Head of Finance

About the Role

Mars The Label is looking to appoint a seasoned Head of Finance to lead the financial strategy as the company pursues sustainable global growth. This pivotal role will partner closely with the Founder, Directors, and Senior Leadership, requiring a finance leader who thrives in a dynamic entrepreneurial atmosphere and is eager to contribute significantly to scaling an international brand. The post blends finance, strategy, operations, and commercial decision-making responsibilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with senior leadership to craft and implement business expansion strategies.
• Oversee annual budgeting processes, quarterly forecasting, and long-term financial planning.
• Work jointly with the Founder and Directors to develop financial models assessing new product launches, market entries, and investment choices.
• Provide strategic commercial insights to enhance profitability and operational efficiency.
• Track vital metrics like revenue growth, gross and contribution margins, inventory turnover, and overall profitability.
• Manage inventory financial records and assist in stock valuation analyses.
• Evaluate sales performance across direct-to-consumer, online, and wholesale channels.
• Create and maintain reporting dashboards for senior leadership to monitor business health.
• Coordinate with product, buying, merchandising, and operations teams on inventory investments.
• Forecast inventory needs and optimize cash flow projections for financial stability.
• Analyze stock performance including sell-through rates and aging inventory.
• Refine inventory planning to facilitate growth while reducing excess stock risks.
• Supervise supplier payment timelines and production commitments.
• Manage both short-term and long-term cash flow forecasting.
• Maintain strong liquidity to support growth objectives.
• Develop approaches to enhance cash conversion cycles and overall financial efficiency.
• Prepare monthly management accounts and comprehensive board reports.
• Lead month-end and year-end closing operations.
• Ensure compliance with accounting standards and accurate financial reporting.
• Manage external relationships with accountants, auditors, tax consultants, and banking institutions.
• Implement and fortify financial controls, systems, and procedures.
• Lead, mentor, and grow the finance team fostering accountability, teamwork, and continuous development.
• Build strong collaborative relationships across departments to position finance as a proactive business partner.

Candidate Profile

• Minimum 5 years of experience in finance leadership roles.
• Proven expertise in fashion, retail, e-commerce, particularly within fast-growing brands.
• Advanced skills in financial modeling and forecasting.
• Strong commercial insight with capability to convert data into actionable strategies.
• Proficiency in Excel and financial management systems.
• Excellent communication skills for influencing diverse stakeholder groups.

Highly Desired Attributes

• Background in direct-to-consumer fashion or lifestyle brand finance.
• Understanding of inventory management and supply chain finance.
• Familiarity with Shopify and Xero platforms.
• Experience supporting international expansion and multichannel sales operations.
• Previous roles in founder-led high growth companies.

Employee Benefits

• Opportunity to work directly with company leadership influencing strategic business decisions.
• Participation in the growth trajectory of a contemporary fashion brand.
• High degree of autonomy, responsibility, and prospects for career advancement.
• Collaborative and entrepreneurial workplace environment.
• Competitive remuneration package including salary, performance bonuses, and employee benefits.

Mars The Label prioritizes its people, fostering an inclusive culture where creativity and ambition are encouraged and supported.