Head of Finance- Commerce

Kate John Associates are working exclusively with The Newt to recruit this exciting senior finance leadership position.

The Newt is a luxury hotel and country estate near Bruton in Somerset. With beautifully curated gardens, ‘farm to fork’ restaurants and a fast growing multi-channel commerce division which includes eCommerce, retail, food production (bakery, butchery, creamery, farm kitchen), and wholesale operations.

We are seeking a commercial Head of Finance to support the commerce division as it undergoes rapid growth, with increasing scale, complexity, and expansion into wholesale channels.

The Head of Finance-Commerce will report directly into the CEO-Commerce and whilst sitting separately from the core operational finance function, will maintain a strong relationship with the CFO of The Newt and associated finance team.

This role will be essential in helping shape the next phase of growth across one of the UK’s most distinctive lifestyle and hospitality brands.

You will act as a strategic partner to the CEO, driving profitability, supporting growth decisions, and building a financial framework that enables smarter commercial decision making.

You'll sit at the centre of a fast-growing multi-channel business spanning eCommerce, retail, wholesale and food production, helping leadership understand where value is created, how margin can be improved, and where investment should be focused.

We’re looking for a highly commercial qualified accountant who thrives in a trading environment and enjoys influencing decisions at pace.

• Acting as trusted commercial partner and financial co-pilot to the CEO – Commerce
• Leading trading performance reviews and turning data into actionable decisions
• Driving margin improvement across product, channel and customer mix
• Building sophisticated contribution and profitability reporting
• Supporting pricing strategy, investment decisions and growth planning
• Owning budgeting, forecasting and commercial modelling
• Improving inventory efficiency and working capital performance
• Helping scale the business without compromising profitability or brand quality

• Is confident influencing senior stakeholders and challenging constructively
• Has a strong track record in commercial finance, margin management and growth businesses.
• Ideally has experience in a senior leadership position within consumer, retail, food or a multi-channel commerce businesses
• Hands on ‘grass roots’ approach coupled with strategic vision
• Strong financial modelling and scenario analysis experience
• Can translate complex financial information into clear business actions

Qualified accountant (ACA/ACCA/CIMA or equivalent) essential.

If you’re a commercially minded finance leader who wants to operate as a true strategic partner to the CEO whilst helping shape a scaling consumer business, we’d love to hear from you.

Whilst offering a flexible working approach, this role does require you to be in the office full time.