Head of Finance

Basildon Permanent £70,000 - £80,000 per year View Job Description
My client is a key trading division within a larger private equity backed group, operating in a fast‑moving, product‑led environment. The division has strong market presence, clear ambitions to scale further, supported by PE investment and a leadership team focused on performance, pace and continuous improvement.The business is Basildon based, with a collaborative, hands‑on culture and a leadership team keen to empower high‑potential talent.
  • Commercial role with scope to make an impact
  • PE‑backed growth environment with clear progression

About Our Client

This role is with a well-established retail organisation known for its expertise in delivering high-quality products and services. As a medium-sized company, they are focused on maintaining strong financial performance and operational excellence.

Job Description

This is a broad and influential role combining hands‑on operational finance with genuine commercial partnering. You will:* Own the full month‑end process, management accounts and reporting cycle

* Oversee stock, cash, debtor management and control improvements

* Build and maintain KPIs, dashboards and trading insights

* Interrogate data to understand variances, drivers and opportunities

* Partner with senior stakeholders across operations and commercial functions

* Challenge assumptions, ask the right questions and influence decisions

* Support the Finance & Commercial Director by taking on increasing responsibility as you grow into the role

* Help drive performance improvement initiatives across pricing, margin, process and working capital

* Play a key role in shaping finance as the division continues its growth trajectoryThe role is site‑based in Basildon for ideally four days per week (minimum of three), reflecting the hands‑on nature of the business and the need to be close to teams, data and operations.

The Successful Applicant

We're looking for someone who brings:* Strong management accounting and operational finance grounding

* Experience in a stock‑based, product, distribution, retail or FMCG environment

* Sharp commercial instincts and confidence partnering with non‑finance stakeholders

* A curious, analytical mindset with the drive to get into the detail

* A positive, problem‑solving attitude and willingness to "own" issues

* The confidence to challenge constructively and push for better answers

* Energy, pace and a desire to make a visible impact

* The ambition to step up and take on broader responsibility quicklyThis would suit a Finance Business Partner with strong core skills or a Commercial Finance Manager ready for more ownership.

What's on Offer

* £70,000-£80,000 base

* Car allowance

* Annual bonus potential of up to 20%

* Supportive leadership with genuine appetite to hand over responsibility

* Exposure to a PE environment and a clear path towards broader future roles

Contact
Paul Urquhart
Quote job ref
JN-032026-6971276
Phone number
+44 1622 604 511

Job summary

Job function
Accounting
Subsector
Financial Controller
Sector
Retail
Location
Basildon
Contract type
Permanent
Consultant name
Paul Urquhart
Consultant phone
+44 1622 604 511
Job reference
JN-032026-6971276