Fractional CFO (2-3 days per week in person)

Fractional CFO & Board Advisor (c. £150k+ full time equivalent)

2–3 Days Per Week | London HQ | Board-Level Appointment

Sanderson King's Hospitality Practice has been retained exclusively to appoint a Fractional CFO & Board Advisor for one of the UK's most respected hospitality businesses.

This is a rare opportunity to join a highly regarded founder‑led organisation that has built an international reputation through exceptional hospitality, a premium consumer offering and an unwavering commitment to quality.

Operating across multiple locations, with interests spanning hospitality, wine and retail, the business is entering an exciting new phase and is seeking an experienced finance leader to act as a trusted adviser to the CEO, Board and senior leadership team.

The Opportunity

This is not a traditional CFO appointment.

The business already benefits from a capable finance function, led by a recently promoted Head of Finance and supported by an established team.

As such, the successful individual will focus on strategic oversight, governance, mentorship and Board-level support rather than day‑to‑day financial management.

The role will suit a commercially minded CFO, Finance Director or Board Advisor who enjoys working closely with founders and leadership teams, helping businesses navigate complexity, strengthen governance and build robust foundations for long‑term success.

Working on a fractional basis (typically 2–3 days per week), you will become a trusted sounding board to the CEO whilst providing independent challenge, financial insight and strategic guidance.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Board Partnership

• Act as a trusted adviser to the CEO and Board.
• Provide financial insight, challenge and support on strategic decisions.
• Contribute to long‑term business planning and organisational development.
• Support Board reporting and ensure clear visibility of performance, risks and opportunities.
• Help shape the next phase of the organisation's growth and evolution.

Governance & Compliance

• Review and strengthen governance frameworks across the business.
• Ensure appropriate controls, policies and financial disciplines are in place.
• Support statutory, regulatory and compliance requirements.
• Assist with company secretarial matters and Board administration.
• Work alongside external advisers including auditors, legal counsel and tax specialists.

Finance Function Oversight

• Mentor and support the Head of Finance.
• Provide oversight and challenge to budgeting, forecasting and reporting processes.
• Ensure the finance function is appropriately structured to support the needs of the business.
• Act as a sounding board on key commercial and operational decisions.

Systems & Infrastructure

• Review financial systems, reporting processes and business infrastructure.
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, reporting quality and management information.
• Assess existing accounting and reporting processes, including international elements of the business.
• Ensure systems and processes remain fit for purpose as the business evolves.

International & Commercial Support

• Provide oversight across UK and international operations.
• Support a business operating across hospitality, wine and consumer channels.
• Help ensure financial structures support future growth, investment and scalability.

About You

You are likely to be an experienced:

• CFO
• Finance Director
• Fractional CFO
• NED with significant financial leadership experience

You will have a strong track record of operating at Board level and partnering closely with founders, CEOs and senior leadership teams.

Experience within hospitality, restaurants, premium consumer brands, wine, retail, leisure or other multi‑site environments would be particularly valuable, although we are equally interested in individuals who can demonstrate a strong cultural and commercial fit.

Key Experience

• Previous Board‑level finance leadership experience.
• Strong governance, compliance and risk management expertise.
• Experience mentoring and developing senior finance leaders.
• Ability to operate strategically whilst remaining pragmatic and commercially minded.
• Experience supporting founder‑led, privately owned or entrepreneurial businesses.
• Exposure to international operations would be advantageous.

Personal Qualities

Technical capability is important, but this appointment will ultimately be defined by character and fit.

We're looking for someone who is:

• Highly credible and emotionally intelligent.
• Collaborative, low ego and relationship‑driven.
• Comfortable influencing without needing to control.
• Curious, thoughtful and commercially astute.
• Able to challenge constructively whilst building trust.
• Appreciative of heritage brands, craftsmanship and strong cultures.
• Someone who enjoys helping good people build great businesses.

The Opportunity

This is an opportunity to play a meaningful role in the future of a highly respected business whilst working alongside an exceptional leadership team.

The successful individual will have genuine influence, significant autonomy and the chance to contribute to a business that has built a reputation for excellence over many years.

Location

London HQ (predominantly in‑person)

Commitment

2–3 days per week

#J-18808-Ljbffr