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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead finance and operations, driving profitability and efficiency in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join a reputable design-led manufacturer with a strong growth trajectory.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, bonus, health insurance, and 25 days holiday.
- Other info: Opportunity to lead digital transformation initiatives and strategic planning.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a forward-thinking team focused on innovation and excellence.
- Qualifications: Must be ACA, ACCA, or CIMA qualified with senior finance experience.
The predicted salary is between 68000 - 102000 £ per year.
Job Description
Your new companyWe are very pleased to be retained by a privately owned, design-led manufacturer and B2B distributor to recruit a Finance & Operations Director. This is an excellent opportunity to join a profitable and growing business with a strong reputation for delivering high-quality products and dependable service.Headquartered in Clacton-on-Sea, the company has demonstrated consistent growth and profitability, supported by ongoing investment and a loyal and growing customer base across the UK and internationally.
As the business enters an exciting phase of development, the Finance & Operations Director will play a key role in developing technology, strategic planning and day-to-day management of the business.
Your new roleThis is a hands-on, commercially focused position with full ownership of financial operations and strategic oversight across Finance, Purchasing, Production, IT, HR, and Design. Reporting directly to the Group Managing Director and Board, the successful candidate will play a key role in driving profitability, operational efficiency, and continuous improvement.Key Responsibilities:
- Produce accurate and timely monthly management accounts, board packs, and statutory financial reports.
- Lead budgeting, forecasting, and year-end audit processes.
- Manage cash flow, working capital, and ensure compliance with UK tax legislation.
- Drive operational improvements across production, supply chain, and systems.
- Lead digital transformation initiatives in collaboration with IT.
- Support HR in workforce planning, engagement, and compliance.
- Contribute to strategic planning and execution alongside the Group Managing Director and Sales Director.
- Provide financial and operational analysis to support board-level decisions.
- Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
What you'll need to succeed
- ACA, ACCA, or CIMA qualified.
- Proven experience in a senior finance and operations role within manufacturing, engineering, or B2B distribution.
- Strong technical accounting skills and commercial acumen.
- Track record of driving profitability and operational efficiency.
- Collaborative leadership style with excellent interpersonal skills.
- Experience in systems improvement and cross-functional project delivery.
What you'll get in return
- Be part of a profitable, growing business with a clear strategic vision.
- Take ownership of finance and operations with the autonomy to make a real impact.
- Work alongside a passionate and forward-thinking leadership team committed to innovation and excellence.
- Salary: £80,000 to £90,000 pa
- Bonus
- Company Electric Car
- Health insurance
- Life assurance
- 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
What you need to do nowIf you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.If this job isn't quite right for you but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion on your career.
Hays EA is a trading division of Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited and acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C's, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found at hays.co.uk
Finance & Operations Director employer: Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited
Contact Detail:
Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance & Operations Director
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the manufacturing and B2B distribution sectors. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with individuals who may have insights into the company or the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Research the latest trends in finance and operations within the manufacturing industry. Being knowledgeable about current challenges and innovations can help you stand out during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've driven profitability and operational efficiency in previous roles. Tailoring your experiences to align with the company's goals will demonstrate your suitability for the position.
✨Tip Number 4
Familiarise yourself with the company's products and services. Understanding their offerings will allow you to speak more confidently about how you can contribute to their strategic planning and operational improvements.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance & Operations Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your ACA, ACCA, or CIMA qualifications and relevant experience in finance and operations roles, particularly within manufacturing or B2B distribution. Use specific examples to demonstrate your track record in driving profitability and operational efficiency.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your collaborative leadership style and interpersonal skills. Mention how your experience aligns with the company's goals, especially in areas like digital transformation and strategic planning.
Highlight Key Achievements: In your application, emphasise key achievements related to budgeting, forecasting, and managing cash flow. Provide quantifiable results where possible to illustrate your impact on previous organisations.
Research the Company: Familiarise yourself with the company’s history, values, and recent developments. Understanding their focus on high-quality products and dependable service will help you tailor your application and show genuine interest.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited
✨Showcase Your Financial Acumen
As a Finance & Operations Director, you'll need to demonstrate your strong technical accounting skills. Be prepared to discuss your experience with budgeting, forecasting, and managing cash flow. Use specific examples from your past roles to illustrate how you've driven profitability and operational efficiency.
✨Highlight Collaborative Leadership
This role requires a collaborative leadership style, so be ready to share instances where you've successfully led cross-functional teams. Discuss how you foster a culture of accountability and continuous improvement, and how your interpersonal skills have helped you build strong relationships within the organisation.
✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions
Since you'll be contributing to strategic planning alongside the Group Managing Director, it's essential to prepare for discussions around strategic initiatives. Familiarise yourself with the company's current strategies and think about how your experience can align with their goals for growth and innovation.
✨Demonstrate Your Digital Transformation Experience
With a focus on driving digital transformation initiatives, be ready to discuss your experience in systems improvement. Share specific projects where you've implemented technology solutions that enhanced operational efficiency, and explain how these changes benefited the overall business.