Finance Director

Greenwell Gleeson has been exclusively retained to appoint a Finance Director for a successful, privately owned wholesale and distribution business with ambitious growth plans. Reporting directly to the Managing Director, this is a pivotal appointment to the Executive Leadership Team, offering the opportunity to shape strategy, lead a finance transformation programme and drive commercial performance across the business.The RoleThis is a broad and influential Finance Director position, combining strategic leadership with hands-on operational involvement. You'll lead the finance function while acting as a trusted adviser to the Managing Director and senior leadership team, providing commercial insight that supports profitable growth and informed decision-making. A key priority will be leading the implementation of a new ERP system and modernising the finance function through improved processes, reporting and the adoption of AI technologies to drive efficiency and business insight.Key Responsibilities* Lead and develop the finance function, building a high-performing team capable of supporting the next phase of growth.* Develop the Group's financial strategy, budgets and forecasts, ensuring robust planning and clear financial visibility for the Board.* Deliver insightful monthly management reporting, KPI dashboards and performance analysis, identifying risks, opportunities and actions to improve profitability.* Act as a commercial business partner to Operations, Procurement and Sales, supporting pricing decisions, margin improvement, cost control and investment appraisals.* Own cashflow forecasting, working capital management and banking relationships, ensuring the business remains well positioned to support future growth.* Strengthen financial controls, governance and compliance while maintaining an appropriate balance between control and commercial agility.* Lead the implementation of a new ERP platform, improving financial processes, management information and operational reporting across the business.* Identify opportunities to leverage AI and automation to improve forecasting, reporting, analysis and administrative efficiency, while helping shape the wider digital roadmap.* Review existing systems and processes, driving continuous improvement and ensuring the finance function is scalable for future expansion.* Play a key role in strategic planning, investment decisions and wider business transformation initiatives.The CandidateWe're keen to speak with commercially minded Finance Directors, Heads of Finance or ambitious Financial Controllers looking to step into a broader leadership role.You'll combine strong technical accounting credentials with the ability to influence stakeholders across the business and operate as a genuine commercial partner.You'll ideally bring:* ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualification.* Senior finance leadership experience within manufacturing, FMCG, wholesale, distribution, logistics or other operationally intensive businesses.* A proven track record of commercial business partnering, budgeting, forecasting and driving business performance.* Experience leading ERP implementation or significant finance transformation programmes.* A passion for improving systems, processes and reporting through technology and digital innovation.* Experience introducing automation, business intelligence or AI-enabled solutions would be highly advantageous.* Strong project and change management skills, with the ability to engage stakeholders at every level of the organisation.* A hands-on, pragmatic leadership style, comfortable operating strategically while remaining close to the day-to-day operation.This is an outstanding opportunity to join a growing entrepreneurial business where you'll have genuine influence over both the financial and operational direction of the organisation, while leading one of its most significant transformation programmes.Greenwell Gleeson Ltd is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.To find out more about how and why Greenwell Gleeson Ltd process your personal data in line with the data protection regime please go to the privacy notice on our website