Financial Director

A leading group in the FMCG and pharmacy retail sector is looking for a Finance Director to lead its financial strategy and guide the business through an exciting phase of growth and transformation. This senior leadership role is based in Dubai and offers the chance to work directly with the executive team on shaping the future of a fast-moving, consumer-driven organisation.As Finance Director, you will oversee all aspects of financial planning, budgeting, and performance management while driving profitability, efficiency, and long-term value creation. You will be a key business partner to the CEO and the board, providing insight, challenge, and direction across all major decisions.This is not a back-office role. It requires a strategic leader who enjoys being close to the business, influencing commercial outcomes, and driving data-based decision-making. You’ll lead digital transformation within finance, implement best-practice reporting, and empower a skilled team that supports operations, retail, and commercial growth.Job PurposeTo lead the finance function of a growing FMCG and pharmacy retail group, ensuring financial stability, commercial success, and sustainable growth. The Finance Director will define the financial strategy, improve governance, and drive performance excellence through clear insights, strong leadership, and collaboration across the business.Key Responsibilities1. Strategic Financial LeadershipDefine and execute a financial strategy aligned with corporate growth and expansion goals across FMCG and pharmacy retail divisions.Serve as a key advisor to the CEOs and Board, shaping strategic direction, investment priorities, and market positioning.Lead long-term business modelling, capital planning, and scenario analysis to guide executive decision-making.Represent finance in cross-functional transformation and market development initiatives.2. Commercial Finance & Profitability ManagementDrive commercial analysis and category profitability, ensuring margin enhancement and cost efficiency across all channels.Lead pricing governance, trade spend optimisation, and ROI evaluation of promotional and business development activities.Partner with commercial and supply chain leaders to evaluate new retail formats, product categories, and distribution models.Support strategic negotiations with suppliers and retail partners using data-driven insights.3. Financial Planning, Budgeting & ReportingOversee the annual budgeting and rolling forecast process, ensuring financial discipline and alignment with business targets.Deliver clear, accurate, and insight-driven management reporting and performance dashboards to leadership.Use BI tools (e.g., Power BI) to automate and visualise financial and operational KPIs.Translate complex financial data into actionable insights for both commercial and operational teams.4. Governance, Tax & ComplianceEnsure full compliance with IFRS, UAE tax laws, and corporate governance requirements.Lead corporate tax, VAT, and audit processes, maintaining strong relationships with external auditors and regulatory bodies.Strengthen internal controls and risk management systems across all financial operations.Establish transparent financial governance frameworks that enhance investor and stakeholder confidence.5. Working Capital, Treasury & Risk ManagementManage liquidity, banking relations, and credit facilities to support business growth and operational stability.Optimise working capital by balancing inventory, receivables, and payables across divisions.Develop strategies for capital structure optimisation and funding for expansion initiatives.Identify and mitigate financial risks, maintaining a strong control environment.6. Digital Transformation & Process ExcellenceChampion finance digitalisation through ERP enhancements, automation, and real-time analytics.Implement integrated financial systems and dashboards for faster decision-making.Drive operational efficiency and continuous improvement across financial processes and reporting cycles.7. Leadership & Organisational ImpactLead and develop a high-performing finance team with strong commercial acumen and analytical capability.Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and business partnership.Build cross-functional relationships with Sales, Supply Chain, HR, and Operations to align financial objectives with business performance.Act as a cultural ambassador of excellence, ethics, and agility.Qualifications & ExperienceBachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related discipline; professional certification (CPA, CMA, CFA, or CIMA) required.MBA from a recognised global business school is an advantage.10–15 years of progressive finance experience, including 5+ years in senior leadership roles within FMCG, retail, or healthcare distribution.Proven success in P&L management, strategic finance, and business transformation.In-depth knowledge of taxation, audit, ERP systems, and BI tools (Power BI, advanced Excel).Strong record of leading finance teams and driving measurable profitability improvement.Leadership AttributesStrategic and commercially sharp, with a focus on long-term value creation.Hands-on leader capable of balancing strategy and execution.Strong communicator with influence across executive and operational levels.Agile, ethical, and resilient in a fast-changing business environment.Collaborative mindset that drives partnership and trust across departments.Confidential SearchThis is a confidential senior-level opportunity with a leading FMCG and retail organisation undergoing significant expansion.Only shortlisted candidates meeting the above criteria will be contacted.