Head of Finance Consumer & Fleet ( Internal)

Company Description

Culina Group is a leading UK 3rd party food & drinks logistics provider offering dedicated and shared user warehousing and distribution solutions.

At Culina we have a winning culture, we believe that our culture is one of the reasons our company continues to thrive… A place where you're valued, challenged, and inspired!

Job Description

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced finance leader to join the ESL senior leadership team as Head of Finance - Consumer & Fleet. This pivotal role has overall ownership of the ESL Consumer Finance function and associated key finance responsibilities, providing strategic financial leadership, commercial challenge and strong governance across the business.

As a trusted business partner to the CEO and wider leadership team, you will play a critical role in driving financial performance, supporting operational decision-making, and ensuring robust financial controls while leading and developing a high-performing finance team.

Key Accountabilities

Finance Leadership & Business Partnering

• Act as a key member of the ESL senior management team, partnering closely with the CEO, Operations Director, HR and Head of Commercial to ensure finance is represented in strategic decision-making.
• Provide robust financial insight and challenge to operational management teams, driving performance optimisation and proactively identifying risks and opportunities.
• Review, analyse and challenge financial trends impacting ESL Consumer profitability, contributing actively to the wider ESL Finance leadership team.

Financial Reporting & Controls

• Lead and manage the delivery of all finance reporting requirements in line with Group standards, including Weekly Reporting, WD6 Flash and WD8 reporting.
• Ensure strong balance sheet control and governance throughout the year, identifying and escalating risks and opportunities at the earliest stage.
• Support the preparation of statutory financial statements and manage the external audit process as required.
• Take ownership of compliance with Müller Internal Control Policies, ensuring robust financial controls are embedded across the business.

Planning & Performance Management

• Lead the annual budgeting process, quarterly reforecasts and long-term planning activities in accordance with Group planning timetables.
• Deliver meaningful financial analysis and insight to support business performance and strategic decision-making.

Team Leadership

• Lead, coach and develop the ESL Consumer Finance team (8 colleagues), creating a culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement.
• Manage all people-related matters, providing guidance, support and development opportunities to maximise team performance.

Consumer & Fleet Finance Support

• Support the ESL business with fleet-related financial activities, including lease renewals, new equipment investments and reconciliation of fleet utilisation between finance and operational systems.
• Provide financial guidance and support to the Commercial team on pricing, payment terms, rebate structures and commercial agreements.

Qualifications

Essential

• Qualified Accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) with significant post-qualification experience.
• Strong background in financial control, management reporting, statutory accounts and external audit management.
• Proven experience in budgeting, forecasting and long-term financial planning.
• Demonstrated ability to influence and challenge senior stakeholders in a constructive manner.
• Experience partnering with operational and commercial teams to drive business performance.
• Strong people leadership experience, with a track record of developing and leading successful teams.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Advanced Excel skills with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Resilient and confident individual with the ability to manage competing priorities and tight deadlines.

Desirable

• Experience working within a logistics, transport or fleet-based business environment.
• SAP experience.
• Commercial finance and business partnering experience within a complex operational environment.

Additional Information

As part of our drive to make Culina Group a great place to work. We are proud to be an inclusive and diverse organisation where we are committed to employee development and recognising success for hard working performers.

Our dedicated learning and development programmes are open to every employee to give you the opportunity to shape your own future within logistics and continue t