Commercial Finance Manager
Role PurposeWe have partnered with a Contract Catering institution, and we are working on several Finance Manager positions at all levels, from Commercial, to Senior, and Regional.As a Finance Manager, you will act as the key finance business partner for a portfolio of catering and soft FM contracts, driving profitable growth through robust financial control, commercial analysis, and operational support.Key Responsibilities common to all levels
Financial control & compliance Own monthly P&L for assigned contracts, ensuring accurate accruals, prepayments, and cost allocations in line with UK GAAP. Manage cash flow and working capital stock, debtors.Commercial decision support Partner with operational General Managers to optimise menu pricing, labour scheduling, and event margins.Challenge waste and supply chain costs using realtime data.Budgeting & forecasting Lead annual budget cycles and monthly reforecasts. Provide variance analysis with actionable insights e.g. “sales mix shift lowered gross margin by 1.2”.Client & contract governance Attend client review meetings to present financial performance.
Manage contract price indexation CPI/RPI and variation orders.Mobilisation & bids Support contract mobilisations and retenders by building financial models for new business or contract extensions.Team leadership Senior Manager only Mentor a small team 24 analysts / site accountants.
Drive a culture of commercial curiosity.
Additional Responsibilities by Level
Finance Manager
Commercial Finance Manager
Senior Finance Manager
Contract value
£2m£10m p.a.
£10m£25m p.a.
£25m+ or multicontract cluster
Stakeholders
Site GMs, Regional Ops
Regional Directors, Client procurement
Divisional MD, Key strategic clients
Complexity
Single site or small cluster
Multisite, complex volume swings
Highrisk turnarounds, large bids
Team
No direct reports
May mentor an analyst
Manages 24 finance staff
Experience RequiredFinance Manager: 23 years PQE or qualified by experience in contract catering / retail / hospitality finance.Commercial Finance Manager: Fully qualified CIMA/ACCA/ACA with 46 years PQE, strong commercial modelling.Senior Finance Manager: 8+ years PQE, proven ability to influence at board level, previous people management.
Key Competencies
Deep understanding of highvolume, lowmargin operations.Advanced Excel Power Query / Power BI desirable.Ability to translate complex finance into operational actions.