Job Title: Financial Operations Director
Job Type: Fixed Term Contract (Maternity cover starting end of August/ Sept 2026)
Location: Chiswick, London
Reporting Line; Finance & Operations Director
We are Pernod Ricard, a leading company in the global wines and spirits industry with over 18,000 employees globally. We own 16 of the world’s top 100 Spirits Brands and hold one of the most prestigious and comprehensive brand portfolios in the industry with 240 premium brands available in over 160 countries, including: Absolut vodka, Ballantine’s, Chivas Regal, Royal Salute, and The Glenlivet Scotch whiskies, Jameson Irish whiskey, Martell cognac, Havana Club rum, Beefeater, Malfy and Monkey 47 gins, Malibu liqueur, Mumm and Perrier-Jouët champagnes.
This position sits in our Pernod Ricard UK (PRUK) our business responsible for marketing, selling and distributing our products in the UK. Our diverse population of 250+ passionate employees have been creating conviviality since 2001, bringing our premium brands and unforgettable experiences to the UK. As the world’s 2nd largest spirits market, the UK is a key location for our company.
About the role
We are now seeking a Financial Services Director ( 1 year Maternity Cover ) to report to the Finance & Operations Director. Within this role, you will manage the company’s financial accounting, reporting and working capital, ensuring the company operates with structured but efficient processes complying with Pernod Ricard financial calendar & internal control / risk management rules, International Accounting Standard, as well as UK legislation.
In addition, you will support the company strategic agenda through internal & Group exercise / technology / operating model evolution roadmap, either directly on projects in the Finance / Operations area or indirectly in the wider company roadmap definition & support in other projects (KDP’s, TPM etc.)
What's involved?
Management of core financial processes and systems:
Accounts payable and receivables. Including oversight of outsourced team (QX).
Credit control and factoring.
Balance sheet and P&L reporting (statutory and below PRO).
Day to day management of core systems and related transformation projects to meet changing business requirements
Working capital / cashflow management:
Manage cashflow and deliver cash targets for the Group. Drive cashflow improvements and help build a cash culture in the business.
Management of treasury and banking processes
Compliance, governance and internal control:
Take responsibility for the compliance of PR UK with internal & external jurisdiction: Group internal audit, external financial auditors, tax / HMRC, risk management, quality & security (ISO), assets protection & securisation rules
Management of external audit relationship
Ensure robust internal controls in place to protect company assets and to mitigate against fraud and other risks and maintain business processes and policies
Ensure the existence of clear & documented business processes covering financial, operational & key business processes, including clear & shared DoA rules.
Delivery of LSF (French Financial Security Law) and SAPIN II (Internal Control) and follow up on remediation plans
Leadership and development of team and wider finance function through line management and training.
Your skills and experience
Qualified finance professional (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) with senior leadership experience managing mid-size teams (~5+ people), preferably in W&S industry or Multinational FMCG.
Strong expertise in financial reporting (particularly Cash and Balance sheet) and compliance to all applicable UK and international standards (accounting / IFRS, internal control requirements & UK law)
Proven track record in financial control, governance, audit, and risk management frameworks (preferably with knowledge of French financial security law and SAPIN II but not a must)
Experience leading a team during major finance transformation projects (ERP system upgrade – preferably SAP)
Demonstrated ability to lead and keep teams highly motivated through a challenging environment / period of change.
Highly effective stakeholder management with the ability to become a trusted advisor, influence senior leadership and broader teams in finance and other departments.
Job Posting End Date:
Target Hire Date:
2026-09-01Target End Date:
2027-10-31Skills Required
- Qualified finance professional (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)
- Senior leadership experience managing mid-size teams (~5+ people)
- Strong expertise in financial reporting and compliance
- Proven track record in financial control and audit management
- Experience leading teams during finance transformation projects
- Effective stakeholder management skills
Pernod Ricard Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Pernod Ricard and has not been reviewed or approved by Pernod Ricard.
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Healthcare Strength — Pay and benefits are described as strong overall, supported by comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage alongside life and disability insurance. Wellbeing support is reinforced through mental-health resources and broader wellness programming.
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Retirement Support — Retirement benefits are positioned as a standout part of the package, including a 401(k) with a match and an additional profit-sharing contribution for eligible employees. A legacy defined-benefit pension is also referenced for certain earlier hires, adding depth to long-term financial support.
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Parental & Family Support — Family-related benefits are unusually broad, including paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, backup child/elder care resources, and adoption/surrogacy reimbursement. Additional supports such as Milk Stork and fertility/ART coverage further strengthen family-building coverage.
Pernod Ricard Insights
What We Do
Pernod Ricard is a convivial, responsible and successful global wine and spirits group and the #1 premium spirits organisation in the world. The Group represents 240 premium brands available in more than 160 countries. We are 18,500 exceptionally talented people worldwide with our own salesforce in 73 countries. Our portfolio is one of the most comprehensive in the market with every major category of wine and spirits, providing Pernod Ricard with a unique competitive advantage. To keep growing our business, transforming our industry and making a positive impact on the world, we believe in the power of human connection. Creating ‘convivialité’ is our business and our raison d’être. As ‘créateurs de convivialité’, our purpose is to turn every social interaction into a genuine, friendly and responsible experience of sharing. We believe there can be no convivialité with excess and strive to be sustainable and responsible at every step, from grain to glass.
