At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the finance function and drive strategic planning for a growing manufacturing company.
- Company: Established privately owned manufacturing firm with a supportive culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, direct influence on business direction, and opportunity for meaningful change.
- Other info: Join a values-driven team and thrive in a fast-paced, product-focused setting.
- Why this job: Shape financial strategy and make a real impact in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with strong experience in manufacturing and operational finance.
The predicted salary is between 90000 - 100000 € per year.
A long-established, privately owned manufacturing company is seeking a strategic, commercially minded Head of Finance to partner directly with the Managing Director and senior leadership team. This is a pivotal role for a finance leader who thrives in a hands-on, product-driven environment and wants to influence the future direction of a growing business. You’ll take full ownership of the finance function while acting as a key strategic advisor—driving cost control, strengthening inventory performance, and supporting long-term growth.
Opportunity
This is a rare chance to step into a role with genuine influence. You’ll shape financial strategy, improve operational performance, and ensure the business is equipped for its next phase of growth. Working closely with the MD, you’ll bring clarity, challenge, and commercial insight to every major decision.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the finance function, ensuring robust financial reporting, controls, and governance
- Produce high-quality monthly management accounts, board packs, KPIs, and performance analysis
- Partner with the MD and senior leadership team to drive strategic planning and business growth
- Lead budgeting, forecasting, cash-flow management, and scenario modelling
- Strengthen cost control across manufacturing, operations, and overheads
- Oversee inventory management, stock accuracy, and working capital optimisation
- Drive margin improvement through product costing, pricing analysis, and operational insight
- Support investment decisions, capital expenditure planning, and ROI analysis
- Lead continuous improvement across systems, processes, and data integrity
- Manage and develop a small finance team, fostering accountability and high performance
- Act as a trusted advisor to the MD, providing challenge, clarity, and commercial direction
Requirements
Experience & Background
- Qualified accountant (ACA/ACCA/CIMA)
- Strong experience in manufacturing, engineering, or product-based environments
- Proven track record in cost control, inventory management, and operational finance
- Confident producing board-level reporting and strategic insight
- Experience partnering with senior leadership teams and influencing decision-making
- Strong understanding of product costing, stock, and manufacturing performance metrics
- Hands-on, proactive, and comfortable operating in an owner-managed business
Personal Attributes
- Commercially sharp with a strategic mindset
- Strong communicator who can challenge constructively and influence at all levels
- Detail-driven, disciplined, and operationally curious
- Comfortable balancing hands-on delivery with strategic leadership
- Thrives in a fast-paced, practical, product-focused environment
Benefits
What’s on Offer
- A strategic leadership role with direct influence on business direction
- Close partnership with an ambitious Managing Director
- Opportunity to shape the finance function and drive meaningful change
- Stable, supportive, and values-driven privately owned environment
- Salary of £90,000 - £100,000 Plus Benefits
Head of Finance in Oxford employer: Arch Law Limited
Join a long-established, privately owned manufacturing company that values strategic leadership and offers a unique opportunity for the Head of Finance to make a significant impact on business direction. With a supportive and values-driven work culture, you will have the chance to shape the finance function, drive meaningful change, and develop your career in a hands-on, product-focused environment. Enjoy competitive remuneration and the satisfaction of influencing the future of a growing business alongside an ambitious Managing Director.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Finance in Oxford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance and manufacturing sectors. Attend industry events or webinars where you can meet potential employers or colleagues. Remember, it’s all about who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company inside out. Understand their financial strategies, recent news, and challenges they face. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you’re genuinely interested in shaping their future.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience in cost control and inventory management can directly benefit the company. Highlight specific examples where you’ve made a difference in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our brand.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Finance in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the job description. Highlight your experience in manufacturing and operational finance, and don’t forget to showcase your strategic mindset and hands-on approach.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for the Head of Finance role. Mention how your background aligns with the company’s goals and how you can drive meaningful change.
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to improve financial performance and cost control. Numbers speak volumes, so include metrics where possible!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Arch Law Limited
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Head of Finance, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key metrics related to cost control, inventory management, and operational finance. Be ready to discuss how you've used these metrics to drive strategic decisions in your previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Mindset
This role requires a commercially sharp individual. Prepare examples of how you've influenced business growth through strategic planning and decision-making. Think about specific scenarios where your insights led to improved performance or cost savings.
✨Communicate Effectively
Strong communication skills are essential for this position. Practice articulating complex financial concepts in a clear and concise manner. Be prepared to explain how you can challenge and influence senior leadership while maintaining a collaborative approach.
✨Demonstrate Hands-On Leadership
The company values a hands-on approach, so be ready to discuss your experience managing finance teams and fostering high performance. Share examples of how you've led budgeting, forecasting, and cash-flow management while ensuring accountability within your team.
