Finance Director - Manufacturing in Blackburn

Our client is a fast-growing group of manufacturing businesses, backed by an international ownership group with an active acquisition strategy. They are looking for a Finance Director to lead finance for one of their key divisions, which manufactures complex engineered components across two sites. The division has a turnover of around £50m, and its order book is currently 25% ahead of last year, so the trajectory is strong. With further acquisitions planned, this is a chance to join at an exciting stage and help shape the next phase of growth. This is a hands-on, visible role. You will partner directly with the UK Managing Director on day-to-day decisions, with a dotted line of reporting into the corporate finance team in the US. You will be a regular presence on the shop floor, with both the factory teams and the people behind the numbers. The role You will lead a team of four experienced, well-established finance professionals who know the business well and will help you settle in quickly. Your focus will be on commercial partnership as much as financial control. Commercial and strategic * Act as the Managing Director’s right hand on commercial decision-making, pricing and investment * Analyse profitability by product line and customer, and drive action where margins need improving * Support the business through rapid growth, including capacity, working capital and capital expenditure planning Financial control and reporting * Own the monthly management accounts process, with accurate, timely and insightful reporting to the MD and the US group * Lead budgeting, forecasting and rolling forecasts, with clear variance analysis * Oversee the balance sheet, including inventory valuation, WIP, cost accounting and standard costing * Manage cash flow, working capital, credit control and banking relationships * Ensure robust internal controls, accounting policies and month-end and year-end close disciplines * Oversee statutory accounts, audit, corporation tax, VAT and other compliance, working with external advisers * Meet group reporting requirements and deadlines for the US corporate finance team Leadership and improvement * Lead, develop and motivate the finance team, building on its strong foundations * Strengthen finance systems, processes and KPIs as the business scales * Provide clear, practical financial insight to non-finance colleagues across both sites About you * Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) * Previous senior finance experience in manufacturing or engineering, ideally at Financial Controller, Head of Finance or Finance Director level * Strong commercial acumen, with proven experience of product and customer profitability analysis and cost accounting * Confident working closely with a managing director and reporting into an overseas parent * Ambitious, driven and hands-on, comfortable being visible on site and building credibility with operational teams * A natural leader who can build on the strengths of an established team * Experience of acquisitions, integration or rapid growth would be a strong advantage * Based within commuting distance of Blackburn, as the role requires a regular on-site presence What’s on offer * Salary of £85-90,000 * Annual performance-related bonus * 9% employer pension contribution * Private medical cover * A genuine opportunity to grow with a business that has investment, momentum and ambitious plans Everlinked is operating as an equal opportunities employement agency