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 priorities
• Establish robust monthly and quarterly reporting, with clear site-level and group-level KPI dashboards
• Lead budget setting, forecasting, and cash flow management across all trading units
• Partner with operations and kitchen leadership on labour productivity, food cost control, and margin optimisation
• Oversee capital planning and investment appraisal for new openings and refurbishment programmes
• Build and mentor a finance team, establishing clear processes and accountability
• Manage 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 roles
• Hands-on experience in hospitality, restaurants, or multi-unit food service operations
• Demonstrated success supporting business growth, site openings, or operational improvement programmes
• Comfort with financial modelling, data analysis, and translating numbers into commercial narrative
• Collaborative mindset and proven ability to influence non-finance stakeholders across operations and leadership
• Strong financial systems experience and a structured approach to controls and governance