Overview
Commercial Head of Finance, Drinks FMCG, Crawley (hybrid), 70-90k DOE. UK-based manufacturer specialising in alcoholic cocktails, scaling nationally and positioning as a market leader in the on-trade and off-trade. The role is hands-on and will lead the finance function and support the growth of the business, with responsibilities across Finance as well as IT and Properties.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead the finance and commercial function, aligning financial and operational performance with company growth objectives, and advising the MD and Board on strategy, profitability, and market expansion.
* Ensure accurate financial reporting across the UK in compliance with UK GAAP; oversee audits, tax compliance, and excise duty obligations.
* Deliver monthly management accounts, KPI dashboards, and profitability reports for both production and sales channels; provide actionable insights on sales performance, product margins, and cost trends to inform strategic decisions.
* Develop and manage budgets and forecasts, including production, sales, and marketing spend; analyse variances and recommend actions to optimise profitability and working capital.
* Oversee cash flow, working capital, and banking relationships, ensuring liquidity and efficiency across production, export, and domestic operations.
* Manage core finance operations (payroll, ledgers, stock, COGS, revenue recognition) with strong internal controls and compliance with alcohol duty regulations, plus ongoing process improvements.
* Lead the IT and systems function, ensuring ERP, reporting, and e-commerce platforms support commercial operations, financial analysis, and regulatory compliance.
* Oversee property, lease, and rental obligations for production and storage facilities, negotiating terms, managing costs, and ensuring alignment with operational requirements.
* Partner with sales, production, operations, and marketing teams to drive commercial decision-making, optimise route-to-market strategies, and maximise profitability across on-trade and off-trade channels.
* Support strategic initiatives such as new market entry, product launches, and partnership deals, providing financial modelling, scenario planning, and commercial insight.
The Successful Candidate
* Qualified accountant (ACCA, ACA, CIMA or equivalent) preferable.
* Experience within the FMCG industry, ideally in a F&B business.
* Experience in a Finance Managerial role covering all areas of the finance function.
* Experience in data management and reporting.
* Advanced Excel skills, including complex formulas and pivot tables.
* Solid understanding of IT network systems.
* Team player with strong numeracy and verbal communication skills.
* Adaptable, solution-oriented, and able to thrive in fast-changing environments.
Senior Leadership
* Director
Employment type
* Full-time
Job function
* Accounting/Auditing
Industries
* Retail and Accounting
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Location notes: Epsom, Croydon, Reigate, Woking, and other nearby areas may appear in job postings.
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