At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial operations, planning, and forecasting in a dynamic manufacturing environment.
- Company: Established UK manufacturing business with a strong order book and local autonomy.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus scheme, pension, and generous holiday allowance.
- Why this job: Join a pivotal role in a growing company and make a real impact on financial leadership.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with experience in manufacturing and senior finance leadership.
- Other info: Opportunity for career progression and mentoring within a supportive team.
The predicted salary is between 90000 - 110000 £ per year.
A rare opportunity to step into a senior Finance Director role within a well-established, value-added manufacturing business, operating at meaningful scale and entering its next phase of evolution. This appointment is being managed on a retained basis, reflecting the seniority and long-term importance of the role. It facilitates a planned retirement and offers a structured handover, continuity of leadership and the opportunity to progressively strengthen the finance function as the business continues to grow in complexity, capability and expectation.
The Business Context
Our client is a long-standing UK manufacturing organisation with revenues of c.£80m, a multi-site footprint and a strong, multi-year order book. The business operates in a bespoke manufacturing environment where planning, inventory, margin and capital discipline are critical to performance. Following acquisition into a wider group structure, the business retains significant local autonomy, with group governance and reporting expectations increasing in a pragmatic, phased way over time. This role sits at the centre of that balance.
The Role
As Finance Director, you will be the senior finance leader for the business, reporting directly to the Managing Director with a dotted-line into Group Finance. This is a hands‑on leadership role combining:
- Strong operational finance grip
- Clear, credible commercial insight
- Progressive improvement of systems, processes and governance
You will act as a trusted partner to site leadership and wider operational and commercial teams, while serving as a confident and constructive interface with group stakeholders.
Key Areas of Focus
- Full ownership of financial control, planning, forecasting and cash management
- Improving confidence in monthly reporting, margin visibility, inventory and WIP
- Supporting sales‑led forecasting in a bespoke manufacturing environment
- Leading budgeting, CAPEX planning and investment appraisal
- Strengthening financial disciplines without creating unnecessary bureaucracy
- Supporting future ERP / MRP evolution, translating business needs into practical delivery
- Developing and mentoring an established finance team, with succession in mind
This is not a hands‑off strategic role, nor is it a firefighting assignment. It suits a commercially grounded Finance Director who enjoys being close to the operation and building trust through clarity and consistency.
The Person
- A qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA or CIMA)
- Currently operating at Finance Director or equivalent senior finance leadership level
- Experienced within manufacturing or value‑added industrial environments
- Comfortable working in organisations where systems and data maturity are still evolving
- Confident operating within group or post‑acquisition structures, where alignment develops over time
Most importantly, you bring a practical leadership style, communicate clearly with non‑finance colleagues and are confident providing constructive challenge at both site and group level.
Package
- Base salary: £90,000–£110,000 depending on experience
- Bonus: Director‑level scheme, up to 30 percent, linked to profitability and performance
- Benefits: Pension, holiday allowance and standard senior leadership benefits
Finance Director employer: Consortium Professional Recruitment Ltd
Contact Detail:
Consortium Professional Recruitment Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Director
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance and manufacturing sectors. Attend industry events or webinars to meet potential employers and get your name out there. Remember, it’s all about who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company inside out. Understand their financial challenges and be ready to discuss how your experience can help them navigate their next phase of evolution. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re the solution they need!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You want to convey your leadership style and operational finance grip clearly. Role-play with a friend or mentor to refine your delivery and ensure you come across as confident and credible.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities that might just be the perfect fit for you. Plus, it’s a great way to show your interest in joining our community at StudySmarter.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that align with the Finance Director role. Highlight your operational finance experience and any relevant achievements in manufacturing environments to catch our eye!
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 your passion for finance and how your leadership style can contribute to our evolving business.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: We want to see how you lead and develop teams. Include examples of how you've mentored finance professionals or improved financial processes in your previous roles. This will help us understand your hands-on approach!
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Consortium Professional Recruitment Ltd
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Finance Director, you’ll need to demonstrate a strong grasp of financial metrics. Brush up on key figures related to cash flow, margin visibility, and forecasting. Be ready to discuss how you've improved these areas in your previous roles.
✨Understand the Business Context
Familiarise yourself with the manufacturing sector and the specific challenges it faces. Research the company’s history, its multi-site operations, and how it fits into the wider group structure. This will help you speak confidently about how you can add value.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare examples that highlight your practical leadership approach. Discuss how you’ve developed finance teams and improved processes without adding unnecessary bureaucracy. This is crucial for building trust with both finance and non-finance colleagues.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-world scenarios. Think about past experiences where you had to provide constructive challenge or navigate complex group dynamics. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.