The Bower Partnership is pleased to have been retained by a large manufacturing organisation in their search for a commercial finance leader. This US-owned, European group of companies is well known and respected within its industry. Due to a structural change, they seek to appoint a highly commercial Finance Director level candidate who can lead the FP&A team to drive growth across the business. Leading, developing and managing a team of seven, this role aims to raise/develop the commercial finance ability of the business and the internal brand of the finance team. Working hand in glove with all functional areas of the business you will deliver a step change in how finance affects and drives the business forward. This will require you to work closely with functional leaders to support and provide advice on key financial decisions and steer the business. Due to these requirements, we are seeking a highly commercial leader who understands the operational running and sales/marketing route to market within a manufacturing/engineering business. You will be capable of explaining and influencing non-finance stakeholders, with a view to raising their financial awareness and making more informed business-critical decisions. Duties will include: Act as a trusted advisor to the Managing Director and European Leadership Team (ELT) peers, providing insights and shaping the organisation’s vision and strategy. Highlighting opportunities for growth both organically and via acquisition. Support the MD of Europe and the wider Europe Leadership Team in developing accurate Financial Plans such as the Long-Range Plan, Annual Operating Plan (AOP) and the quarterly Forecast preparation. Support the MD and ELT with insightful market analysis covering Competitors, Customers, market trends, macroeconomic data etc. Drive accountability throughout the European business units and the Commercial, Operational and Support functions to deliver financial goals Responsible for the production of sales forecasts and improving accuracy while streamlining processes related to financial forecasts Provide all internal customers with a clear, concise and accurate assessment of financial performance while identifying gaps to financial goals and prioritising actions Deliver customer and product gross profit reporting in an accurate, simple, repeatable and streamlined format Work with the Commercial and Operational functions on forecast accuracy and delivering improved unit volume forecasts Lead the European team of Functional Business Partners to deliver accurate and reliable data to drive understanding and decision making. Support SOX compliance and continuously evaluate the controls environment with Internal Audit to improve efficiency where able. Create and develop best-in-class Finance Business Partnering team(s): Build and evolve a roadmap to achieve excellence in the function through a mix of people, process and technology improvements Define clear KPIs and objectives for each member of the team, ensuring progress reviews at regular intervals Foster a winning mentality across the team, ensuring actions taken are positive but aligned to the values and behaviours of the organisation Foster cross-functional collaboration, ensuring that all parties are engaged to deliver the best outcomes for the customer and OC Doors Attract and develop high-calibre and diverse teams, ensuring needs for any relevant skills training, feedback measures and coaching support are in place Proactively contribute as a member of the segment Leadership Team Ensure that safety is a key topic in line with our Target Zero goals To be responsible for the performance and evolution of the Finance step within the integrated business planning cycle Creates environments with high employee engagement and retention of talent. Positively models behaviours; leads by example Person Specification: Candidates will be ACA/ACCA/CIMA or qualified by experience senior finance leaders who can demonstrate their ability to apply detailed and complex reports to the wider business to drive better informed and accurate decision-making. Broadly speaking, we require the following attributes: People leadership experience with a track record of maximising both individual and team performance Ability to negotiate and influence key business decisions through informed recommendations backed by robust data History of managing and engaging stakeholders in an international/matrix and multi-cultural environment Strategic and analytical thinking coupled with commercial acumen and swift decision-making Constantly striving to improve current ways of working (CI) and create value Highly effective communicator both in writing and face-to-face. Able to adapt messaging to deliver required results cross-functionally and at all levels Development and coaching skills to build a high-performing team and help team members achieve their potential Desire to raise the brand of finance both within the UK, Europe and wider global business Inquisitive and curious, proactively seeking out potential improvements and not only flag but provide solutions to potential problems before they arise Due to the size and scale of the business, it will be advantageous if candidates can demonstrate a history of operating within and navigating matrix-style organisations. This presents a great opportunity for candidates to join a leading business with a wider leadership team who want the input of a commercial finance leader and where they can put their mark on the business.