Head of Finance

My client is a key trading division within a larger private equity backed group, operating in a fast-moving, product-led environment. The division has strong market presence, clear ambitions to scale further, supported by PE investment and a leadership team focused on performance, pace and continuous improvement.

The business is Basildon based, with a collaborative, hands-on culture and a leadership team keen to empower high-potential talent.

Client Details

This role is with a well-established retail organisation known for its expertise in delivering high-quality products and services. As a medium-sized company, they are focused on maintaining strong financial performance and operational excellence.

Description

This is a broad and influential role combining hands-on operational finance with genuine commercial partnering. You will:

Own the full month-end process, management accounts and reporting cycle

Oversee stock, cash, debtor management and control improvements

Build and maintain KPIs, dashboards and trading insights

Interrogate data to understand variances, drivers and opportunities

Partner with senior stakeholders across operations and commercial functions

Challenge assumptions, ask the right questions and influence decisions

Support the Finance & Commercial Director by taking on increasing responsibility as you grow into the role

Help drive performance improvement initiatives across pricing, margin, process and working capital

Play a key role in shaping finance as the division continues its growth trajectory

The role is site-based in Basildon for ideally four days per week (minimum of three), reflecting the hands-on nature of the business and the need to be close to teams, data and operations.

Profile

We're looking for someone who brings:

Strong management accounting and operational finance grounding

Experience in a stock-based, product, distribution, retail or FMCG environment

Sharp commercial instincts and confidence partnering with non-finance stakeholders

A curious, analytical mindset with the drive to get into the detail

A positive, problem-solving attitude and willingness to "own" issues

The confidence to challenge constructively and push for better answers

Energy, pace and a desire to make a visible impact

The ambition to step up and take on broader responsibility quickly

This would suit a Finance Business Partner with strong core skills or a Commercial Finance Manager ready for more ownership.

Job Offer

£70,000-£80,000 base

Car allowance

Annual bonus potential of up to 20%

Supportive leadership with genuine appetite to hand over responsibility

Exposure to a PE environment and a clear path towards broader future roles