About this role
Harper May is working with a founder-led restaurant group operating a portfolio of independent venues across London and the South East. The business has grown organically over the past decade, building a strong reputation for distinctive dining concepts and operational rigour. Recent investment has accelerated expansion plans, and the leadership team is now strengthening the finance function to support scaled growth, improved financial visibility, and strategic capital deployment across the estate.
The Role
Reporting to the Chief Executive, the Finance Director will lead all financial management and planning for the group. You will act as a core strategic partner, combining commercial rigour with operational insight to drive profitability, support new site launches, and build financial infrastructure capable of sustaining expansion.
Develop and execute financial strategy aligned to the group's growth objectives and capital allocation prioritiesEstablish robust monthly and quarterly reporting, with clear site-level and group-level KPI dashboardsLead budget setting, forecasting, and cash flow management across all trading unitsPartner with operations and kitchen leadership on labour productivity, food cost control, and margin optimisationOversee capital planning and investment appraisal for new openings and refurbishment programmesBuild and mentor a finance team, establishing clear processes and accountabilityManage audit, statutory compliance, tax planning, and relationships with external advisors What we are looking for
ACA, ACCA, or CIMA qualified with a track record in senior finance rolesHands-on experience in hospitality, restaurants, or multi-unit food service operationsDemonstrated success supporting business growth, site openings, or operational improvement programmesComfort with financial modelling, data analysis, and translating numbers into commercial narrativeCollaborative mindset and proven ability to influence non-finance stakeholders across operations and leadershipStrong financial systems experience and a structured approach to controls and governance