Head of Finance in Loughborough

Head of Finance – Engineering & Manufacturing

Are you a commercially minded finance leader who enjoys influencing business decisions rather than simply reporting the numbers?

Would you like to take financial ownership of a £30m manufacturing business, with the backing of a €2bn global organisation?

Looking for an opportunity that offers genuine progression towards a Finance Director position?

I'm supporting an established international engineering manufacturer in the appointment of a Head of Finance.

The business designs and manufactures specialist process equipment, including filtration and separation technologies, for customers across aerospace, pharmaceuticals, life sciences, chemicals and general industry.

Operating as a £30m business unit within a €2bn German-headquartered group, the organisation combines the resources and stability of a global business with the autonomy and influence of a smaller manufacturing operation.

The Opportunity

This is a highly visible, commercially focused leadership role where you'll take ownership of financial performance while working closely with the senior leadership team.

You'll oversee everything from management accounts, budgeting and forecasting through to manufacturing cost control, working capital, financial reporting and strategic business partnering.

The business is also looking to modernise its finance processes, improve reporting and make better use of technology – giving you the opportunity to challenge existing ways of working and drive meaningful change.

Importantly, this position offers a clear opportunity for professional development and potential progression into a Finance Director role as part of the organisation's longer-term succession planning.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting and performance management for the £30m business unit.
• Partner with Operations, Production, Supply Chain and Commercial teams to improve profitability, margins and operational efficiency.
• Oversee manufacturing finance, including standard costing, inventory, COGS, working capital and variance analysis.
• Manage group reporting, financial consolidation, statutory requirements, audits and internal controls.
• Drive finance transformation, improving ERP systems, reporting automation, financial processes and team capability.

What We're Looking For

• Fully qualified accountant (CIMA, ACCA, ACA or equivalent) with experience as a Head of Finance, Financial Controller or Finance Manager.
• Strong background within engineering, manufacturing or industrial equipment, ideally involving complex products.
• Excellent understanding of manufacturing finance, standard costing, inventory, financial reporting and commercial analysis.
• Experience within an international group environment, including financial controls, reporting and senior stakeholder management.
• Proactive, commercially minded leader who enjoys developing people, challenging processes and influencing business decisions.

Why Consider It?

This isn't simply a role focused on maintaining the finance function.

You'll have the opportunity to shape how finance supports the wider business, lead improvement initiatives and become a key commercial partner to the leadership team.

With the backing of a €2bn international organisation, you'll benefit from stability, autonomy, senior-level exposure and a potential pathway towards Finance Director.

If you're an experienced finance leader who enjoys manufacturing, commercial business partnering and driving business performance, I'd be keen to speak with you.

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