At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and drive profitable growth across our Jewson branch network.
- Company: Join a friendly, collaborative team at STARK Building Materials UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, hybrid working, bonuses, and extensive health benefits.
- Other info: Great opportunities for professional development and career progression.
- Why this job: Shape business strategy and make a real impact in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Fully qualified accountant with strong finance leadership experience.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
We're proud to be part of STARK Building Materials UK and dedicated to providing top-quality products and exceptional service to our customers. We're a friendly and collaborative team, passionate about what we do and committed to doing it well. We’re currently searching for a Head of Finance to join us on a permanent basis. You will be responsible for our Jewson branch network across the South East, Central and Wales.
JOB PURPOSE
The Head of Finance is a key member of the Divisional Leadership Team, partnering closely with the Managing Director to drive commercial performance, profitable growth, and strategic decision-making across the division. Operating within a complex multi-site environment, the role provides financial leadership to a business comprising multiple regions, branches, and support functions. The successful candidate will combine strong financial acumen with commercial insight, influencing operational leaders to improve sales, margin, productivity and cash generation, whilst having control over costs. This role is not solely focused on financial stewardship; it is a highly visible leadership position that shapes business strategy, challenges performance, and delivers actionable insight to improve results.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
- Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) with strong technical and commercial finance expertise.
- Proven finance leadership experience within a complex, multi-site business environment, ideally across distribution, merchanting, retail, wholesale, or similarly operationally intensive sectors.
- Significant experience supporting a sales-led or trading business, with a strong understanding of the commercial drivers of revenue, gross margin, customer profitability and pricing.
- Demonstrable track record of successfully partnering senior operational leaders to drive profitable growth, improve financial performance, and influence strategic decision-making.
- Strong commercial finance and business partnering capability, with experience translating financial insight into tangible business actions and outcomes.
- Experience operating effectively within a matrix organisation, building strong relationships and influencing stakeholders across multiple functions and levels of seniority.
KEY RESULT AREAS
- Strategic Finance Leadership: Partner with the Managing Director and Regional Directors to support the development, implementation and tracking of key strategic initiatives, driving sustainable sales growth, margin improvement and EBITDA delivery across the division.
- Commercial Business Partnering: Act as a trusted advisor to operational and commercial leaders, providing financial insight, challenge and guidance to support the achievement of business objectives and maximise profitability.
- Decision Support: Deliver high-quality financial analysis, reporting and modelling that provides actionable insight, supports strategic decision-making and identifies opportunities for profitable growth and operational improvement.
- Performance Management & Analysis: Lead the monitoring and evaluation of business performance through robust KPI reporting, variance analysis and trend identification, ensuring risks and opportunities are understood and acted upon in a timely manner.
- Financial Planning & Analysis: Own the divisional budgeting, forecasting and financial planning processes, ensuring accurate forecasts, clear accountability and effective management of costs, profitability and cash performance.
What’s in it for you?
- Competitive Base salary
- Hybrid Working – 4 days at our Binley, Coventry office and 1 day WFH.
- Discretionary bonus
- Retirement savings plan
- Life assurance
- Enhanced maternity/paternity/adoption leave for anyone expecting or adopting a child
- A wide range of voluntary benefits including holiday buying, discounted gym membership, car salary sacrifice scheme, Cycle2Work, Benenden Healthcare and more.
- Access to a wealth of health and wellbeing services including access to online GP appointments and mental health support.
- WorkPerks – A platform home to hundreds of all your favourite high street and online discounts via the provider.
Choose Us?
- Quality: We’re unwavering in our commitment to providing outstanding products and service that exceed our customers’ expectations.
- Supportive Environment: Join a culture that prioritises your growth, with the resources and support you need to excel.
- Professional Development: We are invested in your success! You have a real chance to progress - the only limits are your own. Explore our apprenticeships, training, and mentoring programs designed to elevate your career.
- Great Benefits: Enjoy a compelling package that includes a competitive salary, bonuses, pension schemes, and life assurance, among many other perks!
- Work-Life Balance: We value your well-being and offer flexible working hours and a hybrid working model to help you find your ideal rhythm.
What's Next
If your application is successful, our Talent team will reach out to arrange an interview and answer any questions you may have. We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments to ensure you can perform at your best throughout the application and interview process.
Head of Finance in Maidstone employer: Stark Group
At STARK Building Materials UK, we pride ourselves on fostering a supportive and collaborative work environment that prioritises employee growth and well-being. As the Head of Finance, you will enjoy a competitive salary, hybrid working options, and a wealth of professional development opportunities, all while being part of a team dedicated to delivering exceptional service and quality products across the South East, Central, and Wales. Join us to make a meaningful impact in a role that not only drives financial performance but also shapes business strategy in a dynamic multi-site setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Finance in Maidstone
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
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Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
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We think you need these skills to ace Head of Finance in Maidstone
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Stark Group.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Stark Group's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Stark Group
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Stark Group.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Stark Group will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Stark Group employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
