Head of Finance (FD-level)

Role Type: Full Time Reports to: CEO Location: Congleton (with regular time in London) Salary: Competitive The Opportunity We are looking for an experienced, strategic and commercially minded Head of Finance to join Derek Rose and take full ownership of our finance function. This is a senior leadership role with direct access to the CEO and a seat at the table in shaping the future of the business. You will play a central role in guiding strategic decisions, strengthening operational performance, and ensuring the business is well positioned for sustainable growth. At Derek Rose, we design for how people live their free time. That same philosophy applies internally — we value clarity, quality, and thoughtful execution in everything we do. This role is no exception. The Role You will lead all aspects of finance, combining strategic thinking with hands-on execution. This is a role for someone who is equally comfortable presenting at board level and getting into the detail when needed. You will be responsible for ensuring the finance function is robust, efficient, and future-ready, with a particular focus on improving systems, processes, and insight. Key Responsibilities Strategic & Leadership · Act as a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, contributing to overall business strategy · Partner closely with Sales, Direct-to-Consumer, and Operations teams to drive performance · Lead the annual budgeting process and ongoing reforecasting · Develop mid- and long-term financial plans to support growth · Monitor performance against budget and provide clear, actionable insight · Present financial performance and key insights at SLT meetings · Review and evolve finance systems and team structure to support the next phase of growth · Identify and implement opportunities for automation and AI within the finance function Financial Control & Operations · Take full ownership of cash flow management and forecasting · Oversee credit control, working closely with credit insurers · Manage the annual audit process from start to completion · Ensure timely and accurate production of management accounts and year-end accounts · Oversee VAT returns, payroll, and pension scheme administration · Manage sales agent commission calculations Team & Functional Leadership · Lead and develop a team of 8 across accounts, wholesale operations, export, and ERP support · Foster a culture of accountability, curiosity, and continuous improvement · Ensure the finance team is structured and equipped to scale with the business Commercial & External Relationships · Manage relationships with banks, landlords, and credit insurers · Negotiate contracts for utilities and key support services · Support wider business functions including HR and HSE where required · Oversee external partners such as trademark agents and payroll providers The Candidate We are looking for someone who combines technical excellence with strong commercial instinct and a pragmatic, hands-on approach. You will likely have: · ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualification · At least 5 years’ post-qualification experience in a commercial environment (ideally an SME) · Strong experience in budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow management (including FX exposure) · Experience working with ERP systems such as Microsoft Dynamics Business Central · Advanced Excel capability · Experience with import/export processes You will be: · A strategic thinker who can translate numbers into clear business insight · Comfortable operating at both a high level and in the detail · A strong communicator, able to engage confidently across all levels of the business · Naturally curious, with a drive to improve systems and processes · A proven team leader who develops and supports those around them · Pragmatic, solutions-focused, and commercially aware What We Offer · Pension contribution · 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays · Generous staff discount and regular sample sales · Confidential wellbeing and mental health support · Social events · Dedicated parking space