Finance & Operations Director

As a creative arts business the quality of the financial planning is essential to growth and expansion of the network. We are looking for an exceptional Finance & Operations Director to join our leadership team and play a pivotal role in shaping our next chapter. To support our continued growth, we are seeking a forward-thinking leader who can bring strategic financial expertise, operational excellence and a passion for driving meaningful business transformation.

The Role

Reporting to the Managing Director, the Finance & Operations Director will provide strategic leadership across finance and business operations, including commercial property management, IT infrastructure, procurement and regulatory compliance. Combining strong financial management expertise with a hands-on approach to operational leadership, you will drive business performance, improve operational efficiency, strengthen financial controls and identify opportunities for sustainable growth and new revenue streams.

Key responsibilities will include:

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Financial Leadership: Lead strategic financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, reporting and financial governance, providing clear commercial insight to the Directors.

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Operational Excellence: Drive continuous improvement, based on evidence or financial evaluation, across our 60 studios and central functions, streamlining processes, and improving efficiency & productivity.

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Business Transformation: Lead strategic projects, including the implementation of an in-house booking system, AI and automation to modernise workflows, systems and business processes.

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Commercial Growth: Identify opportunities to diversify revenue streams, maximise existing assets and support the company's ambitious growth plans.

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Governance & Risk: Oversee compliance, safeguarding, business continuity and organisational risk, ensuring robust processes and accountability.

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Estates & Infrastructure: Provide strategic oversight of where to expand commercial propertythe company including, facilities, procurement and digital systems.

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Leadership & Development: Lead and develop central support functions, building a high-performing team and embedding a culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement.

About You

We are looking for an accomplished senior leader who combines strong financial expertise and a track record of automating spreadsheets with the commercial instinct and operational capability to make a meaningful difference.

You will bring:

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A professionally recognised accountancy qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).

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Significant senior leadership experience within a multi-site, commercially focused organisation (multi-site experience is preferential).

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A proven track record in guiding a financial strategy, budgeting, forecasting and financial governance to achieve the business goals.

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Demonstrable success leading organisational transformation, process improvement and business change.

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Strong commercial judgement, analytical capability and confidence in advising and influencing senior stakeholders.

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An innovative mindset, with an interest and proven experience realistically in leveraging technology and AI to improve business performance.

Above all, you will be a forward-thinking, agile leader who thrives in a growing business, embraces challenge and knows how to turn strategic ambition into measurable results.

What We Offer

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Salary: Up to £100k per annum

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Generous Annual Leave: Additional holiday entitlement for every year of service, up to 5 extra days.

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Private Medical Insurance: Access to Vitality healthcare, GP consultations and wellbeing benefits.

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Employee Assistance Programme: 24/7 confidential support through Bupa, including mental health and counselling services.

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Wellbeing Allowance: Monthly Heka allowance.

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Exclusive Discounts: Access to Blue Light Card savings, Lucy & Yak workwear discounts and reduced prices on art-K classes and workshops for family members.

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Art-Funded Socials: Company-funded opportunities to enjoy exhibitions, galleries and creative experiences with colleagues.

Why Join art-K?

This is an opportunity to join a small but growing business with a proven business model with an n exciting growth trajectory and make a lasting contribution to its future. You will have genuine influence over strategic direction in-line with business goals, the opportunity to shape organisational capability and the autonomy to introduce meaningful improvements across the business.

If you are a commercially- driven finance and operations leader ready to help shape the next chapter of an ambitious and growing business, we would love to hear from you.