Your new company As Senior Finance Manager, you will hold full accountability for the financial performance, governance, and commercial insight for the manufacturing site. Acting as the primary financial authority on-site, you will lead all aspects of management reporting, statutory compliance, budgeting, forecasting, and performance analysis.As a key member of the leadership team, you will partner closely with the General Manager to shape the site's commercial strategy-supporting growth, capacity expansion, margin improvement, and strong cash discipline. You will also work in close collaboration with the Group CFO and wider Group Finance team to ensure alignment with group policies and financial controls. This role requires a combination of strategic influence and hands‑on delivery. You will actively challenge assumptions, interrogate operational data, and translate financial information into clear, actionable insight that drives performance and informed decision‑making. Your new role Management Information & Insight Produce high‑quality management accounts and reporting packs. Provide clear, timely financial insight to support decision‑making. Improve reporting, analysis, and data quality. P&L Ownership Review and sign off weekly/monthly P&L performance. Track performance vs budget/forecast and highlight risks/opportunities. Financial & Operational Analysis Analyse labour, waste, yield, overheads, and key variances. Provide practical insight to operational teams. Monitor cost and currency movements relevant to the site. Balance Sheet & Cash Flow Manage balance sheet integrity and working capital. Prepare cash flow reporting and projections. Budgeting & Forecasting Lead the annual budgeting process and monthly forecasting cycle. Challenge assumptions to ensure accuracy and accountability. Capital Expenditure Prepare robust business cases for capital projects. Track delivery of benefits post‑approval. Systems, Data & Controls Maintain master data and support financial systems (incl. Sage 200). Strengthen financial controls and support process automation. Audit & Group Reporting Support external audits and meet group reporting requirements. Manage all site submissions to Group Finance. Team Leadership Lead and develop a small finance team. Ensure strong standards of accuracy, ownership, and control. Continuous Improvement Enhance reporting, analysis, and finance processes. Support site‑wide improvement initiatives with strong financial insight. What you'll need to succeed Experience & Qualifications Fully qualified accountant (ACA/ACCA/CIMA) with 8 years PQE. Experience in food manufacturing or FMCG, ideally in a site‑based environment. Strong background in management accounting, forecasting, and financial analysis. Proven experience leading and developing teams. Skills & Approach Advanced Excel capability with strong attention to detail. Ability to challenge data, assumptions, and operational decisions. Strong problem‑solving mindset with a focus on root‑cause analysis. Able to balance financial rigour with commercial pragmatism. Excellent presentation and communication skills. Personal Attributes Comfortable in a fast‑paced, evolving production environment. Organised, resilient, and adaptable to shifting priorities. Clear, credible communicator with both finance and non‑finance stakeholders. High‑ownership mindset with a practical, solution‑driven approach. What you'll get in return A senior, influential position within the site leadership team.Exposure to operational decision‑making in a growing business. Strong connection to a wider Group Finance function. Opportunity to shape how financial insight drives site performance. If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now. If this job isn't quite right for you but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion on your career. Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C's, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found at hays.co.uk