At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive financial performance and shape strategy in a fast-growing Commerce division.
- Company: Join The Newt, a luxury country estate with a focus on growth and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, performance bonuses, wellness perks, and generous discounts.
- Other info: Be part of a fun team with regular engagement activities and up to 30 days annual leave.
- Why this job: Lead commercial success and make impactful decisions in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Senior finance leadership experience and strong commercial mindset required.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 70000 £ per year.
£70,000 per annum plus performance bonus and fantastic benefits. 40 hours per week across 5 days, Monday - Friday. Based onsite. Due to the location of the Estate, a driving license is recommended for this role. Advert closes: 13 April 2026.
Drive growth. Shape strategy. Lead commercial performance at scale. You’ll sit at the very heart of our fast-growing Commerce division, acting as a strategic partner to the CEO – Commerce and shaping the financial future of a multi-channel business spanning eCommerce, retail, wholesale and production. This is more than a finance role — it’s about turning insight into action, driving margin, and ensuring every commercial decision delivers sustainable, profitable growth. You’ll lead financial performance with clarity and discipline, embedding robust controls while enabling ambitious expansion.
Key Responsibilities- Own financial performance, margin control, and commercial decision-making across Commerce.
- Lead pricing strategy, margin governance, and channel optimisation.
- Act as financial co-pilot to the CEO – Commerce.
- Drive budgeting, forecasting, and scenario modelling.
- Lead weekly trading reviews and performance tracking.
- Oversee stock, production finance, and working capital efficiency.
- Define and embed key financial and commercial metrics.
- Lead and develop the Commerce finance team.
- A positive workplace environment with opportunities to develop both personally and professionally.
- Peace of mind with Employee Life Cover, providing your nominated loved one with 2x your salary.
- Support from our Employee Assistance Programme, including unlimited 24/7 remote GP appointments for you and your family.
- Look after your wellbeing with complimentary access to our Spa and swimming pools and our exclusive benefit of 50% off Spa Treatments.
- Stay in shape with complimentary use of our gym and wellbeing classes.
- Access to our Cycle to Work scheme, supporting wellbeing and sustainable commuting.
- Complimentary staff meal when onsite – crafted by our dedicated kitchen team, often featuring fresh produce from our estate.
- Enjoy shopping in both our shops on estate and online with 30% discount for all our colleagues and free delivery for any online purchases.
- Complimentary garden membership for The Newt and our partner gardens, including the Eden Project, Kew Gardens and The Lost Gardens of Heligan.
- We value your hard work and recognise your achievements through our colleague recognition programme – Newt Awards, with the opportunity to achieve amazing rewards, including a complimentary Hotel Stay.
- Discover exclusive perks with discounted hotel stays for staff, accompanied by a 30% discount at our restaurants.
- A team that knows how to have fun with regular team engagement activities, including Fun Squad events.
- Up to 30 days annual leave each year for our full-time team.
- Senior finance leadership experience within consumer, retail, or food sectors.
- Strong commercial mindset with proven margin improvement experience.
- Advanced financial modelling and scenario analysis capability.
- Experience in multi-channel businesses (eCommerce, retail, wholesale).
- Confident stakeholder manager, able to challenge and influence at senior level.
- Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).
- Analytical, hands-on, and action-oriented approach.
- Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
The Commerce division includes eCommerce, retail, food production (bakery, butchery, creamery, farm kitchen), and wholesale operations. The business is undergoing rapid growth, with increasing scale, complexity, and expansion into wholesale channels. The finance function plays a central role in ensuring financial discipline, margin control, and clear commercial decision-making across all areas.
Who are we— The Newt in SomersetNestled within an expanse of rolling fields and steeped in ancient history, our luxury country estate stands as a haven of refined elegance, inviting guests to explore acres of captivating gardens, meandering pathways, and enriching exhibitions – accessible 364 days a year for our members. Our hotel extends a warm welcome, offering a home-away-from-home experience where impeccable service flourishes in an ambience of unassuming sophistication. Beyond the estate, the Newt's essence remains tangible, with our Ecommerce teams delivering our finest products to homes, while media and membership endeavours keep them informed of our latest developments. Behind the scenes, a tapestry of talented teams – from Housekeeping to HR, Finance to Farming – collaborates harmoniously, crafting an unforgettable journey of growth, development, and innovation, where every contribution creates unparalleled experiences.
Head of Finance- Commerce employer: The Newt in Somerset
At The Newt in Somerset, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant workplace where personal and professional growth is nurtured. With a comprehensive benefits package that includes generous annual leave, wellness support, and exclusive discounts, our team enjoys a balanced and fulfilling work-life experience amidst the stunning backdrop of our luxury country estate. Join us to be part of a dynamic finance team that drives strategic growth while enjoying unique perks like complimentary spa access and engaging team activities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Finance- Commerce
✨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 The Newt in Somerset are looking for when hiring for a Head of Finance- Commerce.
✨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 The Newt in Somerset for the Head of Finance- Commerce, 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 The Newt in Somerset as a Head of Finance- Commerce, rub shoulders with their representatives when possible!
✨Utilise Company Resources
Don’t forget to check out The Newt in Somerset’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 Finance- Commerce.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Finance- Commerce
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your E-Commerce Savviness:When you're applying for an e-commerce role at The Newt in Somerset, 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 The Newt in Somerset'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 The Newt in Somerset. 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 The Newt in Somerset
✨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 The Newt in Somerset 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 The Newt in Somerset. 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!
