UK Finance Director in Birmingham

Overview

Goodfish Group is a group of plastic injection moulding, extrusion and composite businesses, including some B2B and B2C brands like Stique, Puzzlink & Cutterwell. It is owned by a family investment company ("FIC"), headquartered in Birmingham. Since the initial acquisition in 2010, Goodfish has grown from a £1m turnover business in Cannock to a £28m turnover multi-site business, with 75% of its activities currently based in North Wales. As Goodfish continues to grow through acquisition, the centre of activity is likely to change again, but the head office for the manufacturing business is currently based in Cannock.

The Finance Director (FD) will provide financial leadership for the Goodfish Group, whilst also assisting with the FIC’s current and future investments. This dual role includes investigating and evaluating bolt-on and strategic acquisitions for Goodfish and the FIC, as well as negotiating long-term supply agreements, commodity hedging strategies for Goodfish and other investments, pensions, etc.

The Goodfish finance team will report into the FD who is expected to develop, train, nurture and inspire the team, while also spearheading the continuing adoption of digital technologies in financial processes. The FD will drive, review and assist where necessary in the comprehensive monthly internal and external reporting to the FIC and other capital providers, building a close and effective relationship with our funding bank. The Finance Director will work with the existing finance team to ensure robust financial governance, whilst driving value creation and supporting Goodfish’s and the FIC’s growth objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Financial Leadership
  • Lead all financial aspects of Goodfish and the FIC, including investments, property portfolio and carved-out entities, as directed by the shareholders of the FIC.
  • Develop and implement financial strategies aligned with the FIC's objectives, including bolt-on acquisitions, portfolio allocation, M&A, divestitures and restructuring.
  • Oversee budgeting, forecasting and management reporting to provide actionable insights for decision-making by the board.
  • Support the development and management of a network of financial advisers and intermediaries, including tax specialists, to support the FIC’s search for new investment opportunities.
• M&A, Bolt-On Acquisitions & Portfolio Allocation
  • Oversee financial due diligence, valuation and financial integration of acquisitions.
  • Manage selective divestitures and carve-outs as required, ensuring alignment with broader portfolio strategy.
  • Oversee the allocation of capital across the portfolio to optimise risk-adjusted returns.
• Financial Modelling and Analysis
  • Build and maintain integrated financial models for all investments, including scenario analysis and sensitivity testing for property and business unit performance.
  • Critique and prepare cash flow forecasts for banks and other stakeholders.
• Supply Agreements & Commodity Hedging Strategies
  • Manage supply agreements and commodity hedging strategies to ensure optimal terms and alignment with the Company’s strategic and financial objectives.
  • Liaise with suppliers, consultants and internal stakeholders to assess cost efficiency, risk exposure, and long-term value in procurement and hedging activities.
• Digital Technologies in Finance
  • Support our in-house developers in the creation, improvement and implementation of digital technologies to automate financial accounting practices, invoice processing and related functions.
  • Drive adoption of digital tools to improve efficiency, accuracy and insight in financial operations.
• Monthly Trend Analysis & Reporting
  • Conduct detailed monthly trend analysis on all investments, reporting on changes in value, yield, and returns.
  • Prepare and present monthly reports on Return on Capital Employed (ROCE) for each investment and at the consolidated group level.
  • Track and report monthly cash management improvements, highlighting actions taken to improve working capital and enhance ROCE.
• Finance Team Development
  • Manage, mentor and develop the Finance team within the operating companies.
  • Foster an environment of continuous learning, ensuring team members are regularly up-skilled and supported in their career development.
  • Implement structured training, coaching and professional development plans tailored to individual and team needs.
• Stakeholder Management
  • Act as the primary finance contact for external advisers, banks, auditors and tax consultants.
  • Produce year-end statutory accounts for all entities.
  • Review and challenge year-end tax calculations and cash flow reconciliations.
• Governance and Compliance
  • Ensure robust internal controls, compliance with relevant regulations and timely completion of audits and tax filings.
  • Oversee risk management and implement best practices in financial operations.

Key Requirements

• Professional Qualifications: ACA or equivalent.
• Experience:
  • Significant experience as a Finance Director or senior finance leader in a family office, holding company or private investment group.
  • Demonstrable track record in bolt-on acquisitions, including of distressed companies.
  • Strong experience in building and managing integrated financial models for diverse investment portfolios.
  • Experience in managing supply agreements and commodity hedging strategies.
  • Proven ability to lead the adoption of digital technologies in finance functions.
  • Experience in monthly trend analysis, ROCE reporting and cash management improvements.
• Skills:
  • Advanced financial modelling and analytical skills.
  • Excellent communication and negotiation skills.
  • Strong leadership and team management abilities.
  • High attention to detail, strategic vision, and adaptability.
• Desirable:
  • Experience with property carve-outs, restructuring and selective divestitures.
  • Familiarity with private equity, family office and trade sale processes.
  • Exposure to international tax and multi-jurisdictional structures.
  • Knowledge of commodity markets, supply agreements and hedging strategies.
  • Experience with using technology to track manufacturing inputs and outputs automatically.

Personal Attributes

• Commercially astute, discreet and trustworthy.
• Proactive, hands-on and results-driven.
• Able to thrive in a dynamic, entrepreneurial environment.
• A sense of fun and holistic perspective.

Remuneration

• Competitive Salary: A six-figure base salary will be highly competitive and reflect how closely the candidate meets the required and desirable attributes outlined above.
• Benefits Package: Pension scheme, health insurance, car allowance.
• Performance Bonus: An annual performance bonus will be awarded based on improvements in cash Return on Capital Employed (ROCE).

This job description provides a comprehensive overview of the Finance Director role but is not exhaustive and may be amended to suit the evolving needs of the business.