Finance Director (FD) / Head of Finance - Number 1 in Finance

Role Title: Finance Director (FD) / Head of Finance - Number 1 in Finance Salary Range: £150,000 - £165,000 + Executive Benefits Location: Buckinghamshire Role Overview As the senior finance lead (Number 1 in Finance), you will take full operational, strategic, and commercial ownership of the finance function. Reporting directly to the executive leadership and board, you will drive business strategy, safeguard enterprise value, manage liquidity, and optimize operational performance across multi-site operations. This role requires a hands-on yet strategic financial leader with proven commercial acumen to lead a high-performing finance team, partner with operational leadership, and oversee systems, controls, and capital allocation. Key Responsibilities Strategic Leadership & Board Partnering Act as the lead financial advisor to the Executive Team and Board on strategic planning, capital allocation, and business growth. Oversee multi-site strategy, unit economics, margin enhancement, and performance management frameworks. Lead corporate finance activities, including investment appraisal, capital deployment, and supporting potential M&A, refinancing, or transaction processes. Financial Operations & FP&A Drive short- and long-term business planning, budgeting, rolling forecasts, and commercial FP&A. Deliver accurate financial modeling, management information (MI), and commercial insights to drive operational performance across operational teams. Oversee treasury operations, maintaining robust cash flow forecasting, liquidity control, and working capital optimization. Governance, Reporting & Controls Ensure full compliance with relevant financial reporting standards (UK GAAP / IFRS) and maintain robust internal control and risk governance frameworks. Manage high-level financial reporting, year-end audits, statutory accounting, and tax compliance. Drive ongoing process improvement, systems transformation, automation, and operational reporting upgrades. Team Leadership & Operational Oversight Build, mentor, and direct a high-performing finance team covering core accounting, transactional processes, FP&A, and commercial finance. Provide leadership across linked operational functions where applicable (such as IT, Procurement, and Property/Facilities management). Lead procurement efficiency and cost-out initiatives across operational cost bases to protect margins. Candidate Profile & Qualifications Professional Certification: Fully qualified accountant (CIMA, ACCA, ACA, or equivalent standard). Leadership Experience: Proven experience operating as a Finance Director, Head of Finance, or Senior Financial Lead with full ownership of a finance function (Number 1 in Finance). Sector Expertise: Strong track record within multi-site consumer, hospitality, leisure, retail, or high-growth operational environments. Commercial & Operational Track Record: Demonstrable experience in liquidity management, margin improvement, commercial FP&A, unit economic analysis, and procurement optimization. Systems & Governance: Experience with major ERP implementations, financial systems transformation, and robust governance framework development. Transaction & Strategy Experience: Familiarity with private equity-backed environments, turnaround scenarios, or capital raising/M&A is highly advantageous