At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and support M&A activities in a dynamic pharmaceutical environment.
- Company: Join a private equity-backed pharmaceutical business focused on growth and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, leadership opportunities, and a chance to shape the future of finance.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with significant career advancement potential.
- Why this job: Be a key player in bridging investors and business leaders for impactful financial decisions.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with experience in commercial finance and M&A.
The predicted salary is between 100000 - 150000 £ per year.
WTalent is partnering with a private equity‑backed pharmaceutical business to appoint a commercially focused senior finance leader to act as the critical bridge between the PE investors and the operating business. This is a high‑impact leadership role for an experienced finance professional with a strong commercial finance foundation combined with deep exposure to M&A, transactions, investment environments, and private equity reporting. The successful candidate will operate as a strategic partner to both the executive leadership team and investors, supporting value creation, performance optimisation, and future transaction activity.
Key Responsibilities
- Serve as the primary finance interface between the Private Equity sponsors and the business leadership team
- Lead financial planning, commercial analysis, and strategic decision support across the organisation
- Support and manage M&A activity including acquisitions, integrations, carve‑outs, and strategic investments
- Drive transaction readiness, investor reporting, and board‑level financial presentations
- Partner with commercial teams to improve profitability, performance tracking, and business intelligence
- Deliver robust financial modelling, scenario planning, and value creation initiatives
- Support financing activities, refinancing processes, and due diligence workstreams
- Build credibility with senior stakeholders including investors, board members, and external advisors
- Enhance financial controls, reporting frameworks, and KPI visibility within a fast‑paced environment
- Provide strategic insight to support growth, expansion, and operational decision‑making
Candidate Profile
- Qualified accountant (ACA / ACCA / CIMA or equivalent)
- Proven experience within a senior commercial finance leadership role
- Strong background in Private Equity‑backed environments
- Extensive exposure to M&A, corporate finance, transactions, or investment‑related activity
- Experience operating in pharmaceutical, healthcare, life sciences, or regulated environments preferred
- Strong financial modelling and analytical capability
- Comfortable operating in highly visible, stakeholder‑heavy environments
- Able to balance strategic thinking with hands‑on execution
- Excellent communication and influencing skills with the ability to engage at board and investor level
Ideal Background
- Finance Director
- VP Finance
- Commercial Finance Director
- Head of Strategic Finance
- Transaction Services / Corporate Finance leader moving into industry
- PE‑backed finance leader with strong commercial exposure
Commercial Finance Director employer: W Talent
Join a dynamic private equity-backed pharmaceutical business that prioritises innovation and strategic growth. As a Commercial Finance Director, you will thrive in a collaborative work culture that values your expertise and offers ample opportunities for professional development. With a focus on impactful leadership and a commitment to enhancing financial performance, this role provides a unique chance to influence the future of the organisation while working closely with both executive teams and investors.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Finance Director
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend finance events, webinars, or even local meet-ups. The more you engage with others, the better your chances of landing that dream role.
✨Showcase Your Expertise
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your experience in M&A and private equity. Share specific examples of how you've driven value creation and performance optimisation in past roles.
✨Prepare for Interviews
Do your homework on the company and its investors. Be ready to discuss how your skills align with their goals, especially around financial planning and strategic decision support. Confidence is key!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to check out our website for the latest job openings. Applying directly through us can give you an edge, as we’re always looking for top talent to connect with amazing opportunities.
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Finance Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Commercial Finance Director. Highlight your experience in private equity, M&A, and any relevant financial modelling skills. We want to see how your background aligns with the key responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this high-impact leadership role. Share specific examples of how you've supported value creation and performance optimisation in previous roles, and don’t forget to mention your experience with investor reporting.
Showcase Your Strategic Thinking:In both your CV and cover letter, make sure to demonstrate your ability to balance strategic thinking with hands-on execution. We’re looking for someone who can not only analyse data but also provide actionable insights that drive growth and operational decision-making.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates regarding your application status!
How to prepare for a job interview at W Talent
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Commercial Finance Director, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've used them to drive performance in previous roles. Prepare examples of financial models you've built or M&A activities you've led.
✨Understand the PE Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the private equity environment, especially how it impacts decision-making in the pharmaceutical sector. Be prepared to discuss how you can bridge the gap between investors and the operating business, showcasing your strategic insights and experience in similar settings.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role is all about leadership and influence. Think of specific instances where you've successfully led teams or projects, particularly in high-pressure situations. Highlight your ability to communicate effectively with senior stakeholders and how you've driven value creation in past roles.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that require you to think on your feet, especially around financial modelling and strategic decision-making. Practice articulating your thought process in scenarios involving M&A, investor reporting, or performance optimisation. This will show your analytical capability and hands-on execution skills.
