At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead commercial finance strategy and drive profitable growth in a fast-paced environment.
- Company: Private equity backed manufacturing business with a dynamic culture.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Join a high-performing team and enjoy flexible working arrangements.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by influencing senior stakeholders and driving financial success.
- Qualifications: Qualified finance professional with experience in manufacturing and private equity.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
SF Executive is partnered with a private equity backed, manufacturing business that is seeking a Head of Commercial Finance (HCF). You will report to the Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) and have a dotted line to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO).
The HCF must thrive in an ultra-fast-paced, dynamic environment, demonstrating agility, resilience, and the ability to robustly challenge and influence senior stakeholders. The role demands superior analytical capabilities, a relentless focus on profitable growth and cash generation, and the ability to lead a lean, high-performing team.
The HCF will be responsible for the following:
- Accountable for the commercial financial strategy for the business and supporting the CCO in financial value creation.
- Oversee weekly and monthly operations financial reporting processes, ensuring accuracy and timeliness and which are action-oriented.
- Design, implement and continuously improve reporting system throughout the business to ensure that stakeholders get the right data and insights in a timely and actionable manner.
- Responsible for the commercial budget and forecasting process, including sales, trade promotions, gross margins and marketing spend.
- Working with the Group Financial Control, ensure ongoing monitoring of key controls in the areas of commercial finance to provide reasonable assurance to the board that the system of internal controls is fit for purpose.
- Ensure appropriate business partnering capability to ensure in equal measures, both support and constructively challenge to the commercial organisation.
- Support the customer negotiations that the commercial function undertakes, by providing a data-driven approach and scenario analysis.
- Perform ROI and payback analysis to ensure constant value creation.
- Ensure full understanding of margin drivers and to highlight/advise stakeholders on margin variances and how to capitalise/correct on margin trends.
- Working with the Head of Shared Service in terms of driving working capital improvements in the area of debtor management.
- Ensure robust processes in the way that commercial finance functions. Advising the commercial function in terms of wider process improvements.
The successful HCF will be a qualified (ACA/ACCA/ACMA) and experienced finance lead. You will have worked within a manufacturing environment and you will have ideally been exposed to the pace of private equity backed business.
This role is being offered on a hybrid basis. The expectation is to work 4 days from site with a flexible day from home.
Head of Commercial Finance employer: SF Partners
Join a dynamic and fast-paced manufacturing business that values agility and resilience, offering the opportunity to lead a high-performing team as the Head of Commercial Finance. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, our hybrid work model allows for flexibility while ensuring you are at the heart of strategic financial decision-making. Enjoy a collaborative work culture that encourages innovation and provides the tools necessary for impactful contributions to the company's success.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Commercial Finance
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance and manufacturing sectors. Attend industry events or webinars where you can meet potential employers or colleagues. Remember, it’s all about who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the company and its financial strategies. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in terms of driving profitable growth and cash generation.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your analytical skills! Bring examples of how you've used data to influence decisions or improve processes in previous roles. This will demonstrate your ability to challenge and support senior stakeholders effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities that might just be the perfect fit for you. Plus, it’s a great way to get noticed by our hiring team!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Commercial Finance
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the Head of Commercial Finance role. Highlight your experience in commercial finance, especially in a manufacturing or private equity-backed environment. We want to see how your skills align with the job description!
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 fast-paced role. Share specific examples of how you've influenced senior stakeholders and driven profitable growth in previous positions.
Showcase Analytical Skills:Since the role demands superior analytical capabilities, make sure to include any relevant projects or experiences that demonstrate your analytical prowess. We love seeing data-driven decision-making in action!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, we’re excited to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at SF Partners
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Head of Commercial Finance, you'll need to demonstrate your analytical prowess. Brush up on key financial metrics relevant to the manufacturing sector, such as ROI, gross margins, and cash flow. Be ready to discuss how you've used these metrics to drive profitable growth in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Skills
This role requires robust engagement with senior stakeholders. Prepare examples of how you've influenced decision-making in the past. Think about times when you’ve had to challenge the status quo or provide constructive feedback to senior management—these stories will highlight your ability to navigate complex dynamics.
✨Demonstrate Agility and Resilience
In an ultra-fast-paced environment, adaptability is key. Be prepared to share experiences where you've successfully managed change or adapted strategies on the fly. Highlight your resilience in overcoming challenges and how that has positively impacted your team and the business.
✨Prepare for Scenario Analysis
Since the role involves supporting customer negotiations with data-driven insights, practice presenting scenario analyses. Think through potential negotiation scenarios and how you would use financial data to support your position. This will show your strategic thinking and readiness to contribute from day one.