At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial turnaround and drive performance in a multi-site care portfolio.
- Company: Private equity-backed care provider undergoing transformation.
- Benefits: Opportunity for career progression to CFO post-transaction.
- Other info: Hands-on role with visibility at investor level and strong growth potential.
- Why this job: Make a real impact and shape the future of a growing business.
- Qualifications: Experience in finance leadership within complex, multi-site environments.
The predicted salary is between 100000 - 150000 £ per year.
We are partnering with a private equity-backed, multi-site care provider entering a critical phase of transformation, turnaround, and value creation. With a clear mandate to stabilise performance, drive operational improvement, and position the business for a future sale, the group is seeking a high-calibre Finance Director to work alongside an ambitious CEO and investor group. This is a pivotal, hands-on leadership role with genuine influence over the trajectory and ultimate exit of the business.
The Opportunity
- Lead the financial turnaround of a complex, multi-site care portfolio
- Drive performance across occupancy, fee strategy, agency control, and cost optimisation
- Stabilise and strengthen financial controls, reporting, and cashflow management
- Partner closely with the CEO and PE investors on strategy, value creation, and exit planning
- Support M&A activity, integration, and refinancing where required
- Build and lead a high-performing finance function fit for scale and sale
The Mandate
This is not a steady-state FD role. You will be brought in to:
- Diagnose and address underperformance across the group
- Improve visibility, grip, and accountability across financial and operational metrics
- Professionalise systems, reporting, and governance in a PE environment
- Deliver a clear value creation plan aligned to a medium-term exit
The Candidate
- Proven experience at Financial Controller / Head of Finance level within a multi-site, operationally complex environment. Hands-on approach is essential.
- Strong track record in turnaround, transformation, or performance improvement scenarios
- Experience in private equity-backed businesses is highly desirable
- Deep understanding of cash, working capital, and operational levers in a service-led business
- Credible operator—comfortable in the detail, but able to operate at board level
- Care, healthcare, or adjacent sector experience strongly preferred
Why This Role?
- True impact role with visibility at investor level
- Opportunity to shape and deliver a full turnaround and exit journey
- Platform to step into a CFO position post-transaction
Finance Director in Reading employer: Soka Partners
Contact Detail:
Soka Partners Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Director in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance and healthcare sectors. Attend industry events or webinars where you can meet potential employers or colleagues who might know of openings. Remember, it’s all about who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company inside out. Understand their financial challenges and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re the solution they’ve been looking for!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You need to convey your turnaround experience and operational insights clearly and confidently. Role-play with a friend or mentor to refine your delivery and ensure you highlight your hands-on approach.
✨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, applying directly shows your enthusiasm and commitment to joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Director in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Finance Director. Highlight your experience in turnaround situations and any work you've done in private equity-backed environments. We want to see how your skills align with the needs of a multi-site care provider.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this pivotal role. Share specific examples of how you've driven performance improvements and stabilised financial controls in previous roles. We love a good story!
Showcase Your Leadership Style: As a hands-on leader, it's important to convey your leadership style in your application. Let us know how you build high-performing teams and partner with CEOs and investors. We’re looking for someone who can influence and inspire others!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it shows us you're keen to join the StudySmarter family!
How to prepare for a job interview at Soka Partners
✨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 multi-site operations and be ready to discuss how you've driven improvements in cash flow and working capital in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Turnaround Experience
This role is all about transformation, so come prepared with specific examples of how you've successfully turned around underperforming areas in the past. Highlight your hands-on approach and the strategies you implemented to achieve measurable results.
✨Understand the PE Landscape
Since this position involves working closely with private equity investors, make sure you’re familiar with their expectations and how they operate. Be ready to discuss how you can align financial strategies with their value creation goals and exit planning.
✨Engage with the CEO's Vision
The role requires close collaboration with the CEO, so it’s crucial to understand their vision for the company. Prepare to discuss how your financial leadership can support their strategic objectives and enhance operational performance across the group.