Job Description
Head of Finance
Reporting to: Managing Director
Leadership: Senior Leadership Team
A long ‑ established, privately owned manufacturing company is seeking a strategic, commercially minded Head of Finance to partner directly with the Managing Director and senior leadership team. This is a pivotal role for a finance leader who thrives in a hands ‑ on, product ‑ driven environment and wants to influence the future direction of a growing business.
You’ll take full ownership of the finance function while acting as a key strategic advisor—driving cost control, strengthening inventory performance, and supporting long ‑ term growth.
The Opportunity
This is a rare chance to step into a role with genuine influence. You’ll shape financial strategy, improve operational performance, and ensure the business is equipped for its next phase of growth. Working closely with the MD, you’ll bring clarity, challenge, and commercial insight to every major decision.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead the finance function, ensuring robust financial reporting, controls, and governance
* Produce high ‑ quality monthly management accounts, board packs, KPIs, and performance analysis
* Partner with the MD and senior leadership team to drive strategic planning and business growth
* Lead budgeting, forecasting, cash ‑ flow management, and scenario modelling
* Strengthen cost control across manufacturing, operations, and overheads
* Oversee inventory management, stock accuracy, and working capital optimisation
* Drive margin improvement through product costing, pricing analysis, and operational insight
* Support investment decisions, capital expenditure planning, and ROI analysis
* Lead continuous improvement across systems, processes, and data integrity
* Manage and develop a small finance team, fostering accountability and high performance
* Act as a trusted advisor to the MD, providing challenge, clarity, and commercial direction
Requirements
Experience & Background
* Qualified accountant (ACA/ACCA/CIMA)
* Strong experience in manufacturing, engineering, or product ‑ based environments
* Proven track record in cost control, inventory management, and operational finance
* Confident producing board ‑ level reporting and strategic insight
* Experience partnering with senior leadership teams and influencing decision ‑ making
* Strong understanding of product costing, stock, and manufacturing performance metrics
* Hands ‑ on, proactive, and comfortable operating in an owner ‑ managed business
Personal Attributes
* Commercially sharp with a strategic mindset
* Strong communicator who can challenge constructively and influence at all levels
* Detail ‑ driven, disciplined, and operationally curious
* Comfortable balancing hands ‑ on delivery with strategic leadership
* Thrives in a fast ‑ paced, practical, product ‑ focused environment
Benefits
What’s on Offer
* A strategic leadership role with direct influence on business direction
* Close partnership with an ambitious Managing Director
* Opportunity to shape the finance function and drive meaningful change
* Stable, supportive, and values ‑ driven privately owned environment
Salary of £90,000 - £100,000 Plus Benefits
Requirements
About You Hands‑on, detail‑driven, and comfortable working across both strategic and operational finance. ACA/ CIMA/ ACCA Qualified Qualified Accountant. Strong background in budgeting, forecasting, reporting, and month‑end processes. Experience in payroll oversight and financial controls. Confident communicator with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels. Ambitious, proactive, and eager to contribute to a growing, industry‑leading business.