Head of Finance - Commerce

Head of Finance – Commerce

£70,000 per annum plus performance bonus and fantastic benefits

40 hours per week across 5 days, Monday - Friday. Based onsite

Due to the location of the Estate a driving license is recommended for this role

Advert closes: 13 April 2026

🔗Take a look at our Commerce site

🔗Read the full job description here

🔗Learn about The Newt in Somerset

Drive growth. Shape strategy. Lead commercial performance at scale.

Our Head of Finance – Commerce

You’ll sit at the very heart of our fast-growing Commerce division, acting as a strategic partner to the CEO – Commerce and shaping the financial future of a multi-channel business spanning eCommerce, retail, wholesale and production. This is more than a finance role — it’s about turning insight into action, driving margin, and ensuring every commercial decision delivers sustainable, profitable growth. You’ll lead financial performance with clarity and discipline, embedding robust controls while enabling ambitious expansion.

Key Responsibilities

• Own financial performance, margin control, and commercial decision-making across Commerce
• Lead pricing strategy, margin governance, and channel optimisation
• Act as financial co-pilot to the CEO – Commerce
• Drive budgeting, forecasting, and scenario modelling
• Lead weekly trading reviews and performance tracking
• Oversee stock, production finance, and working capital efficiency
• Define and embed key financial and commercial metrics
• Lead and develop the Commerce finance team

What we can offer

• A positive workplace environment with opportunities to develop both personally and professionally.
• Peace of mind with Employee Life Cover, providing your nominated loved one with 2x your salary.
• Support from our Employee Assistance Programme, including unlimited 24/7 remote GP appointments for you and your family.
• Look after your wellbeing with complimentary access to our Spa and swimming pools and our exclusive benefit of 50% off Spa Treatments.
• Stay in shape with complimentary use of our gym and wellbeing classes.
• Access to our Cycle to Work scheme, supporting wellbeing and sustainable commuting.
• Complimentary staff meal when onsite – crafted by our dedicated kitchen team, often featuring fresh produce from our estate.
• Enjoy shopping in both our shops on estate and online with 30% discount for all our colleagues and free delivery for any online purchases.
• Complimentary garden membership for The Newt and our partner gardens, including the Eden Project, Kew Gardens and The Lost Gardens of Heligan.
• We value your hard work and recognise your achievements through our colleague recognition programme – Newt Awards, with the opportunity to achieve amazing rewards, including a complimentary Hotel Stay.
• Discover exclusive perks with discounted hotel stays for staff, accompanied by a 30% discount at our restaurants.
• A team that knows how to have fun with regular team engagement activities, including Fun Squad events.
• Up to 30 days annual leave each year for our full-time team.

What we're looking for

• Senior finance leadership experience within consumer, retail, or food sectors
• Strong commercial mindset with proven margin improvement experience
• Advanced financial modelling and scenario analysis capability
• Experience in multi-channel businesses (eCommerce, retail, wholesale)
• Confident stakeholder manager, able to challenge and influence at senior level
• Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)
• Analytical, hands-on, and action-oriented approach
• Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, evolving environment

Where you'll be working

The Commerce division includes eCommerce, retail, food production (bakery, butchery, creamery, farm kitchen), and wholesale operations. The business is undergoing rapid growth, with increasing scale, complexity, and expansion into wholesale channels. The finance function plays a central role in ensuring financial discipline, margin control, and clear commercial decision-making across all areas.

Who are we- The Newt in Somerset

Nestled within an expanse of rolling fields and steeped in ancient history, our luxury country estate stands as a haven of refined elegance, inviting guests to explore acres of captivating gardens, meandering pathways, and enriching exhibitions - accessible 364 days a year for our members. Our hotel extends a warm welcome, offering a home-away-from-home experience where impeccable service flourishes in an ambiance of unassuming sophistication. Beyond the estate, the Newt's essence remains tangible, with our Ecommerce teams delivering our finest products to homes, while media and membership endeavours keep them informed of our latest developments. Behind the scenes, a tapestry of talented teams - from Housekeeping to HR, Finance to Farming - collaborates harmoniously, crafting an unforgettable journey of growth, development, and innovation, where every contribution creates unparalleled experiences.

INDAVR