Finance Director

A rare and exciting Finance Director opportunity to join Cornish Bakery (in partnership with Alexander Daniels Limited)

Cornish Bakery isn’t just a bakery. It’s a movement.

A mission to nourish people to feed, nurture, and cherish while redefining what a bakery is, does, and can be.

With more than 73 bakeries, 800+ team members, and a brand loved nationwide, Cornish Bakery has become one of the UK’s fastest‑growing premium bakery operators. Their award‑winning products, distinctive identity, and people‑first culture have created a business with exceptional commercial momentum including 24% sales growth and 32% EBITDA growth in the last financial year.

Now, with a bold plan to scale beyond 100 sites and reach £100m turnover, the business is entering a pivotal phase of transformation. To support this next chapter, they are seeking an exceptional Finance Director to join the Board and help shape the future of one of the UK’s most exciting hospitality success stories.

Alexander Daniels are proud to be exclusively partnered with Cornish Bakery to appoint this critical leadership role.

The Opportunity

As Finance Director, you will join the Operational Leadership Team, reporting directly to the Managing Director and working closely with the Founder. You will lead the financial strategy, operations, and commercial decision‑making for a fast‑paced, entrepreneurial, and values‑driven organisation.

This is a rare chance to influence the growth trajectory of a thriving, independent business while building a future‑ready finance function capable of supporting rapid expansion.

Key Responsibilities will include:

Nourish People

• Champion a people‑first culture and the mission to Change Hospitality for Good.
• Lead, develop, and inspire a high‑performing finance team across management accounting, financial accounting, payroll, and commercial finance.
• Foster collaboration across the business and role‑model the company’s purpose and values.
• Shape the future structure of the finance function as the business scales.

Strategic Development

• Partner with the Founder and MD to build a clear 5‑year financial and commercial plan.
• Lead scenario planning, risk management, and capital allocation strategy.
• Provide strategic insight to drive sustainable growth, efficiency, and long‑term value creation.
• Develop the balanced scorecard metrics across Happy Team, Happy Customers, Happy Commercials.

Financial Operations

• Lead all financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, and monthly management accounting.
• Drive continuous improvement in systems, processes, and reporting.
• Oversee payroll for 800+ employees and ensure compliance across tax, audit, and regulatory requirements.
• Manage cash flow, treasury strategy, and banking relationships.

Commercial Growth

• Present commercial opportunities to the Operating Board and challenge thinking where needed.
• Lead initiatives that drive revenue, margin, and EBITDA growth.
• Develop financial modelling to support pricing, product, and market decisions.
• Identify grants, rebates, and government initiatives to support expansion.

New Openings & Investments

• Provide financial leadership for acquisitions, new site openings, and major investments.
• Conduct due diligence, evaluate business cases, and forecast returns.
• Review commercial contracts, property agreements, and refurbishment projects.

Supplier Management

• Manage key supplier relationships across legal, utilities, food, IT, and more.
• Identify cost‑saving opportunities without compromising culture or quality.
• Explore opportunities to bring production or services in‑house.

Skills & Experience

• Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).
• 10+ years’ senior finance leadership experience, ideally in multi‑site hospitality, retail, or service environments.
• Proven track record in fast‑growth, founder‑led, entrepreneurial businesses.
• Strong commercial acumen with experience driving profitable growth.
• Deep knowledge of UK financial regulations, tax, and reporting.
• Expertise in financial modelling, forecasting, and scenario planning.
• Exceptional communication skills, able to translate complex financials for non‑financial leaders.
• High emotional intelligence, resilience, and calmness under pressure.
• A strategic thinker with a hands‑on, sleeves‑rolled‑up approach.

How to Apply

Alexander Daniels have been exclusively retained by Cornish Bakery to manage this appointment.

All direct applications will be automatically forwarded to Nick Singh at Alexander Daniels, the recruitment partner for this role.

To express interest or request a confidential conversation, please contact Nick Singh at Alexander Daniels on 07973 757974 or email your interest to nick.singh@alexanderdaniels.co.uk