Executive
Position title
Interim Head of Finance – Food Wholesale and Distribution
Description

South East London (on-site) | 6-month fixed term, interim | Immediate start

Role

FD Capital is supporting a well-established, owner-managed food wholesale and distribution group in South East London. The business turns over more than £30m, employs around 200 people, and operates across several group entities with a close-knit senior leadership team.

The group is going through a period of leadership transition. It needs an experienced Interim Head of Finance who can step in at very short notice and provide immediate financial leadership and continuity. The role sits within the senior management team and reports directly to the Director. It carries full responsibility for the day-to-day financial management of the group.

This is an initial six-month engagement, based on-site in South East London. The client is open to a full-time arrangement or a 3–4 day per week pattern for the right person. There is potential for more flexible working once the role is established, and potential to extend or convert to a permanent position.

Responsibilities
  • Lead the finance function and take full ownership of the group's day-to-day financial management through a period of transition.
  • Prepare and present monthly management accounts and board reporting, with clear commentary on trading performance, margins and key variances.
  • Maintain and strengthen financial controls and compliance across all group entities, and identify any gaps inherited during the transition.
  • Oversee cash flow and treasury management, including short-term cash forecasting, working capital, supplier payment runs and credit control performance, in a fast-moving, low-margin distribution environment.
  • Manage statutory and regulatory filings across all UK group entities, and oversee the accounting for an overseas subsidiary.
  • Act as the primary finance contact for external stakeholders, including the group's bank, external accountants and auditors, and represent the business professionally and credibly.
  • Lead, support and develop the finance team. This includes a Finance Manager (direct report), who oversees an Assistant Finance Manager, Accounts Assistant, Credit Controller and Accounts Payable, plus an Accounts Administrator responsible for the overseas entity.
  • Work closely with the Director and senior leadership team as a commercial partner, supporting decision-making on pricing, purchasing, costs and investment.
  • Provide stability and continuity, and help prepare the function for a smooth handover to a permanent appointment.
Qualifications
  • Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA or CIMA).
  • Proven track record at Head of Finance, Financial Controller or Finance Director level.
  • Experience within SMEs or owner-managed or family-owned businesses, with the confidence to work closely with owners and senior management.
  • Strong hands-on technical ability across management accounts, month-end, controls, cash management and statutory reporting, including multi-entity groups.
  • Experience managing relationships with banks, external accountants and auditors.
  • A hands-on, commercially driven approach, comfortable rolling up your sleeves in a fast-paced operational environment.
  • Sector experience in food, wholesale, distribution or FMCG is advantageous but not essential. Strong candidates from adjacent sectors are welcome.
  • Available to start immediately or at very short notice, and able to work on-site in South East London.
Job Benefits
  • Competitive day rate of £550–£700, depending on experience.
  • A senior, high-impact role reporting directly to the owner-management team, with real influence over how the finance function develops.
  • An established finance team of six in place to lead and develop.
  • Flexibility on working pattern, full-time or 3–4 days per week.
  • Potential for more flexible working after the initial settling-in period.
  • Potential to extend the engagement or move into a permanent role for the right candidate.
  • The chance to make an immediate difference in a busy, well-established, people-focused business.
Contacts

FD Capital are a leading senior finance recruiter

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Employment Type
Temporary
Beginning of employment
12th October 2026
Duration of employment
6 months
Industry
wholesale
Job Location
London, South East, United Kingdom
Working Hours
9-5
Base Salary
£550-£700 Per day
Date posted
September 30, 2026
Valid through
October 12, 2026
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Position: Interim Head of Finance – Food Wholesale and Distribution

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