Head of Finance in Workington

Head of Finance in Workington

Workington Full-Time 90000 - 90000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
Heidi Wright Recruitment

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the finance function and drive performance in a high-growth manufacturing business.
  • Company: Dynamic eCommerce and manufacturing company in West Cumbria.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, 33 days holiday, and flexible working hours.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on business growth and profitability while mentoring a small team.
  • Qualifications: Fully qualified finance professional with manufacturing experience and strong analytical skills.
  • Other info: Join a fast-paced environment with opportunities for personal and professional development.

The predicted salary is between 90000 - 90000 £ per year.

The Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced and commercially astute Head of Finance to join a high-growth manufacturing and eCommerce business in West Cumbria. Working closely with the Managing Director/Owner, this is a pivotal leadership role with real influence. You will take ownership of the finance function, providing strategic insight, driving performance, and implementing meaningful financial measures as the business continues its rapid expansion—particularly into international markets. This role requires a strong background within manufacturing, alongside the ability to introduce structure, visibility, and commercially focused reporting—ultimately enabling the business to scale profitably with a clear focus on EBITDA.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead the finance function, overseeing day-to-day operations and managing a small team (2 staff)
  • Produce timely and accurate monthly management accounts, including P&L, balance sheet, and cash flow
  • Deliver clear, commercially focused reporting with meaningful analysis to support decision-making
  • Partner closely with the Managing Director to drive profitability and business performance, with a key focus on EBITDA
  • Design and implement KPIs and performance metrics across the business (production, margin, stock, efficiency)
  • Lead budgeting and forecasting processes aligned to ambitious growth plans
  • Provide insight into product costing, margins, and operational performance
  • Identify cost efficiencies and margin improvement opportunities across manufacturing and supply chain
  • Oversee cashflow management and working capital optimisation, including stock and inventory control
  • Take a proactive lead on R&D tax credits—identifying qualifying activities and opportunities within the manufacturing process
  • Identify and support applications for relevant grants and funding
  • Manage month-end and year-end close processes, including audit coordination
  • Build strong relationships with external accountants, advisors, and auditors
  • Mentor and develop the finance team

About You

  • Fully qualified (ACA, ACCA, CIMA) or qualified by experience
  • Proven experience as a Financial Controller or Head of Finance within a manufacturing environment (essential)
  • Strong understanding of manufacturing finance, including:
  • Bill of materials (BOMs), components, and product costing
  • Inventory and stock control
  • Project costing and margin analysis
  • Demonstrable experience introducing KPIs, improving reporting, and driving performance visibility
  • Commercially minded, with the confidence to challenge, influence, and bring forward ideas to the Managing Director
  • Proactive approach—able to identify opportunities (particularly around R&D and efficiencies) ahead of the curve
  • Hands-on, with the ability to operate both strategically and at detail level
  • Strong technical grounding in financial reporting and controls
  • Advanced Excel skills and experience with ERP/accounting systems
  • Adaptable and comfortable in a fast-paced, growing business
  • Salary & Benefits

    • Starting salary up to £90,000
    • 33 days holiday (including bank holidays)
    • 3% employer pension contribution
    • Full-time (40 hours per week) with flexibility around start and finish times

    Head of Finance in Workington employer: Heidi Wright Recruitment

    Join a dynamic and rapidly expanding manufacturing and eCommerce business in West Cumbria, where your expertise as Head of Finance will be pivotal in shaping the company's financial strategy and driving performance. With a supportive work culture that values innovation and collaboration, you will enjoy generous benefits including a competitive salary, 33 days of holiday, and a flexible working environment that promotes work-life balance. This role not only offers the chance to influence key business decisions but also provides ample opportunities for professional growth and development within a thriving sector.
    Heidi Wright Recruitment

    Contact Detail:

    Heidi Wright Recruitment Recruiting Team

    StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

    We think this is how you could land Head of Finance in Workington

    ✨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 thoroughly. Understand their financial performance, recent news, and growth plans. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in helping them scale profitably.

    ✨Tip Number 3

    Practice your pitch! Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs, especially around driving performance and implementing KPIs. We want you to showcase your strategic insight and hands-on approach to finance.

    ✨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 are proactive and engaged in the process. Let’s get you that Head of Finance role!

    We think you need these skills to ace Head of Finance in Workington

    Financial Reporting
    Management Accounting
    Budgeting and Forecasting
    KPI Design and Implementation
    Cost Analysis
    Cashflow Management
    Inventory Control
    R&D Tax Credits
    Grant Application Support
    Team Leadership
    Manufacturing Finance Knowledge
    Advanced Excel Skills
    ERP/Accounting Systems Experience
    Commercial Acumen
    Strategic Thinking

    Some tips for your application 🫡

    Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Finance role. Highlight your experience in manufacturing finance and any relevant achievements that showcase your ability to drive performance and implement financial measures.

    Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've led finance functions, introduced KPIs, or improved reporting in previous positions. Make it personal and engaging!

    Showcase Your Commercial Acumen: We want to see your commercially minded approach! In your application, emphasise your experience with budgeting, forecasting, and identifying cost efficiencies. This will show us you can think strategically while managing the details.

    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 exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!

    How to prepare for a job interview at Heidi Wright Recruitment

    ✨Know Your Numbers

    As a Head of Finance, you’ll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics like EBITDA, cash flow, and P&L statements. Be ready to discuss how you've used these metrics to drive performance in previous roles.

    ✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

    This role involves managing a small team, so be prepared to talk about your leadership style. Share examples of how you've mentored finance teams or improved their performance. Highlight any experience you have in fostering collaboration and driving results.

    ✨Understand the Manufacturing Landscape

    Since this position is within a manufacturing environment, make sure you’re familiar with concepts like Bill of Materials (BOMs) and inventory control. Discuss any relevant experience you have in these areas and how it can benefit the company’s growth.

    ✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions

    You’ll be partnering closely with the Managing Director, so think about strategic insights you can bring to the table. Prepare to discuss how you would approach budgeting, forecasting, and identifying cost efficiencies that align with ambitious growth plans.

    Head of Finance in Workington
    Heidi Wright Recruitment
    Location: Workington

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