director of commercial finance

london 📍 | hybrid 3 days a week at london hq| competitive salary + 30% bonus |

at wagamama, food is life 🥢 and we’re here to make every bite count. with over 165 restaurants across the UK (and growing fast) we’ve been dishing up vibrant, fresh asian inspired flavours since ‘92. it’s all about good food, good vibes, and good company 🍜🔥

were looking for a director of commercial finance to join us on our journey 🌱 ready to dive in and stir things up?

purpose

to lead the commercial finance team in providing timely and actionable insight to create value and drive performance, supporting the strategic objectives of the business

to be a trusted commercial expert within the senior leadership team

what you'll do |

• lead the commercial finance agenda and provide high quality commercial insight that influences and drives positive change
• act as a strategic partner to the exec team and own the weekly/monthly trading narrative for the business
• identify performance drivers, highlight risks/opportunities and translate performance into recommended actions; includes production and delivery of monthly uk exec pack
• own the reporting for all revenue channels (dine in and out of restaurant)
• business partner the exec director – operations to help set the strategic direction and focus for restaurant teams and improve profitability
• lead commercial modelling and insight for major trading decisions/investments and ensure they are underpinned by robust analysis
• oversee the end-to-end budgeting, forecasting and planning process
• collaboration with group fd and management accounts team to understand periodic p&l, understand variances to budget, and ensure consistency of reporting and messaging.
• oversee menu and pricing strategy support, ensure tight governance around gross profit margin and business partner with marketing, food and supply chain teams
• lead investment appraisal for new site openings, refurbishments and other growth initiatives. business partner the property director to understand new site opening pipelines, estates matters and restaurant closures
• collaborate with the customer insight and commercial strategy director to connect customer and financial data to drive valuable insights that convert into tangible actions to deliver customer led growth
• lead, coach and develop the team to create clear role scopes, development paths and a high-performance culture. champion a curious and ‘problem solving’ mindset throughout the team

what you'll need |

• qualified accountant - ACA, ACCA or CIMA
• significant commercial finance leadership experience in a multi-site, customer-led business (hospitality/casual dining strongly preferred)
• experience of leading a large team
• proven track record driving performance improvements through insight and influencing operational leaders
• strong background in FP&A (budgeting, forecasting, scenario planning) plus business partnering
• pro-active, strategic thinker and passionate about delivering insightful information that drives positive change
• curious, a confident influencer, action orientated and able to challenge constructively
• proven track record of making complex information quick and easy to understand, to both financial and non-financial stakeholders

what’s in it for you |

• 30% bonus potential
• car allowance
• hybrid working
• come as you are culture, with modern offices, fresh fruit and soft drinks
• £200 monthly wagamama food allowance — enjoy all your favourite dishes on us!
• private healthcare for family
• 6% pension contribution
• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
• + further discounts across retail, hospitality & leisure — perks that make life sweeter
• Supporting you every step of the way! family-friendly pay: 26 weeks full pay + 13 weeks half pay for expectant or adopting parents