Head of Finance
We are working with an established privately owned manufacturing business looking to appoint a senior finance leader as part of the next stage of its development.

The organisation has grown significantly and now requires an experienced finance professional who can bring greater consistency, visibility and commercial challenge across the business.

Reporting into the senior leadership team, this is a broad position combining finance leadership, commercial partnering and business improvement. You will inherit an established finance structure but will have the opportunity to shape how finance supports the organisation going forward.

The emphasis is very much on making finance more valuable to the wider business - improving information, challenging performance and giving operational leaders the insight they need to make better decisions.

The opportunity

The successful individual will take responsibility for the overall finance agenda, including:

• Leading, coaching and developing finance teams operating across multiple locations
• Taking ownership of the monthly reporting cycle and ensuring senior stakeholders receive accurate and meaningful information
• Providing clear analysis of business performance, highlighting trends, risks and opportunities
• Leading the annual budgeting process alongside regular forecasting and scenario planning
• Working closely with operational leaders to understand the key commercial drivers within their areas
• Providing greater visibility around cash flow, working capital and future funding requirements
• Reviewing financial processes and controls to ensure they remain appropriate as the organisation grows
• Developing KPIs and management information that provide greater insight into operational and financial performance
• Working with leadership teams on pricing, profitability and customer or product performance where appropriate
• Ensuring balance sheet integrity and maintaining appropriate oversight of financial risk
• Coordinating year-end requirements and managing relationships with auditors and other external advisers
• Supporting the development and implementation of improved finance systems, reporting tools and technology

What we're looking for

This opportunity would suit an ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualified finance leader who has developed their career within commercially focused, manufacturing businesses.

You are likely to have worked in an environment where finance needs to be visible and close to operations rather than operating purely as a central reporting function.

We are particularly interested in individuals who can demonstrate:

• Senior finance leadership experience
• Exposure to a multi-site or decentralised business
• Strong commercial and operational finance capability
• Experience improving finance functions during periods of change or growth
• The ability to develop and get the best from finance teams
• Confidence working with senior operational stakeholders
• Strong management reporting, planning and analytical skills

Personality will be important. We are looking for somebody credible and commercially minded who can build relationships quickly, challenge constructively and bring people with them.

This is a highly visible appointment with genuine scope to influence how the business develops over the coming years.

Package

£85,000-£100,000

Hybrid working is available, with regular travel between business locations required.