Head of Finance

Head of Finance

Full-Time 60000 - 80000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
Sainsbury's Supermarkets Ltd

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead financial strategy for technology investments and drive performance across a dynamic portfolio.
  • Company: Join Sainsbury's, a leader in retail innovation and technology.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, benefits, and flexible working arrangements.
  • Other info: Opportunity to develop a high-performing team and influence senior stakeholders.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of finance in a fast-paced, transformational environment.
  • Qualifications: Professional accounting qualification and experience in strategic finance leadership.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.

Salary: Competitive Plus Benefits

Location: London Store Support Centre, London, EC1M 6HA

Contract type: Permanent

Business area: Finance & Business Development

Closing date: 13 May 2026

Requisition ID: 400059055

Location: London or Coventry Store Support Centre & Home. Colleagues go into the office 2 days per week on average.

Joining Sainsbury's as the Head of Finance - Technology (Commercial, SC&L and Argos) offers a unique opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping and delivering the strategic direction of a dynamic and competitive industry. As a key partner to the Technology Leadership Team, you will drive financial performance, influence investment decisions, and provide valuable insights that contribute to maximising sales, profit, and overall business success. With a focus on innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement, this role empowers you to lead a team, challenge strategic initiatives, and drive meaningful change in a large and complex portfolio.

What you'll do

  • You will act as the strategic senior finance partner to the Directors of Technology, guiding investment decisions and overseeing financial performance across technology change initiatives.
  • Your role will involve leading the end-to-end financial planning cycle with a specific focus on technology change, delivering accurate and insightful performance reporting, and providing forward-looking insights to inform technology investment decisions.
  • You will serve as the key link between the business, technology, and other commercial finance functions, ensuring stakeholders are well-informed and engaged, while also challenging the business on strategic initiatives and identifying new opportunities for enhancement.
  • Your leadership and communication skills will be essential in driving change and enhancing performance within a fast-paced and transformational environment, ultimately contributing to the overarching success of Sainsbury's technology investments and strategic outcomes.

Who you are

  • You are a strategic and collaborative finance leader with a proven track record of shaping and overseeing technology investments to drive financial and commercial performance.
  • With your professional qualification and experience in managing financial planning cycles, performance reporting, and strategic decision-making, you excel in guiding investment decisions, providing insightful analysis, and influencing senior leaders to optimise business outcomes.
  • Your commitment to driving change, strong commercial acumen, and ability to lead and develop a high-performing finance team make you a valuable asset in driving the business towards its strategic objectives.

Professionally qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA or CIMA), with demonstrable application of technical accounting standards in a commercial finance environment, ideally retail, FMCG or tech.

Proven experience leading and developing teams, including supporting colleagues’ progression through coaching, feedback, and day‑to‑day leadership responsibilities.

Demonstrable ability to business partner, influence and appropriately challenge senior stakeholders, including executive and board‑level audiences, across varying levels of financial and commercial understanding.

Evidence of shaping, evaluating, and overseeing technology‑related investments, including practical application of relevant technology accounting rules and governance.

Proven capability to operate effectively in fast‑paced, transformational environments, including prioritising competing demands, managing change and conflict, maintaining effective financial controls, and focusing on sustainable commercial outcomes.

Head of Finance employer: Sainsbury's Supermarkets Ltd

Sainsbury's is an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of innovation and collaboration, making it an ideal place for finance professionals to thrive. With a commitment to employee growth, you will have access to continuous development opportunities while working in a dynamic environment that values your insights and contributions. Located in the heart of London, our Store Support Centre offers a vibrant workplace where you can make a meaningful impact on the strategic direction of technology investments.
Sainsbury's Supermarkets Ltd

Contact Detail:

Sainsbury's Supermarkets Ltd Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Finance

✨Network Like a Pro

Get out there and connect with people in the finance and tech sectors. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!

✨Ace the Interview

Prepare for your interviews by researching Sainsbury's and understanding their technology investments. Think about how your experience aligns with their goals and be ready to discuss how you can drive financial performance. We want to see your passion and strategic thinking shine through!

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

When chatting with potential employers, highlight your experience in leading teams and driving change. Share specific examples of how you've influenced investment decisions or improved financial performance. We love to see candidates who can inspire and develop others!

✨Apply Through Our Website

Don’t forget to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always looking for talented individuals who are ready to make an impact in the finance world at Sainsbury's.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Finance

Financial Planning
Performance Reporting
Investment Decision-Making
Stakeholder Engagement
Strategic Leadership
Commercial Acumen
Team Development
Coaching and Feedback
Business Partnering
Technical Accounting Standards
Change Management
Conflict Management
Governance in Technology Investments
Analytical Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Finance role. Highlight your experience in financial planning and technology investments, as well as any leadership roles you've held. We want to see how your skills align with what we're 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. Share specific examples of how you've influenced investment decisions or driven financial performance in previous positions. Let us know what makes you tick!

Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this role involves leading a team, make sure to highlight your leadership experience. Talk about how you've developed teams and supported colleagues' progression. We love seeing candidates who can inspire and motivate others!

Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about our company culture and values.

How to prepare for a job interview at Sainsbury's Supermarkets Ltd

✨Know Your Numbers

As the Head of Finance, you'll need to demonstrate a strong grasp of financial metrics and performance indicators. Brush up on key financial concepts relevant to technology investments and be ready to discuss how you've influenced financial decisions in previous roles.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Style

This role requires leading a high-performing finance team. Be prepared to share examples of how you've developed and supported your colleagues in their progression. Highlight your coaching techniques and how you foster a collaborative environment.

✨Understand the Business Landscape

Familiarise yourself with Sainsbury's current technology initiatives and challenges. Research recent developments in the retail and FMCG sectors, and think about how you can contribute to driving change and enhancing performance within these areas.

✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions

Expect to engage in conversations about strategic initiatives and investment decisions. Prepare thoughtful questions that challenge the status quo and demonstrate your ability to influence senior stakeholders. This will show your readiness to act as a strategic partner.

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