Job Description

Scope of Role

The Head of Finance will lead all financial operations across

Blackpool Tourism Limited's portfolio of iconic visitor attractions

, including

Winter Gardens, Blackpool Tower, Sandcastle Waterpark, Madame Tussauds, and The Dungeon

.

The role is responsible for ensuring robust financial planning, governance, compliance, and reporting, while driving commercial performance through data-led insight. Working closely with the Finance Director, General Manager, and Senior Leadership Team, the postholder will provide strategic financial leadership, support operational and commercial decision-making, and lead key finance transformation initiatives, including the transition from

Sage 50 to Microsoft Dynamics

.

Key ResponsibilitiesFinancial Leadership, Management & Reporting

Lead the preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual management and statutory accounts across all attractions.

Oversee budgeting, forecasting, and long-term financial planning for

Winter Gardens, Blackpool Tower, Sandcastle Waterpark, Madam Tussauds, and The Dungeon

.

Work in partnership with the

General Managers

to develop annual budgets and in-year reforecasts aligned to attraction-level and group objectives.

Ensure strong financial governance, internal controls, and compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements.

Act as a senior point of contact for auditors, tax advisors, banks, and funding bodies.

Finance Systems & Change Management

Lead and manage the

transition from Sage 50 to Microsoft Dynamics

, acting as the senior finance lead for system design, implementation, testing, and go-live.

Ensure attraction-level reporting, cost centres, and revenue streams are accurately reflected within the new system.

Drive continuous improvement in financial systems, processes, and management reporting, including the use of Power BI and dashboards.

Commercial Analysis & Strategic Advice

Provide detailed commercial insight and profitability analysis across all attractions.

Support the Finance Director and SLT with investment appraisals, capital business cases, and return-on-investment analysis for new attractions, refurbishments, and experiences.

Lead scenario modelling and sensitivity analysis to support strategic planning and seasonal trading decisions.

Present clear, actionable financial insight to operational and non-financial leaders.

Yield Management

Analyse visitor trends, capacity utilisation, and seasonality to optimise pricing and yield across all attractions.

Work closely with marketing and commercial teams to maximise revenue from ticketing, events, promotions, and bundled offers.

Monitor and evaluate yield performance by attraction and visitor segment.

Spend Per Head (SPH) & Operational Collaboration

Partner with attraction and operational teams to develop initiatives that increase SPH across retail, food & beverage, and premium experiences.

Analyse visitor behaviour and purchasing patterns to inform product mix, pricing, and upselling strategies.

Support the development of new experiences, events, and packages to drive incremental spend.

Track SPH performance and report against attraction-level and group targets.

Margin Control & Cost Management

Monitor gross margins across all revenue streams, including admissions, retail, food & beverage, and events.

Identify cost pressures and inefficiencies and recommend corrective actions.

Ensure pricing strategies align with margin targets and commercial objectives.

Support procurement and supply chain decisions with financial insight.

Stock & Inventory Management

Oversee financial control of stock and inventory systems across all retail and operational areas.

Monitor stock valuation, turnover, and waste reduction.

Ensure regular stock audits and accurate reporting.

Payroll Oversight

Oversee payroll processing across a multi-site and seasonal workforce.

Ensure compliance with HMRC requirements and pension obligations.

Work closely with HR on workforce planning and cost control.

Stakeholder & Relationship Management

Build strong working relationships with attraction General Managers, Operations, HR, Marketing, and Commercial teams.

Represent finance in cross-attraction forums and strategic planning sessions.

Clearly communicate financial performance, risks, and opportunities to the Finance Director and Senior Leadership Team.

People Leadership

Lead, mentor, and develop the finance team.

Set clear objectives, conduct performance reviews, and support professional development.

Foster a culture of commercial awareness, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Ensure effective workload management and consistent financial standards across all attractions.

Person Specification Essential Qualifications & Experience

Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent).

Significant experience in a senior finance leadership role within tourism, leisure, hospitality, or a multi-site visitor attraction environment.

Strong commercial finance experience, including yield management, SPH optimisation, and margin control.

Proven experience leading finance system implementations (e.g. Sage to Microsoft Dynamics).

Experience managing and developing finance teams.

Desirable

Experience in complex, multi-site operations.

Exposure to public sector, local authority, or grant-funded environments

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: 60,000.00-65,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Company pension Employee discount
Work Location: In person