Head of Finance

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

Hybrid working (following probation)

Dedicated parking space