At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape financial strategy and drive operational performance in a fast-growing manufacturing group.
- Company: Join a dynamic, PE-backed manufacturing firm with a strong growth trajectory.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus potential, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with significant scope for influence and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on financial strategy and operational efficiency in a thriving environment.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with FP&A experience and advanced Excel skills.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 84000 £ per year.
Cedar has been exclusively retained by a mid-market Private Equity firm to appoint an ambitious FP&A Manager into one of its high-performing portfolio businesses, a fast-growing, £30m turnover manufacturing group. This is a superb opportunity for a commercially astute, hands-on FP&A professional to work closely with the Finance Director and play a pivotal role in shaping financial strategy, driving operational performance, and delivering meaningful insight across the business. Ideal for a qualified finance professional ready to step up from an FP&A or Commercial Finance role, this position offers significant scope for influence and development within a PE-backed environment experiencing strong organic growth and investment.
Role responsibilities:
- Supporting the Finance Director with effective reporting, forecasting, budgeting, and analysis.
- Partnering with operational and site leaders to identify opportunities for efficiency, cost reduction, and margin enhancement.
- Performing detailed analysis of product and customer profitability.
- Monitoring and reporting on stock management, including slow-moving provisions, and driving initiatives to optimise working capital.
- Supporting the development and maintenance of standard costings (BOMs, labour rates, overhead absorption, etc.).
- Leading continuous improvement projects to enhance systems, processes, and reporting capabilities.
- Preparing insightful management reports and KPIs, analysing variances, and communicating key findings to stakeholders.
- Assisting with cashflow forecasting, external reporting, and annual budgeting cycles.
- Providing ad-hoc financial modelling and strategic analysis to support key business initiatives.
Experience you will need to be successful in this role:
- Qualified accountant (ACA/ACCA/CIMA) with proven post-qualification experience in FP&A, commercial finance, or business partnering roles.
- Experience within manufacturing, engineering, or product-based environments.
- Advanced Excel skills and familiarity with BI tools (Power BI, SQL, or NetSuite experience advantageous).
- Strong interpersonal skills, capable of building relationships across all levels of the business.
- A proactive mindset, always seeking to drive performance and continuous improvement.
- Hands-on, self-starter who can get under the skin of the numbers.
- Willingness to travel occasionally to other UK sites.
FP&A Manager employer: Cedar
Cedar is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration in the field of major rail infrastructure projects. With a strong focus on employee growth, we provide ample opportunities for career progression alongside competitive benefits such as private medical insurance. Join us in a vibrant location where your expertise in M&E construction will be valued and rewarded.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land FP&A Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance and manufacturing sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself to potential employers. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by doing your homework. Understand the company’s financials, their market position, and recent news. We want you to walk in with insights that show you’re not just another candidate, but someone who’s genuinely interested in shaping their financial strategy.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills with real examples! When discussing your experience, highlight specific projects where you’ve driven performance or improved processes. We love seeing how you’ve made an impact in previous roles, especially in FP&A or commercial finance.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always on the lookout for ambitious candidates like you who are ready to step up and make a difference in a PE-backed environment.
We think you need these skills to ace FP&A Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the FP&A Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience in FP&A, commercial finance, and any hands-on projects you've led. We want to see how you can bring value to our fast-growing manufacturing group!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've driven performance and improved financial strategies in previous positions. Let us know what excites you about joining our team!
Show Off Your Skills:Don’t forget to mention your advanced Excel skills and any experience with BI tools like Power BI or SQL. We’re looking for someone who can dive deep into the numbers, so make sure we see that in your application!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cedar
✨Know Your Numbers
As an FP&A Manager, you'll be expected to have a solid grasp of financial metrics. Brush up on key performance indicators relevant to the manufacturing sector and be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive decisions in your previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Mindset
This role is all about shaping financial strategy. Prepare examples of how you've partnered with operational leaders to identify cost-saving opportunities or enhance margins. Highlight your proactive approach to continuous improvement and how it has benefited past employers.
✨Excel Skills are Key
Given the emphasis on advanced Excel skills, make sure you can demonstrate your proficiency. Be prepared to discuss specific functions or tools you've used in financial modelling and analysis, and consider bringing a portfolio of your work if applicable.
✨Build Rapport with Stakeholders
Strong interpersonal skills are crucial for this position. Think of ways you've successfully built relationships across different levels of an organisation. During the interview, engage with your interviewers and show that you can communicate complex financial insights clearly and effectively.
