INDEPENDENT REGIONAL PROPERTY DEVELOPER

ROMSEY, HAMPSHIRE

Excellent package to include six figure salary

Successfully filled

We are delighted to be retained by the Highwood Group, a highly successful and very well-run regional property developer which is poised for immediate and significant growth.  Critical to this is the new appointment of a high calibre and commercially focused Chief Financial Officer who, as a key member of the Group Board and with responsibility for all financial business activity, will play a lead role in driving the expansion of the Group.

Much of the expansion will be generated by the recent launch of a new subsidiary, Highwood Homes, which will become the brand for residential development for the Group and is already committed to the delivery of a significant high-profile project in the local area with the first phase delivering over 500 new homes.  Highwood Homes will act as the lead developer and Highwood Construction will be responsible for the build alongside well-established and robust joint venture partners.  Longer term prospects are equally exciting as the business develops its significant land interests providing an excellent platform for the Group to become a major regional housebuilder in the South.   Turnover has trebled from £10m three years’ ago and is forecast to reach c£50m next year.

The incoming CFO will lead all strategic and day to day financial activity for the Highwood Group and the Highwood Homes and Highwood Construction businesses.  This is a key and challenging role in a very successful and evolving entrepreneurial business.   It requires a high calibre and commercially driven finance professional with excellent interpersonal and communication skills.  First class business acumen and the ability to quickly understand how the business works and how to maximise its potential will be essential.

Candidates should be qualified accountants and previously experienced the running of a finance function where strong financial controls and cash management are essential to success.  This experience is likely to have been gained in a medium sized construction or property development business delivering a range of high quality projects.  Strong costing and project management skills are essential as is the ability to get the best out of people and processes to add commercial benefits across the business.  Previous experience of fundraising, growth integration and contract negotiation will be of interest.

PRIVATELY OWNED GROUP WITH DIVERSE BUSINESS INTERESTS

CHRISTCHURCH / BOURNEMOUTH

£80,000 - £90,000

Successfully filled

We are delighted to be exclusively retained by Meyrick Estate Management Ltd, a long established and evolving privately owned group which manages the property and business interests of the Meyrick Group and acts as the Family Office of the Meyrick family.

The Group encompasses some forty entities comprising of companies, partnerships and personally held assets including traditional Estate property (residential, commercial, heritage and agricultural) in the New Forest, Bournemouth and Anglesey.  There is also a significant number of small and diverse trading businesses involved in clean energy, hotels, a motor racing circuit, a caravan park, farms and third-party managed investments.  The Group is also beginning to engage in property development and promotion activity.

Key to the ongoing success of the business is the appointment of a Finance Director who will report to the Chief Operating Officer and be responsible for the professional, efficient and profitable management of the financial aspects of the Group, the leadership of the Finance Department and the development and management of the Group’s ICT systems.

Candidates should be qualified accountants with first class business acumen and the ability to understand the Group, and its people, and how to maximise its potential.  The structure is complex necessitating a sound understanding of the differing requirements and benefits of different legal and commercial entities, together with an empathy towards multi-generational family owned businesses.  The emphasis of the role is hands-on and the successful candidate will need to get involved in the detailed financial and commercial issues of the business and to quickly forge and maintain a close working relationship with both the Chairman and the COO.

Previous experience should include the successful running of a finance function where strong financial controls and cash management are essential to success.  This experience is likely to have been gained in a complex, multi-site business with different legal entities and numerous business activities.   An understanding of trusts and tax planning will be of interest.  Excellent IT skills, ideally including financial modelling, are essential.

We are looking for a hard-working self-starter who will enjoy being an integral member of a small, professional team committed to the success of this exciting business.     Candidates should be located within an easy commute to the Christchurch area and will need to travel regularly to Anglesey.

UK HOLIDAY PARK OPERATOR

HEMEL HEMPSTEAD OR ON-SITE LOCATION

c£70,000 plus excellent performance related bonus, and car

Successfully filled

We are delighted to be exclusively retained by Away Resorts Ltd, a privately owned and entrepreneurally spirited holiday park operator with a real passion for the industry.  Founded in 2008 by its three highly motivated owner directors, the business has brought innovation and energy to the UK holiday park sector.  Its determination to be the best and to provide its many customers with a unique blend of quality retro and inspiration has resulted in numerous industry awards and accolades.  The company has also been ranked in the top 100 fastest growing companies in the UK.

From the launch of its original park on the Isle of Wight, the portfolio now includes a further five parks based in Lincolnshire, Essex, North Wales and two in Hampshire.  There are exciting prospects for the future including continued investment in its facilities and ambitious plans to increase the footprint across the UK.

Key to the ongoing success of the Group is the recruitment of a Group Commercial Manager to be responsible for all areas of secondary spend.  This is strongly focussed towards driving the growth and enhancement of a fresh and modern food and beverage offering within its varied bars, cafes, and restaurants.  Over and above this there is a full and diverse range of entertainment and activities; health, fitness and beauty; cycle shops and boats; and a variety of shops providing everything from fresh, local produce to holiday essentials.

Candidates should have previously experienced a breadth of general management experience and run all or part of a commercial business where strong operating controls and people management are essential to the success of the company.  This experience is likely to have been gained in a medium sized commercially driven retail, catering, leisure or hospitality business and have involved being very hands-on in establishing and running tight operating systems and controls.

Of prime interest will be candidates who have enjoyed a breadth and seniority of experience within a medium sized multi-site high street F&B retail business where there has been an emphasis on fresh, modern and innovative food and drinks.

This will be a demanding and hands-on role requiring regular and extensive travel.  There is the option to be based at the Hemel Hempstead head office, or at one of the holiday parks.

FAST MOVING CONSUMER GOODS

HAMPSHIRE

Competitive package c £100k

Successfully filled

Our client is a very successful and long-established manufacturer and distributor with an excellent reputation in its niche market for high quality products which are sold to major retailers and other specialist retailers.  The company also has small but fast growing brands which will be important to its future strategy.  It is a subsidiary of an international privately owned and entrepreneurial group and currently turns over c£25m.

The business is now seeking a Commercial Managing Director to drive the expansion of private label and growth of branded products into new markets and to realise the opportunities from existing revenue streams.  This is a hands-on and high profile role with full responsibility for the commercial performance of the company and for implementing the board’s strategy.  It will involve the successful candidate in leading change, identifying and securing opportunities for commercial growth, fronting the negotiation of competitive deals and contracts, and the strong and effective management of the business’s people.

Relevant sector expertise is essential.  Candidates must have extensive experience of developing and selling own brand and private label products within a fast moving and highly competitive market.  We will be looking for previous success in identifying and securing new revenue streams whilst protecting existing markets, and in building and maintaining excellent rapport with major customers.  Candidates will also need to demonstrate first class business acumen and sound financial skills, and be able to influence operations across an international matrix organisation.

Above all, the incoming Commercial Managing Director must be a highly-motivated self-starter with the energy and commitment to drive the growth and on-going success of this exciting business.   The role will be based at the Company’s office in Hampshire but there will be a need to travel on a regular basis.

This vacancy is being handled on an exclusive basis in partnership with Aspire Jobs Limited