Group Commercial Finance Director

Forge Holiday Group Ltd; Chester; Hybrid; GBP 115,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading holiday organization in Chester is seeking a Group Commercial Finance Director to drive strategic and financial performance. The role involves overseeing financial planning and transformation initiatives while building a high-performing team. The ideal candidate has a strong background in PE-backed environments and proven commercial acumen. This position offers competitive salary and generous benefits including a company-wide bonus scheme, enhanced parental leave, and a commitment to sustainability.

Benefits

Annual bonus scheme up to 30%

33 days holiday plus extra for long service

Birthday off

Paid volunteering days

Enhanced parental leave

Exclusive holiday discounts

Wellbeing perks and gym access

Hybrid working with parking

Qualifications

• Experience in a PE-backed, growth-oriented environment.
• Proven track record driving performance across multi-brand business.
• Strong commercial acumen and ability to partner with business leaders.

Responsibilities

• Lead the financial planning cycle and provide data-driven insights.
• Oversee Group transformation initiatives with measurable impacts.
• Build and mentor a high-performing finance team.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Commercial insight

Data analysis

Team leadership

Stakeholder management

Job description

Group Commercial Finance Director

Location: Chester/ Hybrid

Team: Finance | Reports to: Group Chief Financial Officer

Salary: Circa £115,000+ benefits DOE

At Forge Holiday Group, we don't just do holidays, we create memories.

With market-leading brands like Sykes Holiday Cottages, Forest Holidays, and Bachcare in New Zealand, we're 1,700+ strong and powered by four values: One Business, Keep it Simple, Grow & Learn, Sustainable Impact.

Finance Leadership with Purpose

We are now seeking an exceptional Group Commercial Finance Director to join our leadership team. This pivotal role will drive both the strategic and financial performance of the Group, combining commercial finance, FP&A, and transformation leadership.

• Influence: A seat at the leadership table to set strategy & drive growth
• Leadership: Supportive, visionary C-suite who back your success
• Culture: People-first, values-driven, creativity & integrity at the core
• Impact: Freedom & resources to lead meaningful change

You will be the key finance partner to the Board, investors, and operational leaders - ensuring that strategy, execution, and outcomes are fully aligned. You will also lead our Transformation Office, shaping initiatives that deliver long-term value, growth, and sustainable impact.

Responsibilities:

• Leading the financial planning cycle and commercial finance team providing data-driven commercial insight to drive value
• Leading and overseeing the Group transformation office and initiatives with measurable impact on value creation
• Shaping strategic projects and investment cases
• Provide the CFO and Board with data-led insight and options to support decision-making
• Building, mentoring, and inspiring a high-performing finance team

What we're looking for:

• A strategic, commercially minded finance leader with a track record in PE-backed, growth, and change environments
• Proven track record of driving performance across matrixed or multi-brand business
• Strong commercial acumen with the ability to challenge and partner business leaders whilst maintaining strong relationships
• Experience influencing Boards and senior stakeholders with data-led insights
• Data-fluent, with experience using analytics to guide decision-making and track performance against strategic KPIs
• High EQ as well as IQ - building a strong, performance-driven culture
• Track record of building and developing high-performing, cross-functional teams desirable
• Familiarity with enterprise-wide transformation programs, digital initiatives, or change management frameworks, desirable
• Experience with pricing, market expansion, or new product launch strategies, desirable

Forge Holiday Group Benefits:

• Annual STIP Company-wide Bonus Scheme offering up to an additional 30% of your salary through our performance-based bonus program
• 33 days holiday (incl. bank hols) + extra days for long service
• Your birthday off
• 2 paid volunteering days
• Enhanced Maternity and Paternity Leave - (24 weeks maternity, 3 weeks paternity at 100% pay)
• B Corp certified - we care about people & planet
• Exclusive holiday discounts for you, friends, and family
• Wellbeing perks, gym access at HQ, health cash plan
• Hybrid working & on-site parking

We're all about diversity, inclusion, and bringing your authentic self to work. Need adjustments for the recruitment process? Just ask.

Why Forge?

We are more than a holiday group. We're committed to making a difference:

• Reduce carbon emissions by 50% by 2030
• Inspire 100% of our team to volunteer annually
• Enable disadvantaged families to enjoy holidays every year

Join us in shaping the future of UK holidays - and creating impact that lasts.

Apply now and help us deliver unforgettable escapes while driving sustainable growth.