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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, significant 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 meaningful change and develop leadership capabilities in a supportive environment.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ 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 With outdated systems being replaced and a full ERP implementation about to begin, the successful candidate will take ownership of finance end‐to‐end.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 £80,000 and £100,000 with a discretionary but significant bonus 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.
Seniority level: Director
Employment type: Full-time
Job function: Finance Manufacturing
Head of Finance and Commercial Performance in Middleton 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 Middleton
✨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. Since this role is all about leading through transition, show that you understand their journey and how your skills can help them navigate it. Tailor your examples to highlight your hands-on experience in similar situations.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply; engage! When you submit your application through our website, follow up with a friendly email to the hiring manager. Express your enthusiasm for the role and mention something specific about the company that excites you. It shows initiative and can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your background in finance and manufacturing makes you the perfect fit for this pivotal role. Focus on your ability to bring clarity and control to financial processes, and how you can embed commercial thinking into operational decisions.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Finance and Commercial Performance in Middleton
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 hands-on experience in finance, especially in manufacturing, and showcase any relevant achievements that demonstrate your ability to bring clarity and control to financial processes.
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. Mention your experience with ERP systems and how you've successfully led financial transformations in the past. Keep it engaging and personal – we want to see your passion!
Showcase Your Leadership Style: In your application, emphasise your calm and resilient leadership style. Share examples of how you've coached teams or influenced operational decisions with a commercial mindset. We’re looking for someone who can roll up their sleeves and lead by example!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this pivotal role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about our company and what we stand for.
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 manufacturing and be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive decisions in the past. This shows you’re not just about the numbers but understand their impact on the business.
✨Showcase Your Hands-On Experience
This role requires someone who enjoys getting stuck in. Prepare examples from your previous roles where you’ve rolled up your sleeves to implement systems or processes. Highlight your experience with ERP changes and how you’ve led teams through transitions.
✨Build a Partnership Mindset
You’ll be working closely with the Operations Director, so it’s crucial to show that you can collaborate effectively. Think of examples where you’ve partnered with operational teams to embed financial thinking into their decision-making. This will demonstrate your ability to bridge the gap between finance and operations.
✨Emphasise Your Leadership Style
The company is looking for a calm and credible leader. Be prepared to discuss your leadership style and how you coach and develop others. Share stories that illustrate your low-ego approach and how you’ve fostered a culture of collaboration and resilience in your teams.
