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 in London employer: W Talent
As a private equity-backed pharmaceutical business, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee growth and development. Our team enjoys competitive benefits, including opportunities for professional advancement and the chance to make a significant impact in a fast-paced environment. Join us to be part of a collaborative leadership team that values strategic insight and innovation, while working closely with both investors and operational leaders to drive success.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Finance Director in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance and private equity sectors. Attend industry events or webinars where you can meet potential employers and showcase your expertise.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your financial modelling and analytical skills. Be ready to discuss how you've driven value creation and performance optimisation in previous roles, as this will resonate with hiring managers.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just wait for job postings! Use our website to apply directly and keep an eye on new opportunities. Tailor your approach to highlight your experience in M&A and private equity-backed environments.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your communication skills! Practice articulating complex financial concepts clearly and confidently, especially when discussing your strategic insights with senior stakeholders during interviews.
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Finance Director in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. Highlight your commercial finance background and any relevant M&A experience to show us you’re the right fit for this role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about the role and how your experience aligns with our needs. Don’t forget to mention your ability to engage with senior stakeholders and drive value creation.
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your past roles, focus on quantifiable achievements that demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving profitability or leading successful transactions, we want to see how you’ve made a difference in previous positions.
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 don’t miss out on any important updates during the process!
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 or analyses you've led that resulted in significant business decisions.
✨Understand the PE Landscape
Familiarise yourself with private equity dynamics, especially in the pharmaceutical sector. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve navigated investor relationships and supported M&A activities. Showing that you understand the unique challenges and opportunities in this space will set you apart.
✨Showcase Strategic Partnerships
This role requires collaboration with both executive teams and investors. Think of specific instances where you’ve successfully partnered with stakeholders to enhance value creation. Highlight your communication skills and how you’ve influenced decision-making at the board level.
✨Prepare for Scenario Planning
Expect questions around financial modelling and scenario planning. Have a few examples ready where your strategic insights led to successful outcomes. Discuss how you approach risk assessment and what tools you use to ensure robust financial forecasting.
