you can lead the finance function effectively.
✨Understand the Business Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the company’s position in the market, especially regarding its expansion into direct-to-consumer and international channels. Being able to discuss industry trends and how they impact financial planning will impress the interviewers and show your commitment to the role.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle ambiguity. Think about past challenges you've faced in finance leadership roles and how you navigated them. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses clearly and effectively.