Joules Director of Finance in Leicester

Step into the role of Director of Finance. As the Director of Finance, you will play a key role in the leadership of Joules, ensuring strong financial management and control across the business. You will oversee the financial operations, ensure compliance with regulations, and provide strategic insights to support decision-making. This is a critical role that sits on the internal Joules operating board; the position requires a strong understanding of retail finance and the ability to drive profit in a fast-growing business. We are looking for someone who is ready to play a big role in shaping the future of Joules' strategy. The role will help support future-year financial modelling, profit growth and will be accountable for spotting business growth opportunities.

Working Pattern: This is a full-time role based at ‘The Barn’ - Joules’ purpose-built Head Office in Market Harborough, Leicestershire. The typical hours for this role are 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday and this is an onsite role.

Our Location: Market Harborough in Leicestershire is where Joules began in 1989. This market town is home to the brand’s Head Office and is full of independent shops, bars and restaurants. It also benefits from good transport links to London, making it easily accessible for visitors and commuters alike.

What You'll Do:

• Financial Leadership: Deliver accurate, timely monthly management accounts and financial reporting. Prepare and present quarterly budgets, in-season forecasting, and financial planning to the Joules board of directors, providing insights and analysis to support performance and profitability. Understand and appropriately balance the interests of both majority and minority shareholders. Act as a strategic advisor to the CEO and the board. Monitor cash flow, working capital, and balance sheet management to optimise financial performance, along with working with Next to manage foreign currency requirements to optimise financial resilience.
• Strategic Financial Management: Develop and maintain a clear current, mid & long-term financial strategy aligned with the Company’s commercial objectives and present these each quarter to the Joules Operating Board. Identify opportunities to improve profitability, operational efficiency and return on capital. Provide strategic financial leadership to support business growth and future investment. Make strategic recommendations regarding the deployment of available capital across buying, marketing, sales channels and wider business initiatives to maximise long-term returns.
• Commercial Partnership: Drive profitability across a fast-growing, multi-channel business by rigorously controlling and challenging all incoming costs from both internal teams and external parties. Work collaboratively with the heads of departments to build robust budgets and financial accountability across every department, becoming a trusted commercial partner to departmental leaders. Challenge expenditure constructively whilst supporting commercial growth opportunities. Encourage financially informed decision-making throughout the business.
• Leadership of Outsourced Financial Operations: Manage and develop the company’s relationship with Next and other outsourced finance providers, ensuring high accuracy standards, responsiveness and service delivery. Oversee relationships with Next on operational costs to ensure accurate service, costing and reporting. Monitor service levels and improve effectiveness of all outsourced support functions.
• Data, Analysis and Business Intelligence: Prepare financial reports for senior management, including variance analysis, risk assessments, and performance metrics. Work closely with NEXT and the internal finance function to develop meaningful management information. Drive continual improvement in reporting quality, business intelligence and decision support.
• Corporate Governance: Ensure compliance with tax regulations, audits, and key financial legal obligations. Lead the company’s annual financial audit and the internal audit process in collaboration with the Next group audit team. Ensure robust internal controls and risk management processes are maintained. Support the board in maintaining high standards of corporate governance.
• Leadership & Culture: Manage and develop a high-performing finance team, providing leadership and support to ensure continued professional growth. Build strong, respectful relationships throughout the business and collaborate in an effective and trustworthy manner with the senior management team. Drive process improvements, implement robust internal controls, and ensure financial policies and procedures are adhered to. Lead and support key projects related to financial systems improvements, business transformation, and strategic initiatives.

What You'll Bring: You will need to operate with a high degree of autonomy, navigating a fast-paced environment with a genuine passion for numbers and a natural ability to connect authentically with people at all levels. We value a sophisticated leadership spirit that embraces change, champions bold ideas openly, and respects the importance of well-dressed time off just as much as delivering exceptional commercial results. From a technical and leadership perspective, you will also bring:

• Fully qualified accountant (ACA/ACCA/CIMA or equivalent).
• Proven experience as a Financial Controller or Finance Manager, ideally within the retail or fashion industry.
• Proven experience in preparing and presenting in a Board meeting environment.
• Strong knowledge of financial regulations, accounting principles, and reporting standards.
• Demonstrated leadership skills with experience managing and developing finance teams.
• Exceptional analytical skills, with the ability to interpret financial data and provide strategic recommendations.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders across all levels of the business.
• Proficient in financial systems and tools, with a focus on driving process improvements.
• Experience with budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning processes in a commercial environment.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced retail environment.

Sponsorship: In accordance with Home Office guidance successful candidates will be required to evidence their right to work in the UK before commencement of employment. Joules does not hold a Sponsor Licence and would not, therefore, be able to sponsor a successful candidate under the Skilled Worker route. The successful candidate must be able to demonstrate the right to work without sponsorship. We encourage early applications for our roles, as our recruitment process begins as soon as the role is advertised. If we successfully fill the position, this advert may close earlier than planned.