Interim Head of Finance / Financial Director

Come and join the leading #avoexperts

Westfalia Fruit is a leading multinational supplier of fresh fruit and related value-added products to global markets. Through our vertically-integrated supply chain, we grow, source, ripen, pack, process, and market quality avocados and fresh produce 365 days a year across the globe.

With the largest avocado-growing footprint in the world, we are recognized as the leading #avoexperts and are considered the supplier of choice for both retail and wholesale customers, serving markets from sales offices in the UK, Europe, North America, Latin America, and Southern Africa.

We’re looking for an exceptional Head of Finance or Financial Director to join our UK team in Kings Hill, Kent, on an interim basis.

In this influential role, you’ll act as a trusted partner to the UK Market Unit Director, guiding commercial decisions and embedding financial discipline into all aspects of the business. You’ll lead a high-performing finance team and foster a value-driven culture aligned with both local goals and global priorities. Responsibilities include financial planning, management reporting, taxation, and risk management.

This role also offers the exciting opportunity to help implement Microsoft Dynamics 365 (D365) ERP, a key part of Westfalia’s global integration journey. If you\’re looking to combine strategic impact with hands-on leadership and transformation, this is your moment to make your mark.

Responsibilities include:

1. Advising the European Finance Director and UK Market Director with data-driven insights, challenging commercial decisions, and shaping the bigger picture through investment modeling, pricing strategy, and competitor analysis.
2. Owning the UK’s financial performance—budgeting, forecasting, and long-range planning—translating complex data into actionable insights, highlighting risks, and driving profitability improvements.
3. Leading a high-performing team, championing financial capability and a business-partnering mindset across the UK, and collaborating with global colleagues for alignment and best practice sharing.
4. Ensuring robust financial governance, regulatory compliance, and overseeing internal and external audits to maintain reporting accuracy.
5. Driving financial rigor in capital and investment proposals, leading business cases, and reviewing ROI to fuel strategic growth.

Experience we look for:

Essential

• Qualified accountant (CIMA, ACCA, ACA, or equivalent)
• Previous experience in a finance leadership role within a commercial environment with a turnover exceeding £200m
• Experience working within an FMCG or perishable industry is essential
• Experience with transformational change, ideally assisting in ERP implementation
• Proven track record in strategic finance partnering, preferably in a regional or market leadership role
• Strong leadership skills with experience developing teams and fostering cross-functional collaboration
• Commercially savvy with strong analytical and influencing skills

What Westfalia Fruit offers:

• Competitive salary
• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
• A modern, welcoming office with fresh fruit, coffee, orange juice, and avocado ice-cream
• Free on-site parking
• Company pension scheme with life insurance
• Employee Assistance Plan with Medicash
• Christmas hampers and party
• Sausage roll Thursday and pizza lunch days

Please note that this position does not have a specific closing date. We encourage you to apply promptly as applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and the advert may be removed at any time.

We are an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered regardless of age, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, family or parental status, national origin, veteran status, neurodiversity, or disability.

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