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- Tasks: Lead the finance function and drive strategic growth in a dynamic manufacturing environment.
- Company: Join a private equity-backed SME in Greater Manchester with a fast-paced culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonuses, equity potential, and additional perks.
- Other info: Great opportunity for career progression and direct exposure to investors.
- Why this job: Shape the future of a high-growth business and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with experience in manufacturing or PE-backed environments.
The predicted salary is between 100000 - 100000 £ per year.
We are partnering with a private equity-backed manufacturing SME in Greater Manchester to appoint a commercially driven Finance Director. This is a pivotal role within a high-growth business, offering the opportunity to work closely with an experienced leadership team and investors to drive scale, performance, and long-term value creation.
This role is ideally suited to an ambitious, hands-on finance leader looking to step into (or build on) their first Finance Director position within a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.
Reporting directly to the CEO and working closely with private equity stakeholders, you will take full ownership of the finance function while playing a key role in shaping the strategic direction of the business.
Key responsibilities include:
- Lead and develop the finance function, ensuring robust financial controls and reporting
- Act as a strategic partner to the CEO and Board, supporting decision-making and growth plans
- Drive budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning processes
- Improve financial visibility, KPIs, and operational performance
- Support and lead on potential M&A activity, integrations, and future exit planning
- Enhance systems, processes, and reporting to support scalability
- Work closely with operations, supply chain, and production teams to improve margin and efficiency
- Manage banking relationships, cash flow, and funding requirements
We are looking for a high-potential, commercially minded finance professional with a strong track record in manufacturing or industrial environments.
Key requirements:
- Qualified accountant (ACA / ACCA / CIMA)
- Experience within manufacturing, engineering, or a related sector
- Background in a PE-backed, high-growth, or SME environment preferred
- Ambitious, entrepreneurial mindset with the drive to progress and make an impact
- Strong commercial acumen with the ability to influence at Board level
- Hands-on approach – comfortable operating both strategically and operationally
- Experience improving systems, processes, and financial controls
- Exposure to M&A or investor environments would be advantageous
Why Join?
- Opportunity to play a key role in a PE-backed growth journey
- Direct exposure to investors and strategic decision-making
- Real scope to shape the finance function and wider business
- Fast-paced, entrepreneurial culture with significant progression potential
- Equity participation aligned with value creation
Package:
- Salary: c.£100,000
- Performance-related bonus
- Equity / incentive scheme
- Additional benefits
Please apply with your most recent CV.
Finance Director employer: JANE GORSE RECRUITMENT LIMITED
Contact Detail:
JANE GORSE RECRUITMENT LIMITED Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Director
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the finance and manufacturing sectors. Attend industry events, join relevant LinkedIn groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you!
✨Showcase Your Value
When you get the chance to chat with hiring managers or during interviews, make sure to highlight your achievements and how they align with the company's goals. Use specific examples from your past roles that demonstrate your ability to drive performance and improve financial controls.
✨Prepare for the Interview
Do your homework on the company and its financial landscape. Understand their challenges and think about how you can contribute to their growth. Prepare questions that show your interest in their strategic direction and how you can help shape it as their Finance Director.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged in the process. Let’s get you that Finance Director role!
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Finance Director role. Highlight your achievements in finance, especially in manufacturing or PE-backed environments, to show us you’re the right fit.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this opportunity and how your background makes you the ideal candidate. Don’t forget to mention your hands-on approach and strategic mindset!
Showcase Your Commercial Acumen: In your application, emphasise your commercial understanding and ability to influence at Board level. We want to see how you can drive performance and support decision-making in a high-growth environment.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates regarding your application status!
How to prepare for a job interview at JANE GORSE RECRUITMENT LIMITED
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Finance Director, you’ll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics relevant to the manufacturing sector and be ready to discuss how you've used them to drive performance in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Mindset
Prepare examples of how you've acted as a strategic partner in past positions. Think about times when your insights influenced decision-making at the Board level, especially in high-growth or PE-backed environments.
✨Demonstrate Hands-On Leadership
Be ready to talk about your experience leading finance functions. Highlight specific instances where you’ve improved systems and processes, and how that has positively impacted operational efficiency and financial visibility.
✨Engage with M&A Insights
If you have experience with mergers and acquisitions, make sure to bring it up! Discuss any relevant projects you've been involved in, and how you can leverage that experience to support the company’s growth and exit strategies.