UK (Confidential) | Hybrid | Competitive Executive Package + Bonus & LTIP | Retail
Company Overview
An established, multi-site retail business is seeking an experienced Chief Financial Officer to join its senior leadership team at an important stage in its development.
The business has an established national presence and is focused on delivering its next phase of profitable growth through improved commercial performance, operational efficiency, investment in its estate and significant business transformation.
With an ambitious long-term growth agenda, the organisation is looking to appoint a commercially minded CFO who can partner closely with the CEO and wider leadership team, translating business strategy into measurable financial performance and sustainable value creation.
This is an opportunity for a broad business leader who combines strong financial stewardship with commercial acumen, strategic influence and the ability to lead meaningful organisational change.
The Role
Reporting directly to the CEO, the Chief Financial Officer will be a key member of the senior leadership team, with executive responsibility for Finance and Property.
Key responsibilities will include:
- Partnering with the CEO and wider leadership team to shape and deliver the company’s strategy, driving profitable growth and long-term shareholder value.
- Leading financial planning, forecasting, reporting and governance, ensuring robust financial controls and providing clear, forward-looking commercial insight to the Board.
- Driving improvements in profitability, cash generation and working capital, with particular focus on stock optimisation, availability, stock turn and loss prevention.
- Taking executive responsibility for the property portfolio, overseeing estate strategy, lease negotiations, rent reviews, portfolio optimisation and disciplined investment in new locations.
- Leading capital allocation decisions, ensuring investment is aligned with commercial priorities and delivers measurable returns.
- Supporting major systems and business transformation programmes, including ERP implementation, process improvement and the development of more efficient ways of working.
- Leading investor relations and external financial engagement, building confidence with shareholders, lenders, advisers and other key stakeholders.
- Developing a high-performing Finance and Property function, strengthening leadership capability, succession planning, accountability and continuous improvement.
About You
The successful candidate will be a commercially astute and strategically minded finance leader who can operate effectively as a business partner to the CEO and wider leadership team.
You will ideally bring:
- Proven experience as a CFO or senior finance executive, with the ability to influence and contribute at Board level.
- A background within multi-site retail, consumer-facing or hospitality businesses.
- Experience operating within a publicly listed or investor-facing business, with a strong understanding of corporate governance, external reporting and investor relations.
- A demonstrable track record of improving financial performance, driving profitability and delivering sustainable business value.
- Strong commercial understanding of working capital, cash management, stock productivity and capital allocation.
- Experience overseeing property portfolios, estate strategy and investment decisions within a multi-site environment.
- Experience leading or supporting significant systems transformation, ERP implementation and organisational change programmes.
- The ability to balance strategic leadership with operational detail, providing constructive challenge while building strong relationships across the business.
- A proven track record of developing teams, building capability and creating a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
Leadership Style
You will be a collaborative, pragmatic and low-ego leader who is comfortable operating in a fast-paced and evolving environment.
You will combine strategic thinking with a hands-on approach to delivery, demonstrating the credibility to challenge constructively, influence senior stakeholders and bring people with you through periods of change.
If you have the experience outlined above and are currently operating at a CFO level in a large scale business, we’d love to hear from you.
Please fill in the application form and make sure you attach your CV!
Any applications without an up-to-date CV attached will not be considered for any vacancy or exploratory call.