Senior Leadership Role | Multi-Site Manufacturing | Private Equity Backed
Our client is a global engineering and manufacturing business supplying innovative solutions across a range of industrial markets. With an international footprint and strong focus on sustainability and next-generation technologies, the business is entering an exciting new phase of growth under private ownership.
The Role
We are seeking an accomplished European Finance Director to join Divisional Leadership Team, accountable for financial strategy, governance, performance reporting, and decision support across multiple manufacturing sites. This role will be highly visible at Group level, presenting divisional performance and acting as a key strategic partner to divisional leadership.
Key Responsibilities
Business Performance & Leadership
* Lead, mentor, and develop the divisional finance team across all European manufacturing locations
* Partner with divisional and site leadership to strengthen financial understanding, accountability, and performance culture
* Present divisional results and insights to Group as part of the monthly Business Unit Review process
* Identify opportunities to improve profitability, margin performance, and operational efficiency
* Implement Group financial initiatives and ensure alignment with divisional objectives
* Oversee monthly forecasting and budgeting cycles across all facilities, including P&L, Balance Sheet, and Cashflow
* Challenge assumptions within site forecasts, ensuring accuracy and transparency of key drivers
* Support leadership teams in using financial data to guide decision-making and resource allocation
* Provide clear analysis of trends, variances, and performance improvement opportunities
Investment & Strategic Projects
* Prepare and present robust business cases for new programmes, investments, and growth initiatives
* Evaluate capital expenditure proposals, ensuring disciplined returns through NPV, IRR, and payback analysis
* Review and approve site-level capex requests in line with delegated authority frameworks
Cash & Working Capital Management
* Drive working capital optimisation across the division, including:
* Inventory reduction and improved stock management
* Accounts receivable collection and bad debt oversight
* Accounts payable management aligned with forecasts
* Coordinate foreign exchange cash flow reporting to Treasury to ensure exposures are hedged appropriately
Governance, Controls & Compliance
* Ensure a robust financial control framework is implemented and consistently upheld across all sites
* Partner with Internal Audit on control enhancements and continuous improvement initiatives
* Maintain compliance with Group delegated authorities, risk management, and governance standards
* Oversee statutory reporting, tax compliance, and site-level audits, ensuring timely and smooth delivery
* Act as a trusted advisor to the divisional leadership team, influencing strategic and operational priorities
* Foster a culture of continuous improvement across finance and the wider business
* Support ad-hoc projects and initiatives critical to divisional success
Candidate Profile
* Qualified accountant (ACA / ACCA / CIMA)
* Senior finance leadership experience within a manufacturing environment
* Proven track record managing and developing multi-site finance teams
* Strong commercial acumen and ability to influence senior stakeholders
* International experience at site, regional, or divisional level
* Analytical mindset with the ability to translate financial insights into business actions
#J-18808-Ljbffr