At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead finance strategy, optimise performance, and develop a high-performing finance team.
- Company: Culina Group, a top UK food & drinks logistics provider with a winning culture.
- Benefits: 25 days annual leave, pension scheme, life assurance, wellness support, and employee discounts.
- Other info: Inclusive culture focused on employee development and recognition.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make a real impact in a thriving logistics environment.
- Qualifications: Qualified Accountant with strong financial control and leadership experience.
The predicted salary is between 75600 - 92400 £ per year.
Culina Group is a leading UK 3rd party food & drinks logistics provider offering dedicated and shared user warehousing and distribution solutions.
At Culina we have a winning culture, we believe that our culture is one of the reasons our company continues to thrive… A place where you're valued, challenged, and inspired!
Job Description
We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced finance leader to join the ESL senior leadership team as Head of Finance - Consumer & Fleet . This pivotal role has overall ownership of the ESL Consumer Finance function and associated key finance responsibilities, providing strategic financial leadership, commercial challenge and strong governance across the business.
As a trusted business partner to the CEO and wider leadership team, you will play a critical role in driving financial performance, supporting operational decision-making, and ensuring robust financial controls while leading and developing a high-performing finance team.
Key Accountabilities
Finance Leadership & Business Partnering
- Act as a key member of the ESL senior management team, partnering closely with the CEO, Operations Director, HR and Head of Commercial to ensure finance is represented in strategic decision-making.
- Provide robust financial insight and challenge to operational management teams, driving performance optimisation and proactively identifying risks and opportunities.
- Review, analyse and challenge financial trends impacting ESL Consumer profitability, contributing actively to the wider ESL Finance leadership team.
- Lead and manage the delivery of all finance reporting requirements in line with Group standards, including Weekly Reporting, WD6 Flash and WD8 reporting.
- Ensure strong balance sheet control and governance throughout the year, identifying and escalating risks and opportunities at the earliest stage.
- Support the preparation of statutory financial statements and manage the external audit process as required.
- Take ownership of compliance with Müller Internal Control Policies, ensuring robust financial controls are embedded across the business.
Planning & Performance Management
- Lead the annual budgeting process, quarterly reforecasts and long-term planning activities in accordance with Group planning timetables.
- Deliver meaningful financial analysis and insight to support business performance and strategic decision-making.
- Lead, coach and develop the ESL Consumer Finance team (8 colleagues), creating a culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement.
- Manage all people-related matters, providing guidance, support and development opportunities to maximise team performance.
Consumer & Fleet Finance Support
- Support the ESL business with fleet-related financial activities, including lease renewals, new equipment investments and reconciliation of fleet utilisation between finance and operational systems.
- Provide financial guidance and support to the Commercial team on pricing, payment terms, rebate structures and commercial agreements.
Qualifications
- Qualified Accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) with significant post-qualification experience.
- Strong background in financial control, management reporting, statutory accounts and external audit management.
- Proven experience in budgeting, forecasting and long-term financial planning.
- Demonstrated ability to influence and challenge senior stakeholders in a constructive manner.
- Experience partnering with operational and commercial teams to drive business performance.
- Strong people leadership experience, with a track record of developing and leading successful teams.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Advanced Excel skills with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
- Resilient and confident individual with the ability to manage competing priorities and tight deadlines.
- Experience working within a logistics, transport or fleet-based business environment.
- SAP experience.
- Commercial finance and business partnering experience within a complex operational environment.
Additional Information
As part of our drive to makeCulina Group a great place to work. We are proud to be an inclusive and diverse organisation where we are committed to employee development and recognising success for hard working performers.
Our dedicated learning and development programmes are open to every employee to give you the opportunity to shape your own future within logistics and continue to work in an environment where team culture thrives.
Our People are the driving force behind our success, which is why we offer a wide range of benefits which include:
- Annual Leave – Competitive holiday entitlement of 25 days + 8 Bank Holidays
- Pension scheme – we want colleagues to enjoy a comfortable retirements so we offer agreat contribution of 4% employee and 4% employer
- Life Assurance - x2your annual salary
- Wellness – Via our Employee Assistance Programmewe offer immediate access to a confidential telephone counselling and legal information service that operates 24 hours a days, 365 days a year
- Eye Care Vouchers – We can provide you with substantial savings with free eye tests and discounts on prescription glasses
- Reward & Recognition – We recognise that employees have gone the extra mile via Employee of the month and year, special recognition and long service awards.
- Everyday discounts - via our benefit platform you will have access to over 50 retailer discounts for everyday savings!
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Head of Finance Consumer & Fleet employer: Stobart
Stobart, part of the Culina Group, is an exceptional employer that fosters a winning culture where employees are valued, challenged, and inspired. With a strong commitment to employee development, we offer comprehensive learning programmes and a range of benefits including a competitive salary, wellness support, and recognition for hard work, all within a dynamic transport and logistics environment. Join us in a role that not only meets operational KPIs but also contributes to your personal growth and success in the industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Finance Consumer & Fleet
✨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.
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We think you need these skills to ace Head of Finance Consumer & Fleet
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 Stobart.
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Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Stobart'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 Stobart
✨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 Stobart.
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✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Stobart 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 Stobart 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.
