Finance Director

Harper May is working with a London-based consumer non-durables manufacturer and distributor. The business is privately owned, multi-brand, and has experienced steady growth over the past five years through a combination of organic development and selective acquisition. It operates across retail and direct channels with a team of 150+. The finance function has recently undergone restructuring, and the business is now seeking a Finance Director to lead the team and anchor financial strategy at Board level.

The Role

Reporting to the Chief Executive, you will own the complete finance function and sit as a core member of the executive team. This is a commercial leadership position that demands someone capable of translating complex operational and market dynamics into clear financial insight, while maintaining rigorous control frameworks. You will shape how the business thinks about capital allocation, product profitability, and growth investment.

• Establish and own financial strategy, including three-year planning and capital deployment
• Build credible P&L insight by product line and channel, and use it to drive pricing and mix decisions
• Manage working capital, cash conversion, and inventory financing across the supply chain
• Lead budgeting, reforecasting, and variance analysis; challenge assumptions and outcomes with the Board
• Design and embed financial controls and reporting infrastructure to support scale
• Evaluate M&A and strategic investment opportunities; model acquisition integrations
• Lead, recruit, and develop the finance team to support future growth

What we are looking for

• ACA, ACCA, or CIMA qualified with at least 8 years in senior finance roles
• Direct experience in manufacturing, FMCG, or branded consumer goods
• Proven track record of improving margin, cash position, or operational efficiency
• Comfortable presenting to Boards and engaging confidently with external stakeholders
• Hands-on operator who can balance strategy with day-to-day financial delivery