Sewell Wallis is exclusively partnering with a manufacturing business based in Alfreton with a long-standing heritage in quality, who are looking for a Finance Director. Operating as a vertically integrated, product-led organisation, the business is entering a critical phase of strengthening financial discipline, improving operational alignment, and enhancing cash performance.
The Finance Director will play a central role in shaping the financial and operational future of the business. This is a high-impact role for a commercially minded finance leader who thrives in hands-on environments and is motivated by driving tangible business performance.
This is not a traditional stewardship role. The Finance Director will operate at the heart of the business, ensuring that financial insight directly drives decision-making across sales, production, and inventory.
What will you be doing?
* Own and continuously enhance short-, medium-, and long-term cashflow forecasting
* Maintain tight control over payment cycles, capital expenditure, and discretionary spend
* Lead the annual budgeting process, defining a clear affordability envelope
* Implement robust and dynamic forecasting aligned to commercial and operational realities
* Track performance against budget, investment plans, and contingencies
* Establish clear cost centre accountability across the business
* Own the working capital strategy, with a strong focus on stock and debtor management
* Partner with Sales, Production, and Operations to optimise inventory levels
* Reduce obsolescence and improve stock turn and cash conversion
* Increase visibility and control over stock risks and provisions
* Align sales forecasts with production planning and capacity constraints
* Support integrated planning processes (e.g. S&OP) to improve decision-making
* Bring financial rigour to demand and supply planning
* Provide insight into product profitability, margin, and cost drivers
* Challenge pricing, discounting, and product mix where appropriate
* Strengthen financial controls and ensure compliance with statutory requirements
* Lead year-end processes, including key judgement areas such as stock provisions
* Build and lead a high-performing, commercially focused finance function
* Act as a trusted partner to the Managing Director and Board
* Manage relationships with auditors, lenders, and external advisors
What skills are we looking for?
You are a commercially astute Finance Director (or a high-calibre Head of Finance ready to step up) with a proven ability to operate at the intersection of finance and operations.
* Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, or CIMA)
* Strong experience within manufacturing or product-led environments
* Demonstrated success in improving financial performance and cash management
* Track record of working closely with operational teams (production, supply chain, sales)
* Experience in SME or owner-led businesses is highly advantageous
* Deep understanding of cashflow, working capital, and stock dynamics
* Strong planning, forecasting, and financial modelling skills
What's on offer?
* c. 90,000 + car or car allowance
* Pension salary sacrifice scheme
* Initially office-based (first 3-6 months) to embed into the business
* Hybrid working thereafter (minimum 2 days per week in the office)
* 36 days holiday (including public holidays)
If you're looking for a role where you can genuinely influence business performance, drive operational discipline, and make a measurable impact, we would welcome a confidential conversation.
#J-18808-Ljbffr