Finance Director – Manufacturing

Our client is a fast-growing group of manufacturing businesses, backed by an international ownership group with an active acquisition strategy. They are looking for a Finance Director to lead finance for one of their key divisions, which manufactures complex engineered components across two sites.

The division has a turnover of around £50m, and its order book is currently 25% ahead of last year, so the trajectory is strong. With further acquisitions planned, this is a chance to join at an exciting stage and help shape the next phase of growth.

This is a hands-on, visible role. You will partner directly with the UK Managing Director on day-to-day decisions, with a dotted line of reporting into the corporate finance team in the US. You will be a regular presence on the shop floor, with both the factory teams and the people behind the numbers.

The role

You will lead a team of four experienced, well-established finance professionals who know the business well and will help you settle in quickly. Your focus will be on commercial partnership as much as financial control.

Commercial and strategic

Act as the Managing Director’s right hand on commercial decision-making, pricing and investment

Analyse profitability by product line and customer, and drive action where margins need improving

Support the business through rapid growth, including capacity, working capital and capital expenditure planning

Financial control and reporting

Own the monthly management accounts process, with accurate, timely and insightful reporting to the MD and the US group

Lead budgeting, forecasting and rolling forecasts, with clear variance analysis

Oversee the balance sheet, including inventory valuation, WIP, cost accounting and standard costing

Manage cash flow, working capital, credit control and banking relationships

Ensure robust internal controls, accounting policies and month-end and year-end close disciplines

Oversee statutory accounts, audit, corporation tax, VAT and other compliance, working with external advisers

Meet group reporting requirements and deadlines for the US corporate finance team

Leadership and improvement

Lead, develop and motivate the finance team, building on its strong foundations

Strengthen finance systems, processes and KPIs as the business scales

Provide clear, practical financial insight to non-finance colleagues across both sites

About you

Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)

Previous senior finance experience in manufacturing or engineering, ideally at Financial Controller, Head of Finance or Finance Director level

Strong commercial acumen, with proven experience of product and customer profitability analysis and cost accounting

Confident working closely with a managing director and reporting into an overseas parent

Ambitious, driven and hands-on, comfortable being visible on site and building credibility with operational teams

A natural leader who can build on the strengths of an established team

Experience of acquisitions, integration or rapid growth would be a strong advantage

Based within commuting distance of Blackburn, as the role requires a regular on-site presence

What’s on offer

Salary of £85-90,000

Annual performance-related bonus

9% employer pension contribution

Private medical cover

A genuine opportunity to grow with a business that has investment, momentum and ambitious plans

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