At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and operations in a dynamic manufacturing environment.
- Company: Established UK manufacturing business with a strong heritage and family-influenced culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, car allowance, and comprehensive benefits package.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a values-driven organisation.
- Why this job: Join a stable company and make a real impact at the Board level.
- Qualifications: Fully qualified accountant with manufacturing experience and leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 65000 - 90000 £ per year.
A well-established, privately owned UK manufacturing business is seeking to appoint a Finance Director to join its senior leadership team. Operating at c.£22m turnover, the business has a strong and stable trading profile, supported by a robust cash position and long-standing customer relationships across the healthcare sector and international markets. With the planned retirement of the incumbent later this year, this represents a timely opportunity for a commercially focused Finance Director to step into a broad, high-impact role within a values-led organisation.
Reporting to the Managing Director, the Finance Director will take full responsibility for financial strategy and operations, alongside leadership oversight of HR and IT. This is a key Board appointment, offering the opportunity to influence strategic direction while maintaining close involvement in day-to-day operational performance.
Key responsibilities will include:
- Acting as a trusted adviser to the Managing Director and Board on performance, strategy, investment and risk
- Leading budgeting, forecasting and long-term business planning
- Providing clear commercial insight to support decision-making across the business
- Ensuring robust financial control, statutory compliance and audit management
- Driving cash management and working capital optimisation
- Leading and developing Finance, HR and IT functions
- Supporting continuous improvement initiatives, including systems and process enhancement
The role requires a hands-on approach, working closely with operational leaders to translate financial information into actionable insight.
The Context:
- Long-established UK manufacturing business with strong heritage
- Core customer base across regulated and service-led sectors, alongside growing international exposure
- Consistent financial performance with strong cash generation
- Privately owned, family-influenced culture with a long-term outlook
- Lean leadership team offering genuine scope to make an impact
The Candidate:
We are seeking a Finance Director with strong manufacturing experience and the ability to operate effectively within a privately owned SME environment.
Experience and background:
- Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA or CIMA)
- Proven track record within a manufacturing or production-led business
- Experience leading a finance function within an SME or privately owned organisation
- Strong understanding of operational finance, margins, inventory and supply chain
- Experience operating at Board level
Leadership profile:
- Credible, pragmatic and able to operate at both strategic and operational level
- Strong people leader with experience overseeing multi-functional teams
- Comfortable working within a family-owned or founder-led business
Personal attributes:
- Commercially astute and outcome-focused
- Collaborative and capable of influencing across the business
- Hands-on, with a continuous improvement mindset
Why Join:
This role offers a rare opportunity to join a stable, well-performing manufacturing business in a broad and influential leadership position, with:
- A genuine seat at the Board table
- Responsibility across Finance, HR and IT
- Exposure to both UK and international markets
- Opportunity to shape systems, processes and future direction
- A values-driven, privately owned environment
Application guidance: Please include your current location on your CV as part of your application.
Finance Director in Blandford Forum employer: CMA Recruitment Group
Join a well-established, privately owned manufacturing business in Dorset that values its employees and fosters a collaborative work culture. As a Finance Director, you will have the opportunity to influence strategic decisions while leading key functions in a stable environment with strong financial performance and a commitment to continuous improvement. With a focus on employee growth and a genuine seat at the Board table, this role offers a unique chance to make a significant impact within a family-influenced organisation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Director in Blandford Forum
✨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 CMA Recruitment 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 Finance Director in Blandford Forum
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 CMA Recruitment 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 CMA Recruitment 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 CMA Recruitment 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 CMA Recruitment 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 CMA Recruitment 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 CMA Recruitment 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.
