Chief Financial Officer

Blair West; Hartlepool; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 150,000

Job description

Blair West are supporting Leader Online, a rapid growth ecommerce brand with the search for a CFO. The business is seeking a fast paced, high calibre, growth focussed CFO with relevant industry understanding to play a lead role in the next phase of growth, likely to include a Private Equity transaction.

The business is based in Hartlepool and is led by founder and CEO Mark Leader. The business is on an exceptional growth trajectory, doubling revenue in the last two years to c.£40m, targeting further scale to £100m in the next 3 years. Leader was set up as a DIY outlet in the 1980s and has grown into a leading online retailer in the home renovation category. The business differentiates itself through vertically integrating the supply chain, having built a fleet of over 70 vehicles operating through a nationwide hub-network system enabling next day delivery coverage across the UK. The market opportunity for Leader Online is substantial and there is a defined plan to achieve growth in line with aspirational plans, which includes potential strategic M&A.

The appointment of a dynamic CFO, who fits with the culture of a high performing, highly entrepreneurial board room and is motivated by equity value creation, is a key element to the growth plan. The successful candidate will be strong at presenting and pulling together meaningful reports that help articulate the story and support strategic decision making. They will have sector experience in ecommerce or distribution, or a similar product-based operating structure. They will be a strategic leader with a sleeves rolled up approach and bring an understanding of what good looks like within a Private Equity environment.

This is the opportunity to join the board of an established, profitable and growing business, providing key contribution through board level leadership, delivering an ambitious growth plan.

The opportunity:

• Overall responsibility for the design and delivery of the finance strategy that supports the mission, vision and wider business strategy, aligned to Company values.
• Act as an inspirational leader, driving accountability for achieving measurable shareholder value, developing internal talent, and identifying external talent who can deliver.
• Accountable for delivering commercial insight, using data and analytics to drive business performance.
• Take a lead role in ongoing and future M&A projects, driving analysis, financial modelling, strategic insight and post deal integration workflows.
• Play a lead role in the roadshow process, effectively telling the Leader Online story.
• Provide strategic financial advice and support to the CEO, MD and wider Board, providing insight to aid decision making.
• Manage HR activities and team members.
• Drive financial performance and improve business profitability, maintaining a relentless focus on cash flow.
• Lead on digitisation activities, deliver robust and accurate financial information and KPIs.
• Identify areas requiring improved robust financial controls and processes that drive stakeholder accountability, maintaining a cost control culture.

You'll be the ideal candidate for this position if you have:

• A proven track record at CFO or high performing FD level, and have appropriate qualifications for the role.
• Experience of leading growth in ecommerce, or similar industries.
• A growth mindset.
• Experience of Private Equity or plc ownership model is vastly preferred.
• Experience prioritising culture and high standards – with infectious ambition and enthusiasm and a commitment to delivering commercial results.
• A strong understanding of what it takes to work in a high growth, entrepreneurial environment.
• A technically strong background with high commercial acumen, capable of making positive contribution to strategy formulation and delivery.
• An energetic, highly motivated, dedicated personality, with a passion for excellence and building exceptional working cultures.
• A background of team development and leadership in a Private Equity backed or highly leveraged environment, where management of bank debt, funding covenants and cash are under scrutiny.
• A clear and confident board level communicator - the successful candidate will have the self-confidence and intellect to constructively challenge strategic decision making and support the senior team in decision making.
• Ability to focus on operational detail while supporting the broader business agenda.
• The ability to commute to the head office in Hartlepool.

Our commitment:

Blair West is an equal opportunity employer. We embrace diversity and inclusion at every stage of the recruitment process. We are committed to fairness, equality, and ongoing diversity training for our team to give our candidates and clients a feeling of belonging during their experience with us. If you require reasonable adjustments at any stage during their experience with us, please speak to their consultant.