Interim Head Of Finance Operations

This is an exceptional opportunity for you to step into a pivotal interim leadership position, guiding the transformation and future direction of a Financial Operations function at the heart of a renowned UK food business. As Interim Head of Finance Operations, you will play a crucial role in shaping a Centre of Excellence, driving best-in-class service delivery, and embedding robust governance across all financial lifecycles.

As Interim Head of Finance Operations, your day-to-day responsibilities will centre around providing strategic direction for all aspects of financial operations. You will be instrumental in defining strategies that align with the vision for a Centre of Excellence while ensuring robust governance structures are in place. Your remit includes leading talented teams to deliver outstanding results through clarity of purpose and accountability. You will drive modernisation efforts by leveraging automation technologies and process improvements that enhance operational effectiveness.

Specific duties will include:

• Define and deliver a forward-thinking Financial Operations strategy aligned with the ambition to create a Centre of Excellence within the business services division.
• Modernise financial operations by implementing best-in-class service standards, strengthening controls, driving automation initiatives, and fostering continuous improvement across all areas.
• Act as a senior subject matter expert influencing group finance strategy on lifecycle performance, risk management, governance frameworks, and cash discipline.
• Lead the end-to-end Financial Operations organisation by embedding enhanced control frameworks that ensure audit readiness and effective risk mitigation throughout all operational areas.
• Develop and nurture a diverse multidisciplinary leadership team by building deep expertise across the Transactional team.
• Champion large-scale process simplification projects as well as automation and digital enablement initiatives that streamline workflows and improve efficiency.Partner closely with Finance Systems and Business Change teams on lifecycle redesign projects including user acceptance testing (UAT) and systems optimisation with a focus on SAP-led transformation.Promote clear communication channels across teams to ensure alignment with organisational goals while supporting sustainable business growth through responsible financial stewardship.Support the ongoing development of high-performing cultures by mentoring colleagues and encouraging knowledge sharing within the team.

To excel as Interim Head of Finance Operations you will bring extensive experience leading multifaceted finance teams within large organisations—ideally those structured around shared services or Centres of Excellence. Your background should include hands-on involvement in transforming operational models through process improvement initiatives such as automation or digital enablement.

Ideally you will have experience in the following areas:

• Significant senior leadership experience managing large-scale Financial Operations functions.
• A proven track record of transforming complex teams by embedding high-performance cultures rooted in collaboration and mutual support.
• Deep understanding of financial controls frameworks including governance protocols, audit preparation processes, and risk management methodologies.
• Experience operating within shared services or Centre of Excellence environments where interdependent teamwork is essential for success.
• Strong commercial acumen enabling you to influence senior stakeholders effectively while maintaining sensitivity to organisational priorities.
• Hands-on experience with SAP systems is strongly preferred; exposure to major systems transformation projects is highly desirable.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills demonstrated through clear communication abilities coupled with empathy for colleagues’ perspectives.
• Ability to mentor diverse teams by nurturing talent development in an inclusive manner that values individual strengths.

What sets this company apart:

The organisation stands out as one of the UK’s largest businsses in their indusrty,Their commitment to inclusion authenticity individuality ensures that every colleague is respected valued encouraged to bring their whole self to work regardless of background identity or beliefs. They are proud supporters of disability inclusion offering reasonable adjustments throughout recruitment so everyone has equal access to opportunities. Employees benefit from flexible hybrid working generous pension contributions private medical cover bonus schemes holiday purchase options sharesave scheme EV car scheme paid volunteering days plus access to an employee benefits platform—all designed to support wellbeing professional growth work-life balance. The culture is welcoming supportive collaborative—making it an ideal environment for those who value teamwork personal development meaningful impact within a trusted brand family.

If you are ready to make your mark in this influential interim leadership role we encourage you to take the next step towards joining a truly supportive team where your expertise will shape the future of finance operations.

Apply today by clicking on the link provided—your journey towards making a lasting impact starts here.

Robert Walters Operations Limited is an employment business and employment agency and welcomes applications from all candidates