Part Time Group Finance Director in Blackburn

The Business Hawthorn One are proud to be partnering exclusively with a well-established and evolving manufacturing business operating across a multi-channel environment. Over time, the organisation has built a strong and resilient platform, combining operational capability with a clear understanding of its market and customers. Its integrated model provides control, flexibility and the ability to respond effectively to changing demand, while continued development across channels has created a more balanced and scalable business.

Recent years have marked an important period of change. A refreshed leadership team has stabilised performance and established a clearer strategic direction for the future. With that foundation now in place, the focus has shifted towards building a more commercially driven, data-informed organisation, supported by stronger processes, improved visibility and continued investment in systems and infrastructure. There is also a broader strategic agenda underway. Ownership options are being explored, operational structures are under review, and further evolution of systems and reporting is ongoing. Finance is central to each of these areas, and the incoming Group Financial Director will play a key role in supporting and shaping this next phase.

This is a senior leadership role with genuine scope to influence the direction of the business. Working closely with the Group Managing Director and wider leadership team, the Group Financial Director will provide both financial rigour and commercial perspective, helping to guide decision-making across the organisation. The role goes beyond reporting. It requires someone who can interpret performance, challenge constructively, and bring clarity to complex or evolving situations. There is a solid financial base in place, but an opportunity to further develop how information is used, strengthening insight, improving visibility and embedding greater accountability across the business.

Alongside this, the role will support a number of strategic initiatives, including potential ownership changes, operational development and ongoing investment decisions. It will suit someone comfortable operating with a degree of ambiguity, but able to bring structure, judgement and confidence when it matters.

The Group Financial Director will take ownership of the finance function, leading a capable and established team while continuing to develop its contribution to the wider business. Key areas of focus will include:

• Leading financial planning, budgeting and forecasting, ensuring outputs are clear, accurate and commercially meaningful
• Developing reporting that provides the leadership team with actionable insight
• Strengthening margin visibility and supporting decision-making around performance, pricing and investment
• Partnering with operational and commercial teams to improve financial understanding and accountability
• Maintaining robust financial controls and ensuring compliance with statutory requirements
• Supporting strategic projects, including ownership considerations, systems development and operational change

This is a hands-on role, requiring both attention to detail and the ability to operate at a more strategic level.

The successful candidate will bring a combination of technical strength, commercial awareness and the ability to influence at senior level. You will likely have operated in a senior finance leadership role within an SME or mid-market environment, where you have balanced strategic input with hands-on delivery. Experience of supporting a business through change will be important, whether that be evolving ownership structures, implementing new systems, or helping to shape and deliver a growth strategy.

You will be comfortable engaging with non-finance stakeholders, able to communicate clearly and challenge constructively where needed. A strong sense of ownership, sound judgement and a pragmatic approach will be key. Just as importantly, you will be someone who values collaboration and credibility, recognising that lasting impact comes through building trust and working closely with the wider business.

This role offers the chance to join a business at a meaningful stage in its development. With a stable platform, a clear strategic agenda and an openness to strengthen the role of finance, it provides an environment where an experienced Financial Director can make a tangible and lasting contribution.