Financial Director

UK Finance Director being hired for Cutting-Edge Biotech company!

£160,000 – £180,000 + Bonus + Benefits – London Based | Hybrid (3–4 Days Onsite)

I am excited to be exclusively retained to hire the UK Finance Director for an innovative, Nasdaq-listed, clinical-stage genetic medicines company to lead its UK and European finance operations during an exciting phase of transformation. With an end-to-end manufacturing ecosystem and ground-breaking therapies in development, this business is at the forefront of tackling both rare inherited and more common diseases.

This role offers the rare combination of strategic influence and operational leadership, as you’ll steer a talented finance team through the creation of a high-profile joint venture with a pioneering AI partner to reshape the future of neurological and obesity treatments.

You will report directly to the CFO based in the US with a strong dotted line to the Chief Development Officer, acting as a key member of the leadership team for the UK and European entities, driving change, building robust systems, and ensuring financial excellence across multiple jurisdictions.

How you’ll make an impact

• Lead and develop the UK and European finance teams, mentoring high-performing staff and fostering a culture of accountability.
• Own all financial operations across the UK, Ireland, Belgium, and France — from statutory reporting and VAT compliance to month-end close and variance analysis.
• Oversee budgeting, forecasting, and long-range planning, partnering with global FP&A to align European performance with Group objectives.
• Drive process improvements, system enhancements (NetSuite, PowerBI), and best-in-class controls in a rapidly scaling environment.
• Act as a key finance lead in the creation and operationalisation of the new AI joint venture.
• Manage high-volume transactions while navigating complex, multi-entity, multi-currency structures.
• Support capital investment planning for manufacturing expansion, R&D projects, and clinical trials.
• Ensure SOX compliance and oversee statutory audits with Big 4 and other external advisors.
• Collaborate closely with non-finance stakeholders across 36 departments, including Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, R&D, HR, IT, Legal, and Risk.

What we’re looking for

• Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA) – audit background highly advantageous.
• Experience in biotech, pharma, or manufacturing, with exposure to GMP environments is a must have.
• Track record of success in complex, fast-growth, or transformational settings — ideally including JVs, acquisitions, or expansion phases.
• Strong compliance, statutory reporting, and tax expertise, balanced with FP&A capability.
• Proven ability to lead teams through change, navigate ambiguity, and implement process improvements.
• Excellent communicator, able to translate complex financial concepts for non-finance stakeholders.
• Hands-on, adaptable, and comfortable working in a lean, founder-led organisation.

Why this opportunity stands out

• Transformational phase – be at the heart of a AI-driven joint venture redefining neurological treatments.
• Highly visible leadership role – report to the CFO/CDO and partner with senior leaders across Europe and North America.
• Complex, hands-on environment – work across multiple countries, currencies, and compliance regimes.
• Innovative, inclusive culture – join a young, fast-growing biotech where ideas are valued and careers are accelerated.
• Impact on the future of medicine – contribute directly to therapies tackling devastating diseases with unmet needs.

Due to high application volumes, we regret we may not be able to respond to all unsuccessful applicants individually.