Chief Financial Officer

CompanyJSS Search

LocationLondon Area, United Kingdom

Posted At1/14/2026

UK Visa Sponsorship Analytics

Occupation Type

Financial managers and directors

Occupation Code Skill LevelHigher Skilled

Sponsorship Salary Threshold

£75,100 (£38.51 per hour)

Occupation rate applies

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Description

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 processes
Foster 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
Hybrid working based in London