CFO | PE Backed Premium Consumer Retail Brand - #2121165

CFO | PE Backed Premium Consumer Retail Brand | Manchester

Harmonic are delighted to be partnering with one of the UK's biggest consumer success stories in the search for their next CFO.

HQ'd in the North West, our client has built a substantial portfolio of consumer brands and technology-enabled businesses, with operations spanning commerce, fulfilment, digital platforms and international markets.

Following a period of significant growth, investment and organisational evolution, the business is entering an important next phase. The Board is seeking a high-calibre Chief Financial Officer to help shape that next chapter, strengthening financial performance and discipline while supporting strategic growth, operational transformation and long-term value creation.

This is a broad and highly influential CFO mandate. The successful candidate will work closely with the CEO, Board and senior leadership team, combining strategic input with rigorous financial management and a strong commercial orientation.

The role will suit an experienced finance leader who is comfortable operating in a fast-moving, complex environment and who brings the credibility to engage with the Board, investors and external stakeholders while remaining close to the operational drivers of the business.

Duties:

• Act as a key strategic partner to the CEO and Board, helping define and execute the Group's long-term strategy.
• Identify opportunities to improve profitability, cash generation, returns and shareholder value.
• Provide rigorous challenge and insight across major strategic and investment decisions
• Lead the Group's finance function and maintain the highest standards of financial control, reporting and governance.
• Own budgeting, forecasting, long-range planning and performance management.
• Ensure high-quality, timely and commercially relevant financial information is available to the Board and executive team
• Lead relationship with a range of key financial stakeholders.
• Develop and articulate financial narrative around the Group's strategy, performance and prospects.
• Oversee results, market communications and investor engagement alongside the CEO and Board.
• Maintain strong relationships with banking, audit, legal and professional advisers.
• Establish clear performance metrics and ensure meaningful follow-through against targets.
• Use technology, data and automation to modernise the finance function and improve decision support.
• Provide the Board and Audit Committee with clear, balanced and independent financial insight.
• Lead, develop and inspire a high-performing finance organisation.
• Develop succession, capability and organisational depth within the finance function.

Key characteristics:

• Strong track record of AI / transformation success
• Strategic and commercially minded
• Compelling communicator who can build confidence across multiple stakeholders
• Driven by transformation and continuous improvement.
• Clear judgement and ability able to navigate competing priorities
• Team mentorship emphasis to develop strong finance team
• Prepared to challenge established thinking and bring an objective perspective.

Salary:

• £120,000 - £160,000 + equity + benefits

Location:

• Manchester (Hybrid)

At Harmonic, we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace. We actively welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and assure you that every candidate will be thoughtfully considered for the roles we represent, without regard to race, religion, gender expression, disability, or sexual orientation.