Robert Half Finance & Accounting are currently partnering with our client, a manufacturing business based in Somerset, in their recruitment of a Senior Finance Business Partner on a permanent contract. A business going through a period of change, and exciting growth, this role presents real opportunity to deliver impactful value add from day one.
We are looking for a dynamic and detail-oriented professional to take ownership of creating and managing SKU-level budgets, covering everything from sales forecasts to purchased and manufactured units. This role is pivotal in shaping operational plans, translating budgets into KPI-driven strategies for manufacturing and purchasing, and ensuring alignment across teams.
You will play a key role in monitoring performance, reviewing data weekly and monthly to identify trends and variances, and producing insightful reports that drive decision-making. Your ability to collate information from both UK and international sites will enable benchmarking and continuous improvement, while your oversight of overhead costs ensures sustainable and sensible rates for the future.
Collaboration is at the heart of this position. You will be the bridge between Finance & Operations. You'll work closely with purchasing, production, and finance teams, as well as external partners, fostering a positive and inclusive environment where strong relationships and teamwork thrive. In addition, you'll manage and develop a small team, building robust processes and delivering actionable insights that support business goals.
If you're passionate about driving operational excellence, delivering meaningful insights, and creating value through collaboration, this role offers an exciting opportunity to make a real impact.
The salary on offer is up to £85,000 + benefits. Hybrid & flexible working are supported.
Responsibilities:
1. Collaborate with finance and business teams to create a SKU-level budget, covering sales, purchased units, and manufactured units
2. Review performance weekly and monthly to identify trends and variances.
3. Convert the SKU budget into a KPI-driven manufacturing and purchasing plan, working closely with relevant leads
4. Gather data from both UK and internationally to benchmark performance and operational metrics
5. Monitor overhead costs and spending to ensure rates remain appropriate now and in the future
6. Deliver a weekly insights summary and a detailed monthly reporting pack, highlighting actionable recommendations for addressing variances or leveraging positive trends
7. Partner with the stock finance team to align margin adjustments with KPI reporting, ensuring consistency between financials and operational narratives
8. Manage and develop two roles within stock accounting and analysis, fostering strong processes, controls, and actionable insights
9. Demonstrate company values and behaviours consistently
10. Communicate positively about the brand at all times
11. Build strong working relationships with purchasing, production, and finance teams, as well as external manufacturing partners
12. Promote a collaborative, respectful, and inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and good performance is recognised
Ideal Candidate:
13. Qualified Accountant (ACCA/ACA/CIMA/CA)
14. Prior manufacturing experience is essential
15. Strong commercial finance & activity based costing skills
16. Prior line management experience
17. Prior experience of inventory management accounting & KPI reporting / analysis
18. Strong systems / data analytics skills
19. Demonstratable experience of partnering non finance
20. Be willing to roll sleeves up & get stuck into challenges