At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead finance function, drive business performance, and provide strategic financial direction.
- Company: Join 2 Sisters Food Group, a leading UK food manufacturer with a rich legacy.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, up to 33 days annual leave, and comprehensive support services.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for career development and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Be part of a collaborative team making a real impact in the food industry.
- Qualifications: Fully qualified accountant with 5+ years in FMCG or manufacturing finance leadership.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 70089 £ per year.
Location: Carlisle
Working Hours: 08:30-17:00, Monday-Friday
About Us: Join 2 Sisters Food Group, one of the UK's largest food manufacturers, with an annual turnover exceeding £3 billion and approximately 13,000 employees across multiple sites. We have a strong presence in poultry, chilled, and bakery food categories. We are committed to delivering high-quality products to the British public and our customers including major retailers like Aldi, Co-op and Marks & Spencer.
About the Role: An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced and commercially astute Head of Finance to join one of our large-scale manufacturing operations. As a key member of the Site Leadership Team, you will be responsible for leading the finance function, driving business performance, and providing strategic financial direction across the site. This role requires a strong finance leader who understands the pace, complexity, and operational challenges of a high-volume FMCG manufacturing environment. You will act as a trusted business partner to the Site Director and senior leadership team, translating financial performance into actionable business decisions while maintaining robust financial control and governance.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead the site finance function, ensuring accurate and timely financial reporting, forecasting, and analysis.
- Partner with the Site Director and operational leadership team to drive business performance and deliver site objectives.
- Own the budgeting, forecasting, and strategic planning processes.
- Provide commercial insight and challenge to support decision-making across operations, engineering, supply chain, and people functions.
- Deliver robust financial controls, compliance, and governance across the site.
- Lead, develop, and mentor the finance team, creating a high-performance culture.
- Identify opportunities for cost optimisation, efficiency improvements, and value creation.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives across finance processes and reporting.
- Present financial performance, risks, and opportunities to senior stakeholders with confidence and clarity.
About You:
- Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).
- Minimum 5 years' post-qualification experience within an FMCG or manufacturing environment.
- Proven experience operating in a senior finance leadership role.
- Strong strategic planning, budgeting, and forecasting expertise.
- Experience partnering with operational leadership teams within a manufacturing setting.
- Demonstrable people leadership experience, including developing teams and driving performance.
- Exceptional communication and presentation skills with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
- Strong commercial acumen and the ability to balance strategic priorities with operational demands.
Why Join Us?
- Work for one of the UK's largest food manufacturers with a proud legacy - from launching the UK's first ready meals to driving modern innovation.
- Be part of a team that values integrity, respect, and continuous improvement.
- Work in a collaborative, values-driven environment where your voice matters.
- Enjoy a competitive salary, opportunities for real career development and a benefits package that includes:
- Up to 33 days Annual Leave including Bank Holidays
- Health Assured Employee Assistance Programme and Grocery Aid, offering confidential support services 365 days a year
- Company Pension Scheme
- Boparan Restaurant Group Discount
- Cycle2Work Scheme
Head of Finance in Carlisle employer: 2 Sisters Food Group
Join 2 Sisters Food Group, a leading player in the UK's food manufacturing sector, where you will thrive in a dynamic and collaborative environment that prioritises integrity and continuous improvement. As the Head of Finance in Carlisle, you will not only lead a high-performing finance team but also enjoy a competitive salary, generous annual leave, and comprehensive support services, all while contributing to a company with a proud legacy and a commitment to innovation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Finance in Carlisle
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like 2 Sisters Food Group. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Finance in Carlisle
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to 2 Sisters Food Group.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on 2 Sisters Food Group's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at 2 Sisters Food Group
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with 2 Sisters Food Group.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at 2 Sisters Food Group will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former 2 Sisters Food Group employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
