Head of Finance

Head of Finance – Retail Location: Milton Keynes (Hybrid) Salary: £100,000 - £110,000 + 20% Bonus + Car Allowance Sector: Private Equity Backed Retail Business The Opportunity We are partnering with a high-growth, private equity-backed retail business to recruit a commercially focused Head of Finance. This is a pivotal leadership position within a dynamic and fast-paced organisation operating across a large multi-site estate. Reporting into the Finance Director/CFO, the successful candidate will lead a sizeable finance function of approximately 20 people, including both direct and indirect reports, while acting as a key business partner to senior stakeholders across operations, commercial and executive leadership teams. This is an excellent opportunity for an ambitious finance leader looking to join a business with an outstanding culture, ambitious growth plans and significant opportunity to influence performance and value creation. Key Responsibilities • Lead, develop and inspire a finance team of circa 20 employees, ensuring high performance and strong succession planning. • Take ownership of financial performance across a large multi-site retail operation. • Partner closely with operational leaders to drive profitability, margin enhancement and commercial decision making. • Deliver robust budgeting, forecasting and financial planning processes across multiple business units and locations. • Provide insightful analysis and recommendations to improve operational efficiency and business performance. • Drive finance business partnering across operations, commercial, supply chain and support functions. • Support strategic growth initiatives, including new site openings, acquisitions and integration activities where required. • Enhance reporting capabilities, KPIs and performance metrics to improve decision making across the business. • Build strong relationships with senior stakeholders, influencing and challenging where appropriate. • Ensure robust financial controls, governance and risk management frameworks are maintained. • Play an active role in supporting the wider leadership team in delivering the business growth strategy. Candidate Profile We are seeking an experienced finance leader who combines strong technical capability with exceptional commercial and operational acumen. Essential Requirements • Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent). • Proven experience leading sizeable finance teams, including direct and indirect management responsibilities. • Strong multi-site experience gained within retail, consumer, hospitality, leisure or other operationally intensive environments. • Demonstrable experience partnering with senior operational stakeholders. • Track record of operating successfully within fast-paced, high-growth businesses. • Strong commercial mindset with the ability to influence decision making and drive business performance. • Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills. • Comfortable working within a demanding and evolving environment. Highly Desirable • Experience within a private equity-backed business. • Experience supporting transformational change and business growth programmes. • Exposure to large-scale operational environments with significant site networks. What We're Looking For Successful candidates will be able to clearly demonstrate examples of: • Adding measurable commercial value through strategic financial insight. • Driving operational improvements and efficiency gains across multi-site businesses. • Influencing senior stakeholders and operational leaders to improve business performance. • Delivering tangible improvements in profitability, margin, cash flow or productivity. • Building and developing high-performing finance teams. Package • £100,000 - £110,000 Base Salary • 20% Annual Bonus • Car Allowance • Competitive Benefits Package • Hybrid Working • Excellent Career Progression Opportunities Why Join? This is a fantastic opportunity to join a highly successful, private equity-backed retail business with ambitious growth plans, a collaborative culture and a genuine commitment to developing its people. The role offers significant exposure to senior leadership, broad commercial responsibility and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on business performance and value creation.