At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead commercial finance strategy and drive financial performance in a dynamic retail environment.
- Company: Join a high-growth, entrepreneurial retail business with a vibrant culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, leadership opportunities, and a chance to shape the future of the company.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with opportunities for professional development and team collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by influencing strategic decisions and driving growth.
- Qualifications: Experience in commercial finance, strong leadership skills, and advanced Excel proficiency.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
Sowena Group are delighted to be partnering with a high-growth, entrepreneurial retail business to appoint a Head of Commercial Finance. This is a pivotal leadership role at the heart of a dynamic, multi-country operation. Reporting to the FP&A Director, you will play a critical role in shaping commercial strategy, driving financial performance, and embedding a truly commercial mindset across the business.
As a key member of the leadership team, you will provide robust challenge, actionable insight, and forward-looking analysis to support ambitious growth plans.
The Role- Deliver clear, insightful analysis of revenue, margin, cost, and profitability drivers
- Translate financial performance into actionable recommendations for senior stakeholders
- Actively influence trading decisions and strategic direction
- Lead the evaluation of pricing, investments, and strategic initiatives through robust financial modelling
- Partner closely with operational leaders to provide forward-looking insight, scenario planning, and sensitivity analysis
- Drive continuous improvement in forecasting accuracy and relevance
- Ensure KPIs and performance metrics are clearly defined, understood, and embedded across the business
- Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing team of Finance Business Partners
- Significant experience in commercial finance or business partnering, ideally within a multi-site and/or international environment
- Proven track record of leading and developing high-performing teams
- Strong commercial acumen with the ability to turn data into strategic insight
- Confident influencing and challenging senior stakeholders
- Advanced Excel and financial modelling skills
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to present complex financial information clearly
- Highly organised, proactive, and comfortable operating in a fast-paced environment
- Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)
For more information please apply or email alex@sowenagroup.co.uk
Head of Commercial Finance employer: Sowena Group
Sowena Group is an exceptional employer located in Preston, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation. Employees benefit from comprehensive professional development opportunities, competitive remuneration, and a supportive environment that values work-life balance. Joining our team means being part of a fast-paced, growth-oriented organisation where your contributions directly impact the success of one of our largest divisions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Commercial Finance
✨Get to Know Your E-commerce Community
Dive into specific e-commerce forums and groups on platforms like Reddit or Facebook. Engaging with these communities can open up opportunities and give you insights into what companies like Sowena Group are looking for when hiring for a Head of Commercial Finance.
✨Showcase Your Skills with an Online Portfolio
In e-commerce, a strong online presence can set you apart. Create a portfolio that highlights any projects, case studies, or even personal ventures related to e-commerce. When you apply to Sowena Group for the Head of Commercial Finance, a tangible demonstration of your skills could make a huge difference.
✨Attend E-commerce Events and Conferences
Keep an eye on e-commerce conferences and workshops in your area. Not only will you gain valuable knowledge, but networking with industry professionals could lead to job leads. Plus, if you're keen to work at Sowena Group as a Head of Commercial Finance, rub shoulders with their representatives when possible!
✨Utilise Company Resources
Don’t forget to check out Sowena Group’s career page for any unique application processes or opportunities that might not be listed on job boards. Applying directly through their website might give your application a bit more visibility, especially for a Head of Commercial Finance.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Commercial Finance
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your E-Commerce Savviness:When you're applying for an e-commerce role at Sowena Group, make sure your CV reflects your familiarity with online retail platforms, digital marketing, and user experience. Highlight any relevant tools and technologies you've used, like Shopify or Google Analytics, to demonstrate that you’re well-versed in the industry.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should not just reiterate your CV; it’s your chance to showcase your passion for e-commerce and how it aligns with Sowena Group's goals. Mention specific projects or achievements that relate to the role, and don’t forget to express your enthusiasm for working in a dynamic, fast-paced environment where you can make a tangible impact.
Metrics Matter:In the world of e-commerce, numbers speak volumes. When detailing your past experiences, quantify your achievements wherever possible—like the percentage of sales growth you contributed to or successful conversion rates from marketing campaigns. This will make your application stand out and show that you're results-driven.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t forget to customise your CV and cover letter for the specific position at Sowena Group. Use keywords from the job description, and address the unique challenges the company may face in the e-commerce space. A personalised application helps us see that you're not just applying everywhere but are genuinely interested in being part of our team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Sowena Group
✨Show Off Your E-commerce Know-How
In a sector like e-commerce, having a strong grasp of current trends and technologies is crucial. Let’s make sure you’ve brushed up on key platforms that Sowena Group uses—think about popular e-commerce software, digital marketing strategies, and how these affect consumer behaviour. Being able to discuss these intelligently can really set you apart.
✨Portfolio Power: Showcase Your Results
For a full-time e-commerce role, it’s key for us to present a portfolio that highlights your results rather than just your tasks. If you’ve worked on campaigns or projects, bring examples that showcase your contribution and the impact they made—use metrics if you can! This helps to illustrate your value in a real-world context.
✨Technical Questions: Prep for the Specifics
Get ready to tackle some technical questions related to e-commerce analytics, SEO tools, or website optimisation. Think about any past experiences where you utilised data to inform decisions or improve sales. Being prepared with specific examples will showcase not just your knowledge, but also your practical application of it, which we all know is crucial!
✨Engage in a Conversational Style
Full-time interviews can feel quite formal, but try to keep it conversational, especially if you click with your interviewers at Sowena Group. Share your thoughts and ideas about the future of e-commerce, and don’t shy away from engaging with their questions openly. The more genuine and relatable you are, the better connection you’ll create!
