Chief Financial Officer

We are working with a well-established, fast-moving retail business with a strong brand, loyal customer base, and a growing multi-channel footprint across physical and digital. The business operates at meaningful scale, with complex supply chain, inventory, and margin dynamics, and is at an inflection point in its growth journey. Backed by an ambitious Board and leadership team, the company is focused on driving sustainable growth, operational excellence, and long-term value creation. Finance plays a central role in shaping that agenda. The Role We are seeking a commercial, strategic Chief Financial Officer to join the executive team. This is a true CFO role, with full ownership of the finance function and a material voice in shaping the direction of the business. Reporting to the CEO and working closely with the Board and shareholders, the CFO will be responsible for financial leadership, governance, performance management, and capital stewardship, acting as both a strategic partner and a rigorous steward of value. Key Responsibilities Financial Leadership & Strategy Lead the financial strategy of the business, aligned to long‑term growth and value creation Translate commercial objectives into clear financial plans and capital allocation priorities Act as a strategic advisor to the CEO and Board on performance, risk, and major decisions Provide independent challenge, insight, and judgement at Executive and Board level Performance Management & Insight Own the annual budget, rolling forecast, and long‑range planning processes Deliver clear, insightful reporting on trading performance, margins, cash, and working capital Identify trends, risks, and opportunities, turning data into actionable insight Ensure financial information supports fast, high‑quality decision‑making Retail & Commercial Finance Oversee all aspects of retail finance including margin management, pricing, promotions, and cost control Lead financial oversight of inventory, stock valuation, shrinkage, and markdown exposure Partner closely with Trading, Buying, Supply Chain, and Operations teams Support expansion activity, new store openings, and channel optimisation Cash, Balance Sheet & Capital Stewardship Maintain full ownership of cash flow, working capital, and balance sheet discipline Lead banking relationships, financing structures, and covenant management Oversee tax strategy, treasury, and financial risk management Ensure appropriate capital allocation across growth, maintenance, and returns Governance, Controls & Risk Ensure robust financial controls, compliance, and governance across the business Lead statutory reporting, audits, and regulatory requirements Own risk management frameworks, including operational and financial risk Maintain strong relationships with auditors, advisors, and external stakeholders Team Leadership & Functional Excellence Lead and develop a high‑calibre finance leadership team across FP&A, Commercial Finance, Accounting, Tax, and Treasury Build a scalable, best‑in‑class finance function capable of supporting growth Drive improvements in systems, data quality, and financial processesFoster a culture of accountability, commercial thinking, and continuous improvement Board, Shareholder & External Stakeholders Act as a key Board member, contributing to strategic discussions and decision‑making Lead Board and Committee reporting with clarity and credibility Partner with shareholders and lenders on strategy, performance, and value creation Represent the business externally with professionalism and authority Ideal Candidate Profile Experience Proven experience as a CFO or Finance Director in a large‑scale retail or consumer business Strong track record operating in complex, multi‑channel environments Demonstrable leadership through periods of change, growth, or transformation Comfortable balancing strategic thinking with operational rigour Technical & Commercial Expertise Deep understanding of retail economics: margin, stock, working capital, and cash Strong financial control, reporting, and governance credentials Commercially astute, with the ability to influence trading and operational decisions Experience managing banking relationships and external advisors Leadership & Personal Attributes Clear, confident communicator able to challenge and influence at the highest level Commercial, pragmatic, and outcomes‑focused Calm under pressure, decisive, and resilient Values‑led leader with a collaborative and high‑standards mindset Qualifications ACA / ACCA / CIMA (or equivalent) qualification strongly preferred Relevant academic background in Finance, Accounting, or Business What’s on Offer Board‑level CFO role in a substantial, high‑profile retail business Significant influence over strategy and long‑term value creation Opportunity to lead and shape a best‑in‑class finance function Competitive executive remuneration and long‑term incentive structure #J-18808-Ljbffr