Head of Commercial & Finance

With over 70 franchise locations across Australia, our client is experiencing a significant growth trajectory with double-digit market share in key territories and has recently won several industry accolades. They are investing in technology, data analytics, customer experience, and franchise system development to ensure a scalable and consistent offering across all locations.The Head of Commercial & Finance is a newly created executive role, reporting directly to the CEO and acting as a key co-pilot in both financial leadership and commercial execution. This individual will bring both financial rigour and operational acumen to support the network’s evolution into a best-in-class franchise system.This role will help develop scalable processes and insights across the franchise group. You will be deeply embedded in the strategic and operational decision-making of the business and play a key role in navigating board dynamics, regulatory responsibilities, and franchisee engagement.Key ResponsibilitiesFinancial LeadershipOversee corporate budgeting, forecasting, and strategic planning.Partner with the Finance Manager to deliver timely and insightful board reporting.Lead analysis of business performance including sales, profitability, benchmarking, and market trends.Administer corporate development fund activities and commercial project evaluation (e.g. new business divisions, M&A, investments).Provide guidance to franchisees on financial health and profitability strategies.Franchise System DevelopmentSupport the creation of a best-in-class Franchise Playbook and operational toolkit.Engage with franchisees to improve adoption of systems, reporting, and performance expectations.Support benchmarking initiatives across the network and translate insights into practical value for franchise owners.Maintain awareness of and drive compliance with the Franchising Code of Conduct and relevant regulatory standards.Commercial & Strategic ExecutionPartner with the CEO on commercial projects, business case development and growth strategy.Support the design and implementation of new products or services, such as a property development division.Take a lead role in navigating board meetings, preparing materials, and addressing commercial concerns.Liaise with external legal and compliance advisors on behalf of the CEO and Board as needed.Leadership & CultureRepresent the business with franchisees, shareholders, external advisors and stakeholders.Operate with integrity, maturity, professionalism and purpose — someone who inspires trust and followership.Candidate ProfileWe are seeking a purpose-driven executive with a finance foundation and a proven ability to operate in commercial and franchise environments. You will be naturally analytical, data-driven, commercially astute, and emotionally intelligent — someone who can support a driven CEO, influence at board-level and deliver real impact across a complex network of independently owned businesses.Essential experience:Senior-level finance or commercial experienceExposure to franchise operations, benchmarking and performance improvementSkilled in budgeting, forecasting, board reporting, and commercial insightComfortable navigating board relationships, legal frameworks, and cross-functional projectsA strong communicator, collaborator, and influencerThe role will pay circa $235,000 including superannuation plus bonus.