Head of Finance - Commerce

Head of Finance - Commerce

Full-Time 70000 - 70000 € / year (est.) No home office possible
The Newt in Somerset

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.
What we can offer
  • 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.
What we're looking for
  • 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.
Where you'll be working

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 Somerset

Nestled 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.

The Newt in Somerset

Contact Detail:

The Newt in Somerset Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Finance - Commerce

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance and commerce sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its financial strategies. Understand their recent performance and be ready to discuss how you can drive growth and improve margins. Show them you’re not just another candidate, but the right fit for their team!

Tip Number 3

Practice your pitch! Be clear about your experience in multi-channel businesses and how it aligns with their needs. Highlight your analytical skills and how you’ve successfully influenced senior stakeholders in the past.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our brand. Let’s get you that Head of Finance role!

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Finance - Commerce

Financial Performance Management
Margin Control
Commercial Decision-Making
Pricing Strategy
Budgeting
Forecasting
Scenario Modelling

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Head of Finance role. Highlight your senior finance leadership experience and any relevant achievements in margin improvement or multi-channel businesses.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've driven financial performance and shaped strategy in previous positions, and don’t forget to show your enthusiasm for joining our team!

Showcase Your Analytical Skills:Since this role requires advanced financial modelling and scenario analysis, make sure to mention any relevant tools or methodologies you’ve used. We want to see how you turn insights into action, so be specific about your analytical approach.

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, it shows you’re keen on being part of our amazing team!

How to prepare for a job interview at The Newt in Somerset

Know Your Numbers

As the Head of Finance, you'll need to demonstrate a strong grasp of financial metrics. Brush up on key performance indicators relevant to the Commerce division, such as margin control and pricing strategy. Be ready to discuss how you've driven financial performance in previous roles.

Showcase Your Strategic Mindset

This role is about shaping strategy, so come prepared with examples of how you've influenced commercial decisions in the past. Think about specific scenarios where your insights led to profitable growth and be ready to share these stories during the interview.

Engage with Stakeholders

You'll be acting as a financial co-pilot to the CEO, so it's crucial to show your ability to manage and influence stakeholders. Prepare to discuss how you've successfully navigated complex relationships and made an impact at senior levels in your previous positions.

Demonstrate Adaptability

The Commerce division is evolving rapidly, so highlight your experience in fast-paced environments. Share examples of how you've adapted to change and led teams through transitions, ensuring that financial discipline and clarity remained intact.