At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial performance and strategy in a dynamic manufacturing environment.
- Company: Forgeway, a leading UK manufacturer of high-performance adhesives.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonus, and impactful leadership role.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team and shape the future of the business.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in a growing SME with your financial expertise.
- Qualifications: Fully qualified accountant with senior finance leadership experience.
The predicted salary is between 85000 - 100000 £ per year.
Forgeway is a UK manufacturer of high-performance adhesives and sealants, trusted by customers across automotive, marine, rail, aerospace and construction. For 30 years we've been solving complex bonding challenges — and as we continue to grow, we're looking for a commercially-minded Head of Finance to lead our finance function and help shape the next chapter of the business. This is a genuinely broad, hands-on leadership role.
You'll own financial performance, planning and control for the business, while working closely with Sales, Operations and Production to turn numbers into decisions and reporting into the Managing Director. It's a role for someone who wants real influence in an SME environment — not just a seat at the table, but a voice in the room.
As Head of Finance, you'll be the senior finance leader for Forgeway, responsible for financial stewardship, planning and control across the business. You'll lead a small team and act as a trusted adviser to the Managing Director and wider leadership team — balancing hands-on delivery with strategic financial leadership.
What You'll Be Doing
- Own financial performance, governance and control, ensuring the business achieves its revenue, profit, cashflow and working capital objectives.
- Lead the annual budget, forecasts and long-range financial plans, aligned to business strategy and operational capability.
- Deliver accurate, timely financial reporting with meaningful insight into performance, risks and opportunities.
- Drive profitability through cost management, margin analysis and commercial decision-making — partnering closely with Sales and Operations.
- Monitor and optimise working capital, with particular focus on inventory, receivables and cashflow.
- Provide commercial analysis on pricing, product profitability and investment decisions to support growth.
- Lead, coach and develop a finance team, building both technical and commercial capability.
- Act as the key financial contact for shareholders, auditors, advisers and banking partners.
About You
- Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA or CIMA).
- Significant experience in a senior finance leadership role.
- Experience within manufacturing, industrial, chemical or product-led environments is essential.
- Strong FP&A, management accounting and financial control expertise.
- Demonstrable commercial finance experience supporting business growth and profitability.
- Experience leading and developing finance teams.
- Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills, with the ability to translate financial information into clear business insight.
- Comfortable balancing strategic thinking with hands-on delivery in a fast-moving SME.
Alongside a competitive salary, you'll receive:
- Salary of £85,000 – £100,000, dependent on experience.
- Performance bonus linked to company profitability.
- The opportunity to make a genuine, visible impact as part of the senior leadership team of a growing SME.
Founded in 1994, Forgeway has grown into one of the leading adhesive manufacturers in the UK, known for solving complex bonding challenges across automotive, marine, rail, aerospace and construction markets. Our promise — "Glue with High IQ" — reflects our belief that great adhesion is about more than the product; it's about the knowledge, service and partnership we bring to every customer.
Ready to lead finance at Forgeway?
Head of Finance in Exeter employer: Forgeway Limited
Forgeway Limited is an excellent employer that prioritises employee development and collaboration in a dynamic work environment. With a strong focus on innovation and quality, employees benefit from advanced technology and a commitment to continuous improvement, all while working in a supportive culture that values safety and efficiency. Located in the vibrant areas of Newton Abbot and Exeter, Forgeway offers unique opportunities for growth and skill enhancement in the fast-evolving adhesive solutions industry.
