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