1. Lead site finance, management reporting, forecasting and budgeting
2. Own costing, product profitability and margin analysis
About Our Client
Our exclusively retained client is a well‑established UK manufacturing and engineering business operating from a consolidated site in the North Essex area, (Colchester, Braintree). Following significant recent investment in modern machining and manufacturing capability, the business is entering its next phase of development and is strengthening its on‑site leadership team.The organisation manufactures a mix of standard products and more bespoke engineered solutions, supplying both UK and international markets. This creates a complex and interesting operational environment, requiring strong financial insight and close partnership with manufacturing and commercial teams.
Job Description
This is a senior, highly operational finance role, acting as the site finance lead for the business. Reporting directly to the Managing Director, with a dotted line to Group Finance, the Senior Finance Manager will play a critical role in improving costing accuracy, margin visibility and operational decision‑making.The role requires a strong on‑site presence and will suit someone who enjoys working closely with the shop floor and influencing how finance supports the wider business. Somebody from a finance manager, or business partnering background may suit.Key responsibilities include:
3. Lead site‑level finance, management reporting and forecasting
4. Own costing, product profitability and margin analysis across standard and bespoke products
5. Partner closely with manufacturing and supply chain to improve efficiency, capacity utilisation and performance
6. Support pricing, commercial decision‑making and bespoke project costing
7. Improve utilisation of ERP systems (Business Central) and strengthen data quality
8. Develop and report operational KPIs including labour, machine efficiency, scrap and rework
9. Lead and develop a small on‑site finance team
10. Work closely with Group Finance to ensure alignment with wider policies and controls
The Successful Applicant
A successful applicant for this senior finance manager role should have the following skills and experience:
11. Fully qualified accountant (ACA / ACCA / CIMA)
12. Strong background in manufacturing or engineering finance
13. Hands‑on operational finance experience, including costing, BOMs and product profitability
14. Comfortable being on site and close to manufacturing operations
15. Strong commercial acumen and ability to influence decision‑making
16. ERP system experience
17. Confident, pragmatic and able to challenge constructively
What's on Offer
Salary: £70,000 - £85,000, with flexibility for a standout candidateBonus: Excellent Bonus potential based on individual and company performancePlus
18. 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
19. BUPA private healthcare
20. Pension
Given the nature of the operation, this is a predominantly on site role (4dpw)