Head of Commercial Finance

This Head of Commercial Finance role is a high-impact leadership role at the heart of a fast-growing, PE-backed organisation, covering a period of maternity leave on a fixed-term basis. The Head of Commercial Finance will act as a strategic partner to the Board and business leaders, driving commercial insight, financial performance, and transformation initiatives. For an experienced senior finance leader, this is an opportunity to step into an established team and function, maintaining continuity and pace across the Group's commercial finance agenda for the duration of the contract., As the Group's lead for commercial finance for the duration of the contract, you will translate strategic ambition into financial outcomes. You will be responsible for providing robust commercial challenge, and supporting delivery of the strategy, underpinning growth and efficiency. This role requires a combination of analytical rigour, commercial acumen, and leadership capability, and the ability to pick up existing priorities and relationships quickly., Team Leadership & Prioritisation: Lead, develop, and inspire a high-performing commercial finance team, maintaining a performance-driven culture, with an emphasis on continuous improvement, across Finance and the wider organisation.

Strategic Projects: Drive the delivery of strategic projects across the business including trading, growth investments and transformation initiatives.

Commercial Partnering: Provide data-driven, proactive insight and challenge to operational and commercial leaders, driving revenue growth, margin improvement, and cost optimisation.

Decision Support: Provide the CFO and Board with clear, actionable insights, scenario analysis and relevant KPIs to inform and challenge operational and strategic choices.

We are seeking a dynamic, commercially minded finance leader with the ability to partner across the organisation and influence at the most senior levels, and who can operate effectively from a standing start given the fixed-term nature of the role. The successful candidate will bring:

Strong commercial finance expertise, ideally within a PE-backed or transformation-focused environment.

Proven track record of driving performance improvement across matrixed or multi-brand organisations.

Exceptional analytical capability, with data fluency and a proven ability to translate insight into action.

Clear communication and influencing skills to engage with Boards, investors, and senior business leaders and ultimately drive change within the business.

Strong leadership credentials, with experience developing and motivating high-performing teams.

Ability to manage high workloads, prioritise and adapt to change.

Working knowledge of AI tools and their practical application in finance and commercial analysis is advantageous.

Previous transaction experience (e.g. M&A, refinancing, due diligence) is advantageous.

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 One Team, Keep it Simple, Grow & Learn, Sustainable Impact.

This role offers the chance to shape strategy and deliver tangible financial impact in a high-growth, PE-backed environment, with exposure to the CFO, Board, and investors. While the appointment is fixed-term to cover maternity leave, it offers the opportunity to make a genuine and visible contribution at the centre of decision-making over the course of the contract.

Forge Holiday Group Benefits:

Annual bonus scheme based on company performance

️ 33 days' holiday (including bank holidays), plus up to 5 extra with long service.

Option to purchase extra holiday days if you wish.

A day off for your birthday

2 volunteering days per year.

Enhanced parental leave (24 weeks maternity, 3 weeks paternity at full pay).

Pension scheme with employer contributions

Discounted and last-minute stays at Forest Holidays and Sykes Cottages for you, your friends & family.

️ Special offers and discounts designed to enhance your overall wellbeing.

️ Health cash plan & life assurance.

Training & development opportunities.

24/7 mental health support.

️ On-site gym and parking at Chester HQ (near train station).

Employee savings scheme

Long service awards and company events