Sowena Group has been retained by a market-leading international manufacturing group headquartered in Lancashire. With operations across multiple countries and a strong portfolio of premium products, we have built a reputation for excellence, innovation, and customer satisfaction.
While our commercial performance is strong, we are now entering a pivotal phase in our growth journey. We are seeking a hands-on, commercially astute Group Finance Director to lead a significant transformation of the finance function. The role offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of finance in a business with a clear vision, solid foundations, and ambitious plans.
The Role
As Group Finance Director, you will be a critical member of the Group Executive Leadership Team. You will take full ownership of the finance function across multiple geographies, driving financial strategy, operational excellence, and cultural transformation. This is not a sit-behind-the-desk role — it requires active leadership, engagement at all levels, and a clear appetite for modernisation.
You’ll be instrumental in building a high-performing finance team, embedding robust controls, and improving reporting, systems, and processes to support continued international growth.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Finance Leadership
* Partner with the Managing Director and board to develop and execute group-wide financial strategies.
* Provide financial insight and guidance on strategic decisions, investments, and growth opportunities.
* Lead financial forecasting, planning, and analysis to support short- and long-term goals.
Transformation & Modernisation
* Design and lead a finance transformation roadmap, including systems upgrade, process automation, and team restructuring.
* Implement best-in-class reporting, controls, and governance structures.
* Drive cultural change, embedding a performance-driven, commercially focused mindset across the finance team.
Operational & Financial Management
* Oversee all aspects of financial management including FP&A, statutory reporting, treasury, tax, and risk.
* Lead the preparation of timely and accurate consolidated group financial statements.
* Ensure compliance with UK and international accounting standards and regulatory requirements.
Team Leadership & Development
* Build, mentor, and inspire a high-performing international finance team.
* Establish clear roles, succession plans, and development opportunities across the function.
Stakeholder Engagement
* Act as a trusted advisor to the board, shareholders, and external partners.
* Lead the relationship with auditors, banks, and other financial stakeholders.
* Present financial performance and forecasts at board and investor meetings.
Candidate Profile
Essential Skills & Experience
* Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).
* Significant post-qualified experience in a senior finance leadership role.
* Experience in an complex manufacturing or industrial business.
* Track record of leading finance transformation or change programmes.
* Strong technical background combined with commercial acumen.
* Experience managing multi-site, multi-country finance operations.
Leadership Attributes
* Hands-on and proactive — thrives in a fast-paced, operational environment.
* Visionary and strategic, yet detail-oriented when necessary.
* Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
* Change agent with a track record of challenging the status quo and delivering results.
What’s on Offer
* Competitive six-figure salary + bonus + benefits
* Executive leadership role in a highly successful international group
* Autonomy to shape and modernise the finance function
* A pivotal role in the next chapter of a proud UK-based manufacturing success story
This role offers a rare opportunity to play a pivotal role in a highly profitable and rapidly growing international complex company. If you are a forward-thinking finance professional with experience in scaling businesses and leading financial transformations, please reach out to Perran Cooke or click apply.