Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead finance operations, implement systems, and drive commercial performance in a dynamic manufacturing environment.
- Company: Established UK SME known for high-quality engineering products and strong industry reputation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonus, and comprehensive benefits package.
- Why this job: Be a key player in transforming finance and shaping the future of a respected company.
- Qualifications: Qualified finance professional with hands-on manufacturing experience and strong commercial mindset.
- Other info: Opportunity to lead significant change and develop leadership capabilities in a supportive environment.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
About the Company
Our client is a long-established UK SME manufacturing and engineering business operating in a specialist industrial sector. With decades of heritage and a strong reputation for well-engineered, high-quality products that offer genuine value for money, the business is regarded as one of the go-to names within its niche. All design, manufacture and assembly are carried out in-house, giving the company full control over quality, lead times and bespoke customer requirements. Now backed by a long-term investment group, the business is entering a significant period of transition. Founder-led operations are gradually being replaced with more structured, data-led ways of working, supported by major investment in systems, processes and leadership capability.
About the Role
This Head of Finance role is a senior, hands-on, leadership position at the heart of the business operating as number 1 in Finance deputising the MD. The role exists to bring clarity, control and commercial discipline to an organisation that has historically relied on experience and intuition rather than robust financial insight. With outdated systems being replaced and a full ERP implementation about to begin, the successful candidate will take ownership of finance end-to-end. From core financial control where robust management information needs to be built, through to costing, pricing, procurement and commercial performance.
A critical element of the role will be working in close partnership with the Operations Director, who brings deep technical and operational expertise but limited exposure to working alongside a finance leader. The Head of Finance will play a key role in building this capability, embedding commercial thinking into operational decision-making. This is not a corporate finance role. It suits someone who enjoys rolling their sleeves up, building structure where little exists, getting stuck in to the detail and leading a business through meaningful and significant change.
Requirements
- Qualified finance professional (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or QBE with strong manufacturing experience)
- Significant experience in a manufacturing or engineered environment
- Hands-on exposure to inventory, WIP, project costing and margin analysis
- Experience leading or heavily involved in systems or ERP change
- Strong commercial mindset with the confidence to challenge operational decisions
- Ability to work effectively in a traditional, operationally led environment
- Calm, resilient and credible leadership style with a low-ego approach and coaching mindset.
Salary, Benefits & Opportunity
Salary for this position is negotiable between £70,000 and £90,000 with a bonus to be agreed based on performance along with all other usual benefits to be discussed. More importantly, it offers the opportunity to step into a genuinely pivotal role within a business at a major point of its journey. The successful candidate will shape how the company measures performance, prices work, controls cost and manages risk, while playing a central role in the leadership transition and long-term future of the organisation.
A detailed and thorough Job Details document will be provided following role discussion.
Head of Finance and Commercial Performance in Manchester employer: Hawthorn One
Contact Detail:
Hawthorn One Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Finance and Commercial Performance in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance and manufacturing sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company’s recent changes and challenges. Understand their transition towards data-led operations and think about how your experience can help them navigate this shift. Tailor your responses to show you’re the hands-on leader they need!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your hands-on experience! When discussing your background, highlight specific examples where you’ve implemented systems or led change in a manufacturing environment. This will demonstrate that you’re not just a numbers person but someone who can roll up their sleeves and get things done.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us. Let’s make this happen together!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Finance and Commercial Performance in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Head of Finance and Commercial Performance. Highlight your relevant experience in manufacturing, financial control, and any hands-on ERP implementations you've been involved in. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've led financial transformations or improved commercial performance in previous roles. We love a good story that showcases your skills!
Showcase Your Leadership Style: Since this role requires a calm and credible leadership style, make sure to highlight your approach to leading teams and driving change. We’re looking for someone who can roll up their sleeves and coach others, so share any experiences that demonstrate this mindset.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hawthorn One
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Head of Finance, you’ll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics relevant to the manufacturing sector, such as inventory turnover and margin analysis. Be ready to discuss how you've used these metrics to drive commercial performance in your previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Hands-On Experience
This role requires someone who isn’t afraid to get stuck in. Prepare examples from your past where you’ve rolled up your sleeves to implement systems or processes. Highlight your involvement in ERP changes and how you’ve led teams through transitions, as this will resonate with their current needs.
✨Emphasise Collaboration Skills
You’ll be working closely with the Operations Director, so it’s crucial to showcase your ability to collaborate effectively. Prepare to discuss instances where you’ve partnered with operational teams to embed financial insights into decision-making. This will show that you can bridge the gap between finance and operations.
✨Demonstrate a Coaching Mindset
With a focus on leadership transition, they’re looking for someone with a low-ego approach. Be prepared to talk about how you’ve mentored others in your previous roles. Share specific examples of how you’ve helped colleagues develop their financial understanding and decision-making skills.
