At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the finance function and drive strategic decisions in a growing manufacturing business.
- Company: Dynamic £20m privately owned manufacturing company with ambitious leadership.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, hybrid working, and 22 days annual leave.
- Other info: Join a hands-on team where your insights will directly impact growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of a thriving business and progress to Finance Director.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in manufacturing finance and strong management accounting skills.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 80000 £ per year.
This isn’t a “keep the lights on” finance role. This is a chance to step into a £20m, privately owned manufacturing business with real momentum - and help shape what it becomes next. The business is growing. The foundations are solid. The leadership team is ambitious but knows they need a commercially sharp, operationally credible Head of Finance to sit at the table and challenge, guide, and scale. If you’re the kind of person who wants to move beyond reporting numbers to driving decisions, this is where it happens. And yes — this role has a clear path to Finance Director.
What You’ll Actually Be Doing
- Owning the full finance function — but more importantly, improving it
- Partnering with the CEO and senior leadership on strategy, growth, and investment decisions
- Turning data into commercial insight — margins, product lines, cost drivers
- Leading budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow management in a manufacturing environment
- Getting into the detail of inventory, production costs, and operational efficiency
- Building and refining MI that actually gets used
- Supporting international expansion plans — new markets, currencies, complexity
- Driving process improvements across finance and the wider business
- Preparing the business for its next phase of scale (and potentially investment)
What Success Looks Like
- The leadership team sees you as a true business partner, not just “finance”
- The numbers are not only accurate - they’re useful, forward-looking, and actionable
- Margins improve because you’ve challenged assumptions and sharpened decisions
- The business is ready to scale internationally without financial growing pains
- You’re being positioned as the natural successor to Finance Director
What They’re Looking For
- Proven experience in a manufacturing environment (non-negotiable)
- Strong grounding in management accounts, forecasting, and cash flow
- Clear understanding of cost of goods, stock, and operational finance
- Commercial instinct - able to influence, not just report
- Comfortable in an SME - hands-on, adaptable, no ego
- Someone who naturally questions and improves how things are done
Package & Working Setup
- Salary of circa £80,000
- Bonus
- Hybrid working
- 22 days annual leave plus bank holidays
- Progression to Finance Director
Head of Finance employer: Cameron Pink
Join a dynamic and ambitious privately owned manufacturing business where your expertise as Head of Finance will not only be valued but essential in shaping the future of the company. With a clear path to Finance Director, you'll thrive in a culture that encourages innovation and strategic thinking, while enjoying benefits like hybrid working, competitive salary, and generous annual leave. This is more than just a finance role; it's an opportunity to drive meaningful change and growth in a supportive environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Finance
✨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 those interviews by researching the company inside out. Understand their financials, recent news, and growth strategies. This will help you speak their language and show them you’re genuinely interested in being part of their journey.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your commercial instincts! During interviews, share examples of how you've turned data into actionable insights in previous roles. This will demonstrate that you’re not just about the numbers but also about driving decisions.
✨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 platform.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Finance
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Finance:When you’re writing your application, let your enthusiasm for finance shine through! We want to see that you’re not just about crunching numbers but are genuinely excited about driving decisions and shaping the future of a growing business.
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your experience in a manufacturing environment. We’re looking for someone who understands the ins and outs of operational finance, so don’t be shy about showcasing your relevant skills and achievements in your application.
Be Clear and Concise:We appreciate clarity! When detailing your past roles and responsibilities, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use bullet points if it helps, and make sure your key achievements stand out — we want to see how you’ve made an impact!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cameron Pink
✨Know Your Numbers
Before the interview, make sure you’re well-versed in the financial metrics relevant to the manufacturing sector. Brush up on your understanding of cost of goods, margins, and cash flow management. Being able to discuss these figures confidently will show that you’re not just a number cruncher but someone who can drive decisions.
✨Show Your Strategic Side
Prepare examples of how you've partnered with leadership teams in the past to influence strategy and growth. Think about specific instances where your financial insights led to actionable outcomes. This will demonstrate that you’re ready to step beyond traditional finance roles and into a more strategic position.
✨Be Hands-On and Adaptable
In a small to medium-sized enterprise (SME), being hands-on is crucial. Be ready to discuss how you’ve tackled challenges in a dynamic environment. Share stories that highlight your adaptability and willingness to roll up your sleeves, as this aligns perfectly with what they’re looking for.
✨Prepare for Process Improvement Questions
Expect questions about how you’ve driven process improvements in finance and across the business. Have specific examples ready that showcase your ability to question the status quo and implement changes that have led to operational efficiency. This will help position you as a forward-thinking candidate.
