At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and partner with the MD to drive business growth.
- Company: Dynamic food business with a strong UK presence and growth potential.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, leadership role, and opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Shape the future of a high-growth company and make impactful financial decisions.
- Qualifications: Proven finance leadership experience in food or FMCG sectors; qualified accountant.
- Other info: Join a fast-paced environment with a focus on innovation and team development.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 Β£ per year.
A high-growth food business with a strong UK footprint is seeking to appoint an outstanding Finance Director β UK. The business operates in a fast-moving, commercially complex environment and is entering a phase where financial leadership, insight, and decision support are critical to unlocking the next stage of growth. This role goes well beyond stewardship. The Finance Director will act as a true business partner to the Managing Director and leadership team, helping shape strategy, drive performance, and improve the quality of commercial decision-making across the organisation.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic & Commercial Business Partnering
- Act as the primary finance partner to the UK MD and leadership team, influencing strategy and key commercial decisions.
- Provide clear insight on performance drivers, risks, and opportunities across revenue, margin, and cost.
- Support pricing, investment cases, capital allocation, and growth initiatives with robust financial analysis.
- Translate financial data into actionable insight for non-finance leaders.
- Full ownership of UK P&L, balance sheet, and cash flow performance.
- Lead budgeting, forecasting, and long-range planning processes.
- Ensure strong financial control, governance, and compliance.
- Drive continuous improvement in financial processes, reporting, and systems.
- Partner with Operations, Supply Chain, Sales, and Marketing to improve cost control, efficiency, and returns.
- Embed performance management disciplines across the UK business.
- Lead, develop, and inspire a high-performing UK finance team.
- Build finance capability with a strong emphasis on commercial acumen and partnering skills.
- Set clear standards for insight, accuracy, and responsiveness.
Candidate Profile
- Proven Finance Director or Senior Finance Leader experience within food, FMCG, manufacturing, or retail-facing businesses.
- Strong track record of operating as a commercial business partner, not just a technical finance lead.
- Experience in high-growth, complex, or PE-backed environments advantageous.
- Demonstrated ownership of UK P&L and cash performance.
- Qualified accountant (ACA / ACCA / CIMA).
UK Finance Director employer: QLM Search
Contact Detail:
QLM Search Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land UK Finance Director
β¨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance and food sectors. Attend industry events or webinars where you can meet potential employers or colleagues. Remember, itβs all about who you know!
β¨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Prepare a portfolio that highlights your achievements in financial leadership and strategic decision-making. Use real examples to demonstrate how you've influenced business outcomes in previous roles.
β¨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Donβt just wait for job openings to pop up. Reach out directly to companies you admire, like our high-growth food business. Express your interest and share how you can add value as a Finance Director.
β¨Tip Number 4
Practice your pitch! When you get that interview, be ready to discuss how you can partner with the leadership team to drive performance. Tailor your responses to show you understand their challenges and how you can help tackle them.
We think you need these skills to ace UK Finance Director
Some tips for your application π«‘
Show Your Strategic Side: When writing your application, make sure to highlight your experience as a strategic business partner. We want to see how you've influenced key decisions and driven performance in previous roles, especially in fast-paced environments like food or FMCG.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to see your achievements and skills. Remember, weβre looking for clarity in your financial insights and how they translate into actionable strategies.
Tailor Your Application: Donβt just send a generic application! Make sure to tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific requirements of the Finance Director role. We love seeing candidates who take the time to connect their experience with our needs.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. Itβs the best way for us to receive your application and ensures youβre considered for the role. Plus, it shows us youβre keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at QLM Search
β¨Know Your Numbers
As a Finance Director, you'll need to demonstrate a deep understanding of financial metrics. Brush up on key performance indicators relevant to the food industry, such as revenue growth, margin analysis, and cash flow management. Be ready to discuss how you've influenced these metrics in your previous roles.
β¨Showcase Your Strategic Mindset
This role is all about being a strategic business partner. Prepare examples of how you've shaped strategy and driven performance in past positions. Think about specific instances where your financial insights led to significant business decisions or improvements.
β¨Emphasise Collaboration Skills
You'll be working closely with various teams, so highlight your experience in cross-functional collaboration. Prepare to discuss how you've partnered with operations, sales, and marketing to enhance financial performance and decision-making.
β¨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities in complex situations. Think through potential scenarios related to financial challenges in a high-growth environment and how you would approach them. This will show your ability to think on your feet and provide actionable insights.