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- Tasks: Lead finance strategies and drive profitability in a dynamic manufacturing environment.
- Company: Established UK-based manufacturing business focused on innovation and growth.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, leadership opportunities, and a chance to influence business performance.
- Other info: Join a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a high-stakes role with senior stakeholders.
- Qualifications: Fully qualified accountant with senior finance leadership experience.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 80000 ÂŁ per year.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Head of Finance to join a well–established and growing UK–based manufacturing business. This is a key leadership role, partnering closely with senior stakeholders to drive profitability, operational efficiency, and strategic growth within a fast–paced FMCG environment. You’ll lead the finance function, providing clear commercial insight while ensuring strong financial governance and compliance.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic & Commercial Leadership
- Act as a trusted partner to senior leadership, influencing key business decisions
- Drive profitability through margin analysis, cost optimisation, and pricing strategy
- Provide insight into performance, risks, and growth opportunities
- Support long–term planning, budgeting, and forecasting
- Financial Control & Reporting
- Oversee accurate and timely monthly management accounts
- Lead financial planning cycles and deliver clear, actionable MI
- Ensure compliance with UK GAAP / IFRS and statutory requirements
- Maintain robust financial controls and governance frameworks
- Operational & Manufacturing Finance
- Monitor and control manufacturing costs (labour, waste, yield, overheads)
- Partner with operations to improve efficiency and reduce cost
- Analyse product profitability and support commercial decision–making
- Oversee Capex planning and ROI analysis
- Cashflow & Working Capital
- Manage cashflow forecasting and liquidity
- Optimise working capital across stock, debtors, and creditors
- Maintain strong banking and funding relationships
- Leadership & Team Development
- Lead, mentor, and develop a high–performing finance team
- Build a culture of continuous improvement and accountability
- Ensure strong succession planning and team capability
- Governance & Compliance
- Lead audit processes and act as key contact for external auditors
- Ensure compliance with UK tax regulations (VAT, corporation tax)
- Maintain financial policies, procedures, and controls
About You
- Essential
- Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, or CIMA)
- Proven experience in a senior finance leadership role
- Strong background in manufacturing or FMCG finance
- Advanced financial modelling and analytical capability
- Confident stakeholder manager with strong commercial acumen
- Desirable
- Experience working with major UK retailers
- Exposure to private equity environments
- ERP system experience (e.g. SAP, Oracle, D365)
Leadership Style
- Inspiring and visible leader who engages across all levels
- Commercially driven with a hands–on, proactive approach
- Resilient, results–focused, and solutions–oriented
- Passionate about continuous improvement and operational excellence
Why Apply?
- Strategic, high–impact leadership role
- Opportunity to influence business performance and growth
- Work closely with senior stakeholders in a dynamic environment
- Be part of a business focused on innovation, quality, and continuous improvement
If you’re a commercially driven finance leader looking for your next challenge in a fast–paced manufacturing environment, we’d love to hear from you.
Head of Finance employer: K and D Recruitment
Contact Detail:
K and D Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Finance
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance and manufacturing sectors. Attend industry events or webinars to meet potential employers and get your name out there. Remember, it’s all about who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company inside out. Understand their financial performance, recent news, and challenges they face. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you’re genuinely interested in driving their success.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to discuss how you've led teams and influenced key business decisions in your previous roles. Use specific examples to demonstrate your impact on profitability and operational efficiency.
✨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 with our brand. Let’s make this happen together!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Finance
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the job description. Highlight your experience in finance leadership, especially in manufacturing or FMCG. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're the perfect fit for the Head of Finance role. Share specific examples of how you've driven profitability and operational efficiency in previous roles.
Showcase Your Leadership Style: We’re looking for an inspiring leader! In your application, give us a glimpse of your leadership style and how you’ve developed high-performing teams. We want to know how you engage and motivate others.
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 K and D Recruitment
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Head of Finance, you’ll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics relevant to the manufacturing and FMCG sectors. Be ready to discuss how you've driven profitability through margin analysis and cost optimisation in your previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
This role requires an inspiring and visible leader. Prepare examples that highlight your leadership style and how you've successfully mentored teams. Think about times when you’ve built a culture of continuous improvement and accountability within your finance team.
✨Understand the Business Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the company’s position in the market and its competitors. Be prepared to discuss how you can influence key business decisions and drive strategic growth. Showing that you understand the broader FMCG environment will set you apart.
✨Prepare for Compliance Questions
Given the importance of governance and compliance in this role, be ready to discuss your experience with UK GAAP, IFRS, and tax regulations. Have specific examples of how you've ensured compliance and maintained robust financial controls in your previous positions.