Head of Commercial Finance

Forge Holiday Group; Chester; On-site; GBP 81,000 - 99,000; Full time

Job summary

Forge Holiday Group is seeking a Head of Commercial Finance on a 12-month fixed-term contract. This strategic finance leader will influence decision-making and deliver commercial insight at Board level, reporting to the Group Commercial Finance Director.

You will partner with senior leaders across growth, trading and transformation, drive forecasting and performance analysis, and lead a high-performing finance team to improve revenue, margins and operational efficiency.

Qualifications

• Significant commercial finance leadership experience.
• Strong commercial acumen and strategic thinking.
• Proven ability to influence senior stakeholders and executive teams.
• Experience driving performance improvement within complex organisations.
• Excellent analytical and financial modelling skills.
• Ability to translate data into clear commercial actions.
• Experience partnering with Boards, investors and senior leadership.
• Proven leadership of high-performing teams.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic financial insight and challenge to support business performance.
• Partner with senior leaders, the CFO and Board to drive commercial decision-making.
• Lead commercial finance activity across growth, trading and transformation initiatives.
• Identify opportunities to improve revenue, margin and operational efficiency.
• Deliver robust forecasting, scenario modelling and performance analysis.
• Act as a trusted partner to operational and commercial leaders across the Group.
• Translate data into meaningful actions that influence business outcomes.
• Support strategic projects, investments and wider transformation programmes.
• Lead, develop and inspire a high-performing commercial finance team.
• Drive continuous improvement across Finance and the wider organisation.
• Provide clear, concise insights that support strategic and operational decisions.

Skills

Commercial finance leadership

Commercial acumen

Strategic thinking

Stakeholder influence

Financial modelling

Data insights

Leadership experience

Stakeholder management

Fixed-term delivery

Proactive approach

Job description

Join Forge Holiday Group as Head of Commercial Finance (12-Month FTC)!

We're looking for an experienced Head of Commercial Finance to join Forge Holiday Group on a 12-month fixed-term contract and play a pivotal role in shaping commercial performance across the business. If you're a strategic finance leader who thrives on influencing decision-making, driving growth and delivering commercial insight at Board level, we'd love to hear from you.

• Up to £90,000 per annum
• 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday, 9am-5:30pm
• Reporting to our Group Commercial Finance Director

What you'll be doing:

• Provide strategic financial insight and challenge to support business performance
• Partner with senior leaders, the CFO and Board to drive commercial decision-making
• Lead commercial finance activity across growth, trading and transformation initiatives
• Identify opportunities to improve revenue, margin and operational efficiency
• Deliver robust forecasting, scenario modelling and performance analysis
• Act as a trusted partner to operational and commercial leaders across the Group
• Translate data into meaningful actions that influence business outcomes
• Support strategic projects, investments and wider transformation programmes
• Lead, develop and inspire a high-performing commercial finance team
• Drive continuous improvement across Finance and the wider organisation
• Provide clear, concise insights that support strategic and operational decisions

What you'll bring:

• Significant commercial finance leadership experience
• Strong commercial acumen and strategic thinking capability
• Proven experience influencing senior stakeholders and executive teams
• Experience driving performance improvement within complex or multi-brand organisations
• Exceptional analytical and financial modelling skills
• Ability to turn data and insight into clear commercial actions
• Strong leadership experience, with a track record of developing high-performing teams
• Excellent communication, influencing and stakeholder management skills
• Ability to quickly establish credibility and deliver impact in a fixed-term role
• Proactive, adaptable and outcome-focused approach

Standout experience:

• Experience in a PE-backed, high-growth or transformation-focused business
• Experience leading large-scale commercial or strategic projects
• Knowledge of AI tools and their practical application within finance and commercial analysis
• Experience partnering directly with Boards, investors and executive leadership teams
• 33 days holiday (+ up to 5 extra with long service)
• Option to purchase additional holiday days
• A day off for your birthday
• Two paid volunteering days per year
• Enhanced parental leave
• Pension scheme with employer contributions
• Exclusive discounts on holiday stays for you, family and friends
• Health cash plan, wellbeing discounts and life assurance
• Employee savings scheme
• Long service awards and company events

At Forge Holiday Group, we're home to Sykes Holiday Cottages, Forest Holidays and Bachcare, united by our values of One Business, One Team, Keep it Simple, Grow & Learn and Sustainable Impact.

This is a rare opportunity to step into a highly visible leadership role at the heart of a fast-growing business, working closely with the CFO, Board and senior leadership team to drive meaningful commercial impact.

We're committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive and bring their authentic self to work.