We’re looking to attract an ambitious, commercially astute finance professional ready to step into a pivotal leadership role within a growing manufacturing SME. This is a fantastic opportunity to play a key role in shaping performance, influencing strategy, and developing your career within a wider group of businesses.

Based in the North West, this established and highly successful business has built a strong reputation over the past 20+ years. Following recent growth and acquisition activity, the business is entering an exciting new phase, creating a superb opportunity for a hands-on, analytically minded finance leader to make a real impact.

Working closely with the Managing Director, you will act as a true business partner, not simply reporting on past performance, but actively driving insight, challenging assumptions, and influencing decision-making. This role will suit someone who thrives in an SME environment, enjoys being close to operations, and is motivated by continuous improvement and long-term development.

Why Apply?

• A key leadership role with direct exposure to the Managing Director
• Opportunity to be part of a growing business
• Exposure to a wider UK group, offering collaboration and development opportunities
• Scope to grow and develop within the role as the business continues to expand

The Job

• Lead the finance function and manage a small finance team, setting high standards and developing capability
• Produce accurate and timely monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reporting
• Maintain robust financial controls and ensure compliance with statutory, tax, and regulatory requirements
• Own and develop a suite of KPIs across operations, sales, margins, stock, and cash
• Analyse performance, identify trends and risks, and provide actionable insight to senior leadership
• Lead budgeting, forecasting, and long-range planning processes
• Build scenario models and support strategic decision-making, tenders, and investment cases
• Partner closely with production and supply chain teams to understand cost drivers and improve performance
• Enhance stock control, margin visibility, and operational reporting
• Drive improvements in systems, processes, and data quality (including Excel/Power BI)
• Streamline month-end processes and embed a culture of continuous improvement

The person specification

• CCAB qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, or CIMA)
• Proven experience within a growing SME environment (manufacturing or construction highly desirable)
• Strong technical accounting and financial management expertise
• Advanced Excel skills and a highly analytical, data-driven mindset
• Commercially astute, with the confidence to influence and challenge senior stakeholders
• Hands-on approach with the ability to operate both strategically and operationally
• Experience leading, developing, and motivating a small finance team
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to present insights clearly and effectively
• High attention to detail, with a proactive and results-driven mindset
• Experience improving systems, reporting, and business processes

Salary & benefits

• £65,000 – £70,000 (depending on experience)
• Car or Car allowance
• Bonus - up to 10% (based on company performance)
• Private Health Care & Life Assurance (5 x salary)

The next steps

If this opportunity is of interest, we would be delighted to hear from you. Simply apply by submitting your CV.