Finance Director
Location: Derby / Derbyshire (Hybrid Working)
Up to £90k per annum + benefits
12-18 Month Fixed Term Contract
The Opportunity
We are a well-established British luxury manufacturing business with a strong heritage in craftsmanship, quality, and product excellence. Operating within a vertically integrated model, we manage the full journey from raw materials through to finished goods, balancing demand, production, and inventory with precision.
We are now seeking an exceptional Finance Director to join us on an 12-18 month fixed term contract, playing a critical role in strengthening financial performance, enhancing control, and driving stability during a key period for the business.
This is a highly influential, hands-on role, not simply overseeing finance, but actively shaping how the business operates. You will bring clarity to decision-making, discipline to cost and cash, and rigour to forecasting and performance.
The Role
As Finance Director, you will take full ownership of the financial health of the business, with a particular focus on cash generation, working capital optimisation, and aligning financial insight with operational decision-making.
You will operate at the heart of the organisation, partnering closely with commercial and operational teams to ensure financial thinking drives business behaviour.
Key Responsibilities
Cash & Liquidity Leadership
Own and continuously refine a robust cash forecasting framework
Deliver clear visibility of short-, medium-, and long-term cash positions
Lead rolling cash forecasting cycles with defined assumptions and risk analysis
Embed discipline through variance analysis and forecast accuracy tracking
Provide clear, insight-led reporting to senior stakeholders
Use cash as a central lens to influence investment, cost, and strategic decisions
Drive a cash-first mindset across the organisation
Financial Planning & Control
Lead the budgeting and forecasting cycle
Define and manage the businesss affordability envelope
Track performance against budget, including investment and cost control
Drive accountability across cost centres
Working Capital & Inventory
Lead strategy across stock, debtors, and creditors
Partner with Sales, Production, and Operations to optimise stock levels
Improve stock turn, reduce obsolescence, and enhance cash conversion
Provide clear visibility of stock risks and provisions
Operational & Commercial Alignment
Align sales forecasts with production planning and capacity
Support data-led demand and supply modelling
Provide insight into product profitability, cost drivers, and margins
Challenge pricing, discounting, and product mix decisions where required
Lead cost discipline initiatives without compromising brand integrity
Governance & Risk
Maintain strong financial controls and compliance
Lead year-end processes and audit relationships
Proactively identify and manage financial and operational risks
Leadership & Stakeholder Engagement
Develop and lead a high-performing finance function
Build financial awareness across the wider business
Act as a trusted partner to the Managing Director and Board
Deliver clear, forward-looking insight to support decision-making
Manage relationships with external stakeholders including banks and advisors
About You
Experience
Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA or CIMA)
Proven experience within a manufacturing or product-led environment
Strong track record of improving financial performance and cash management
Experience working closely with operational teams (production, supply chain, sales)
Background within SME or owner-led businesses is highly desirable
Capabilities
Deep understanding of cashflow, working capital, and operational finance
Strong forecasting, planning, and analytical capability
Commercially astute, able to translate financial insight into action
Comfortable operating both strategically and at a detailed level
Personal Style
Pragmatic, resilient, and hands-on
Confident in challenging and influencing at senior levels
Structured, disciplined, and detail-oriented
Collaborative, with clear authority and presence
Whats on Offer
18-month fixed term contract with a significant opportunity to make a tangible impact
Hybrid working (initial on-site presence required, moving to a minimum of 2 days per week in the office)
37 days holiday (including public holidays)
5x Life Assurance
Company car or car allowance
Company sick pay
Salary sacrifice pension (up to 6% matched contributions)
This is a rare opportunity to step into a pivotal leadership role during a critical period, where you will directly influence performance, stability, and the future direction of the business.
TPBN1_UKTJ