Brewdog loves craft beer. Launched in 2007 by two local entrepreneurs, James Watt and Martin Dickie, their simple mission was and continues to be about making other people as passionate about great craft beer as they are. Core to the mission was producing beer of genuine flavour and craftsmanship without the industrial techniques of many modern brewers. In essence, beer like it was and beer how it should be.

Brewdog is based in a world class HQ; a 5.5 acre state of the art eco-brewery in Ellon, just north of Aberdeen. Construction is already underway to expand the facility again which will effectively double the size of the operation bymid-2016. In addition, the business now has 30 bars worldwide with another 5 due to be opened this year.

The business launched Equity for Punks, offering people the opportunity to buy invested and a new anti-business business model was born. Since then, the business raised a further £2.2m in 2011, £4.25m in 2013 and, most recent crowdfunding campaign earlier this year, generated £5m of the £25m target in just the first 20 days.

What started as 2 humans and 1 dog has grown into a thriving business that employs over 350 talented people, ships beers to over 50 countries and has been the fastest growing food and drinks brand in the UK over the last 4 years. From a standing start in 2007, Brewdog has grown exponentially to revenues of £29.6m and an operating profit of £3.9m by the end of 2014. Projected turnover for 2015 is to hit £50m.

Brewdog is a hugely ambitious business and, alongside the expansion of the Ellon brewery and bar network, is continually seeking to expand the already extensive product range and fund projects to extend the horizon of the company’s potential. This includes a move into the spirits market through the Granite City Craft Distillery; The Kennel, a craft beer led hotel in the North East of Scotland; Brewdog Distribution which will import craft beers into the UK from across the world; and Brewdog USA aimed at establishing a brewing operation in America which is the world’s largest craft beer market

The Role

The Divisional Finance Director is a key role within the finance structure and is a direct support to the Chief Finance Officer. The role has two key focuses; to provide financial support to brewing operations and the other to supply all reporting and compliance required for Group and plc requirements. As such, the individual must possess a strong technical accounting background, coupled with well-developed commercial and business acumen.

With an extraordinary head for figures and a keen eye for detail, the Divisional Finance Director leads a team responsible for all of the accounting relating to the UK operations, though this number is likely to grow in the near term. This involves interaction with stakeholders across sales and marketing, operations and head office personnel, as well as exposure to external investors in supporting the CFO.

As a small but rapidly expanding business, there will be a large emphasis on creating the platform for growth. This will involve a high degree of time on improving internal processes and controls, the corporate governance framework and financial systems to streamline and improve the quality of the management information to the business. For instance, SAP Business One will be implemented later this year and the Divisional Finance Director will play a key role in maximising its usage and impact.

As well as being detail orientated, it is imperative that this individual can think and operate strategically, deputising for the Chief Finance Officer as required. This will be particularly pertinent on the launch of Brewdog in the USA when it is envisaged that the CFO will spend long periods of time away from Head Office. With significant business growth likely, it is critical that this individual can expand their over time, taking on new responsibilities as required.

The Individual

You are known for being exceptional; for being both dynamic and technically astute, hands on, relentless in your pursuit of excellence and for delivering success in everything you do. You are an engaging individual, capable of engendering confidence from stakeholders across the business.

Key qualifications, skills and experience required include:

• Degree qualified with a strong academic track record
• Professionally qualified accountant (e.g. CA, ACCA, ACMA)
• Proven track record in a technically focused finance role with close working relationships across the businesses
• Experience gained in an organisation or environment with a high degree of complexity and pace is essential
• Experience of managing, developing and motivating staff
• Knowledge of current finance best practice and ability to keep abreast of external developments
• Knowledge of ERP, data warehousing and business intelligence systems
• Strong awareness of financial controls
• Strong negotiator and influencer at all levels
• Highly developed management reporting, planning and budgeting skills
• Excellent capability to interpret financial information to guide critical decision making
• Credible with the appropriate gravitas and proven ability to influence decision making
• Self-starting and able to build excellent relationships across the business
• Not afraid to challenge current practices
• High levels of drive and personal commitment to achieve success
• Desire to learn about craft beer and genuine belief in the Brewdog Charter

What to do Next

To apply, have a confidential discussion, or to see a full Position Profile, please contact our advisor Mark Lewis at Rutherford Cross on 0141 611 7770 or email [email protected]. Please note any third party applications will be sent to Rutherford Cross for review and assessment.