Job Description

Hutcheon Mearns

is delighted to be working with

ESG Drysdale

for the appointment of a new

Head of Finance

, based at their

Cockburnspath

site, easily commutable from

East Lothian, the Scottish Borders & Berwick.

ESG Drysdale is the United Kingdom's only brassica-focused producer organisation and one of just three vegetable producer organisations nationwide. In 2023, R&K Drysdale (well known to many in the Borders) merged with East of Scotland Growers and as a result, a combined commercial success has seen the group reach

circa 55m turnover

. With 18 dedicated farmers based in their region that spans 200 miles of rich coastline, ESG Drysdale are proud of their integrated grower network that ensures a resilient and regionally diverse supply chain. Their customers include supermarkets, B2B and foodservice markets nationwide, working with some huge national brands in the process.


ESG Drysdale are seeking a Head of Finance who will play a critical role in managing the financial operations of this multi-divisional group. As number 2 to the Finance Director, you will work together to build a high-performance finance function, ensuring strong controls and processes. Against the backdrop of a newly merged business, you will be part of a journey implementing a new finance system that is yet to commence, developing the finance team and working closely with key stakeholders (Board, Auditors, Owners/Farmers & The Managing Director) to support commercial decision making. We encourage ongoing learning and support professional growth and this is something that should be mirrored by the successful applicant.

Key Responsibilities:

Full Management Accounts ownership: Lead the monthly management accounts process, ensuring accuracy and insight for decision-making including overseeing all aspects of monthly reporting (P&L, Balance Sheet, Margin reporting & more) Budget: Support the Finance Director in the annual budgeting process Team Management: Supervise and mentor a small finance team, fostering a collaborative and high-performance environment Hands-On Approach: Exhibit a proactive, "can-do" attitude, being actively involved in daily financial operations Financial Reporting: Prepare financial statements, management reports, and use BI tools for insightful analysis Financial Controls and Processes: Ensuring robust financial controls and processes are in place to ensure the integrity of financial information Deputise for the Finance Director: Where appropriate, you may be required to deputise for the Finance Director in leading the commercial & finance operations

Desirable Skills and Experience:

Experience in multi-division or group accounting Strong understanding of budgeting processes and financial control High level of competence in Excel and experience with financial reporting tools. Qualifications: ACCA, CIMA, CA or equivalent level/experience Experience of Sage 200/Power query experience/Power BI experience Knowledge of payroll management responsibilities Previous experience as a Head of Finance/number 2, ideally in FMCG, food manufacturing, agriculture, or fresh produce Strong commercial awareness and understanding of margin management and cost drivers in a low-margin, high-volume environment

An attractive & competitive financial package is on offer for this fantastic opportunity.

Hutcheon Mearns are working as recruitment partners on this great opportunity and we welcome all interested parties to apply now or contact

Craig Sinclair, Recruitment Manager at Hutcheon Mearns, part of Cooper Parry

for further information. Please note that all third-party applications, enquiries and direct approaches will be referred to Hutcheon Mearns, part of Cooper Parry for consideration & review.

Cockburnspath, Scottish Borders

Tuesday 28 October 2025

Permanent

*

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