Job Title: Commercial Finance Director
Location: Cheshire
Industry: Manufacturing
Company Overview:
This well established manufacturing group is a trusted, long-established UK manufacturer of home lifts, platform lifts, and mobility solutions, dedicated to improving the quality of life and independence of customers across residential and commercial markets. With a turnover of £11–12 million and strong growth ambitions, we are seeking an experienced and commercially astute Finance Director to join the senior leadership team and play a pivotal role in driving strategic and operational performance.
Role Overview:
The Commercial Finance Director will act as a strategic business partner to the Managing Director and wider board, providing robust financial leadership and insight to support data-driven decision-making. This is a key appointment that will help shape the company’s future, combining financial control with commercial acumen to drive growth, profitability, and operational efficiency.
Key Responsibilities:
Lead the finance function, overseeing all financial operations including management reporting, budgeting, forecasting, statutory accounts, cash flow management, and audit.
Partner with the MD and board to develop and deliver commercial strategies aligned to business objectives.
Provide insightful financial analysis to support pricing decisions, margin improvement, product mix, and investment appraisals.
Take ownership of financial planning, driving accountability across the business with a focus on KPIs, performance metrics, and continuous improvement.
Support manufacturing and operational teams with costings, stock control, and supply chain finance to enhance efficiency and profitability.
Manage relationships with external stakeholders including auditors, banks, and regulatory bodies.
Take overall responsibility for the HR function, ensuring alignment with business objectives, overseeing policy development, and supporting a high-performance culture across the organisation.
Oversee and develop the small finance team, instilling a culture of high performance, accuracy, and continuous improvement.
Contribute to M&A activity, funding requirements, and broader strategic initiatives where relevant.
Candidate Profile:
Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA) with significant post-qualification experience, ideally in an SME manufacturing environment.
Proven experience in a senior finance role, ideally within a growing, privately owned or PE-backed business.
Strong commercial acumen, with the ability to challenge and influence at board level.
Hands-on and adaptable, with a willingness to get into the detail as needed.
Excellent leadership and communication skills, with the ability to engage cross-functionally across the business.
Experience with ERP systems and a data-driven mindset.
Why Join?
Opportunity to join a market-leading UK manufacturer with a strong reputation for quality and innovation.
High-impact board-level role with the autonomy to shape financial strategy and influence business direction.
Collaborative and values-driven culture.
Competitive salary and benefits package.
£75,000 - £85,000
dave@sowenagroup.co.uk
07883904307