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- Tasks: Lead financial planning and cost control at a major UK manufacturing site.
- Company: Join a renowned Branded Consumer Goods Group focused on operational excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, career growth opportunities, and a dynamic work environment.
- Why this job: Be a key player in driving financial performance and strategic decision-making.
- Qualifications: Must be fully qualified with 5+ years in finance, preferably in FMCG or Manufacturing.
- Other info: Advanced SAP and Excel skills are essential for this role.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 84000 £ per year.
HW Finance are delighted to be working in Retained Partnership with a Branded Consumer Goods Group, to help appoint a new Head of Finance for one of their Manufacturing Sites.
This is an exceptional opportunity fora commercially astute finance leader with a passion for operational excellence and strategic business partnering.This role will bepivotal in driving financial performance, cost control, and strategic decision-making across a key UK manufacturing site.
The Role
As Head of Finance, you will be the senior finance lead at one of the major UK sites, partnering closely with the Site Head and Regional Finance Lead. You will provide high-quality financial insight and leadership across planning, cost control, investment appraisal (CAPEX), and inventory management. This role offers a strong mix of business partnering, operational finance, and strategic input.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead financial planning, cost control and performance tracking across the site.
- Provide clear and actionable financial analysis to support decision-making.
- Deliver robust budgeting, forecasting and financial modelling aligned with global standards.
- Ensure timely and insightful monthly reporting with full variance analysis.
- Drive site efficiency, OpEx optimisation and continuous cost improvement.
- Lead financial governance of CAPEX projects and ROI analysis.
- Monitor and improve working capital, focusing on inventory optimisation.
- Partner with stakeholders globally and locally to influence and drive financial strategy.
Ideal Experience
- Fully Qualified with at least 5+ years of experience in finance within a multinational environment, ideally within FMCG, Manufacturing or Supply Chain.
- Advanced knowledge of SAP and Excel.
- Strong understanding of operational finance, inventory, CAPEX/OPEX management, and business partnering. Confident communicator with the ability to challenge, influence and collaborate at all levels.
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Head of Finance - Manufacturing Operations employer: Hitchenor Wakeford Limited
Contact Detail:
Hitchenor Wakeford Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Finance - Manufacturing Operations
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the manufacturing and finance sectors. Attend industry events or webinars where you can meet people who work in similar roles. This can help you gain insights into the company culture and expectations, making you a more attractive candidate.
✨Tip Number 2
Research the specific financial challenges faced by the consumer goods industry, particularly in manufacturing. Being knowledgeable about current trends and issues will allow you to speak confidently about how you can contribute to overcoming these challenges during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with financial planning and cost control in detail. Think of specific examples where you've successfully implemented strategies that improved financial performance or operational efficiency, as this will demonstrate your capability for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Familiarise yourself with SAP and Excel functionalities relevant to financial analysis and reporting. If you can showcase your proficiency in these tools during discussions, it will highlight your readiness for the technical aspects of the Head of Finance position.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Finance - Manufacturing Operations
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in finance, particularly in manufacturing or FMCG sectors. Emphasise your skills in financial planning, cost control, and business partnering, as these are crucial for the Head of Finance role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for operational excellence and strategic decision-making. Use specific examples from your past experiences to demonstrate how you have driven financial performance and cost improvements.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly state your qualifications, especially if you are fully qualified with significant experience in a multinational environment. Mention your advanced knowledge of SAP and Excel, as well as any relevant certifications that enhance your candidacy.
Showcase Leadership Skills: In your application, illustrate your ability to lead and influence stakeholders at all levels. Provide examples of how you have successfully partnered with senior management to drive financial strategy and improve operational efficiency.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hitchenor Wakeford Limited
✨Showcase Your Financial Acumen
As a candidate for the Head of Finance position, it's crucial to demonstrate your deep understanding of financial principles. Be prepared to discuss your experience with budgeting, forecasting, and financial modelling, especially in a manufacturing context.
✨Highlight Your Strategic Partnership Skills
This role requires strong business partnering abilities. Share examples of how you've collaborated with operational teams to drive financial performance and influence strategic decisions. Emphasise your ability to communicate complex financial insights clearly.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Given the emphasis on SAP and Excel, brush up on your technical skills. Be ready to answer questions about how you've used these tools in previous roles, particularly in relation to inventory management and CAPEX/OPEX governance.
✨Demonstrate Continuous Improvement Mindset
The company is looking for someone who can drive efficiency and cost improvements. Prepare to discuss specific initiatives you've led or contributed to that resulted in operational excellence and enhanced financial performance.
