Job title:
Finance Director - Ireland
B
usiness area:
Finance
Reporting to:
Head of Finance - Property, Retail and Ireland
Direct reports
* Financial Controller,
* Senior Finance Manager Food,
* Senior Finance Manger FH&B
Scope of the role
The Finance Director - Ireland is responsible for shaping and delivering the Ireland commercial and financial strategy, acting as a strategic partner to the Country Director and a key member of the leadership team.
This role works collaboratively with the business to drive growth and cost efficiency along with ensuring financial rigour and control, representing the finance function externally with auditors, the Revenue Commissioners and others.
You will lead a team of 13 covering all aspects of Finance from partnering and FP&A to payroll and financial control.
This is a high-impact leadership role with the opportunity to influence the future of M&S in Ireland.
Key accountabilities, responsibilities, and measures
Strategic Leadership and Business Partnering:
* Support the Ireland Leadership Team to deliver the Ireland strategy transformation plan, providing financial insight and challenge and ensuring that transformation Plan is aligned to Group objectives.
* Deliver actionable analysis with measurable impact on key strategic areas such as pricing strategy, property growth evaluations and 3rd party expansion.
* Drive profit improvement initiatives across the Ireland Business, identifying opportunities to improve Gross Profit, streamline operations and reduce overheads
* Champion the use of advanced analytics and data-driven insights to enhance decision-making and performance management
Governance, Control and Compliance:
* Lead the development of robust forecasting, budgeting, and long-range planning processes to support sustainable growth
* Ensure rigorous financial governance, compliance, and risk management
* As a Board Member and Company Secretary, ensure compliance with company law in matters such as filings in Companies Office
* Oversee timely, accurate, and insightful financial reporting for internal stakeholders
* Ensure tax compliance across all taxes and engage with Group Tax and local tax advisors as required
People, Leadership and Team Development:
* Lead, develop and mentor a high performing team of 13, activity supporting their development and driving continuous improvement
* Lead finance transformation initiatives, embedding automation, process optimisation, and digital tools across the function, including shaping and executing an end state vision and plan for Ireland Finance.
Tax, Treasury and External Representation:
* Represent the finance function externally with Auditors, Tax Authorities and Pension Trustees as required.
* Engage with Group Treasury to ensure the Ireland business is aligned to Treasury objectives.
Key skills
* Proven experience operating in complex, consumer-facing, omnichannel organisations, ideally with a knowledge of the Ireland Market and experience in the Retail sector.
* Strong technical expertise in financial planning & analysis and financial controllership
* A good understanding of tax, tax reporting and filing requirements in Ireland and ability to converse with external tax and audit stakeholders.
* Demonstrated success in leading finance transformation and change management programmes
* High proficiency with finance systems and emerging technologies (e.g., AI, data analytics), driving insight and efficiency across operations
* Exceptional leadership and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence senior leaders
* ACA, ACCA, or CIMA qualified (or equivalent), with a strong track record of financial governance and control
* Strategic thinker with a hands-on approach and a commitment to continuous improvement
* Strong intellect balanced with emotional intelligence, able to navigate complex stakeholder environments
* Culturally agile and internationally minded, with the ability to operate effectively across diverse teams
* A leader who provides clear direction, mentorship, and enforces financial discipline across the function
* Direct in style, open and collaborative, with a low-ego and unpolitical approach to leadership
* A strong affinity to our brand and values, with a passion for its purpose and customer-centric ethos
Key relationships and stakeholders
* Head of Finance - Property, Retail and Ireland
* Ireland Leadership Team
* Retail Director
* Finance Director - Foods
* Finance Director - FH&B
JD - ROI