Finance Director

Drinkability; Glasgow; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative and rapidly growing whisky business is seeking a strategic Finance Director to lead financial operations and drive sustainable growth. This role involves shaping financial strategy, overseeing financial reporting, and partnering with commercial teams to enhance profitability. The ideal candidate will have proven experience in a senior finance role, preferably within the drinks industry, and possess exceptional leadership skills. Join a dynamic environment where your expertise will contribute to building a global reputation for excellence in whisky making.

Benefits

Competitive salary and benefits package

Creative and collaborative work environment

Opportunity to shape financial future of a growing brand

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a senior finance role, ideally in the drinks industry.
• Strong knowledge of financial management and corporate finance.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement financial strategies to support business growth.
• Oversee financial reporting and ensure compliance with regulations.
• Support commercial decision-making and analyze market trends.

Skills

Financial Management

Corporate Finance

Regulatory Compliance

Budgeting and Forecasting

Leadership Skills

Commercial Mindset

Education

Qualified Accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA)

Job description

This is an innovative and rapidly growing whisky business dedicated to crafting bold, high-quality spirits that challenge conventions. With a focus on exceptional cask selection, creative branding, and international distribution, they are building a global reputation for excellence in whisky making. As they expand, they are seeking a strategic and commercially minded Finance Director to lead their financial operations and drive sustainable growth.

The Role

As Finance Director, you will play a critical role in shaping the financial strategy. You will be responsible for overseeing all financial operations, ensuring financial health, and supporting the executive team with data-driven decision-making. This is a hands-on role in a dynamic environment, requiring a blend of strategic vision and operational expertise.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Strategy & Leadership
• Develop and implement financial strategies to support business growth and profitability.
• Provide financial insights and analysis to the CEO and leadership team to inform strategic decisions.
• Lead budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning processes.
• Identify and mitigate financial risks while ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and industry standards.

Financial Operations & Control
• Oversee financial reporting, ensuring accurate and timely management accounts, P&L statements, and cash flow reports.
• Implement and maintain strong financial controls and processes to safeguard company assets.
• Manage tax, treasury, and compliance matters, working closely with external auditors and advisors.
• Drive efficiencies in financial operations, including inventory management, cost control, and working capital optimisation.

Commercial & Business Partnering
• Support commercial decision-making, including pricing strategies, investment opportunities, and contract negotiations.
• Partner with sales, marketing, and operations teams to evaluate financial performance and improve profitability.
• Analyse market trends and financial data to identify growth opportunities and potential risks.

Investment & Funding
• Manage relationships with banks, investors, and funding partners to secure capital for expansion.
• Evaluate investment opportunities, acquisitions, and strategic partnerships.
• Drive financial modelling for new product launches, export market expansion, and capital projects.

What We're Looking For
• Proven experience in a senior finance role, ideally within the drinks industry, FMCG, or a high-growth business.
• Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA) or equivalent experience.
• Strong knowledge of financial management, corporate finance, and regulatory compliance.
• A commercial mindset with experience in pricing, profitability analysis, and business strategy.
• Exceptional leadership skills with the ability to influence and challenge at all levels.
• Experience working in an SME or fast-paced entrepreneurial environment is highly desirable.
• Passion for whisky and the spirits industry is a plus!

What We Offer
• A key leadership role in an exciting and ambitious whisky business.
• The opportunity to shape the financial future of a growing brand.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• A creative and collaborative work environment with a team that values innovation and craftsmanship.