We are working with a dynamic and rapidly expanding independent restaurant group, operating a diverse portfolio of 10+ high-performing sites across London. They are currently in a period of significant growth, with a pipeline that includes acquiring former institutional sites and opening new venues.

They are looking for a commercially savvy and hands-on Finance Director to join the senior leadership team. This is not a standard "desk-based" FD role; you will be deeply involved in driving performance across their estate, partnering with operational leaders on the ground, and playing a crucial part in their strategic growth journey.

This role offers a unique blend of responsibilities, from day-to-day financial control to high-level strategic planning and involvement in future M&A activity. You will report directly to the owners and work closely with their experienced Operations Director to maximise profitability across the group.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic & Commercial Finance:

• Lead all financial planning, budgeting, and forecasting for the group's entities, with a strong focus on cash flow management and site-level profitability.
• Act as a true strategic business partner to the leadership team, providing critical analysis on new site openings, performance across the estate, and potential acquisitions.
• Lead the transition of the finance function, building a robust team to support the growing business.

Operational Finance:

• Oversee and manage a small team of 4, ensuring financial systems are robust and compliant.
• Work closely with site-level managers and the Operations Director to analyse unit economics, cost management (including labour and food), and cash flow.
• Manage relationships with external partners including our new auditors, banks, and other financial stakeholders .

Key Relationships:

• Board of Directors (including the Managing Director, Business Partner, and Head of HR).
• Operations Director and Site Management Teams.
• External Auditors, Banks, and Financial Institutions.

About You

• Sector Experience: You have demonstrable experience as a Finance Director or senior finance leader within a multi-site hospitality or restaurant business .
• Tronc Expertise: You have experience with Tronc payroll arrangements in the hospitality industry and understand the tax and compliance benefits .
• Funding & Growth: You have experience working with funder-led businesses, managing banking relationships, and overseeing capital expenditure for new sites .
• M&A Mindset: You are commercially astute and have experience or a strong desire to be involved in M&A activity, helping to acquire and integrate new sites.
• Hands-On: You are happy working in a non-corporate environment where you will be frequently on-site to support operations, with the ability to liaise effectively between the boardroom and the front-line teams.