ADMINISTRATION MANAGER in Chester

Kemtile is the UK’s leading designer and installer of hygienic flooring and drainage systems for the food and beverage sector and a wide range of industrial environments. Established in 1979, Kemtile has delivered excellence for over 40 years. In 2018, the business was acquired by Stonhard (part of the RPM Group), strengthening its established position in the UK market and enabling expansion into new sectors while continuing to lead in food and beverage.

The Finance Administration Manager will play an important role in ensuring the smooth running of the company’s financial management, office operations, and administrative infrastructure within a fast-paced construction and project delivery environment. This role is central to supporting strong commercial performance, effective financial governance, and efficient back-office operations. The Manager will oversee financial reporting, construction-specific compliance, project administration, and internal controls, ensuring the business remains financially robust, well organised, and scalable for continued growth.

Job role

• Finance Support & Reporting
  • Oversee day-to-day financial operations including purchase ledger, sales ledger, banking & payroll support.
  • Review monthly management accounts, cost reporting, and performance insights for senior leadership.
  • Support budgeting, forecasting, and cashflow planning to support business sustainability and profitability.
  • Work with Group Finance, auditors, and external advisors to ensure timely reporting and compliance.
  • Familiar with inventory management and commercial impact.
  • Support commercial decision-making through accurate financial analysis and operational reporting.
  • Working with central finance team on all intercompany related items.
  • Experience with working across multiple currencies.
• Construction & Contract Financial Control
  • Maintain strong financial oversight of construction contracts through margin reporting.
  • Support project teams with up-to-date financial reporting.
  • Monitor retention accounts, ensuring correct treatment, reconciliation, and recovery.
  • Ensure robust processes through the project life cycle.
• CIS, Subcontractor & Industry Compliance
  • Oversee subcontractor administration including onboarding, verification, and compliance with HMRC Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) requirements.
  • Manage CIS deductions, monthly submissions, and subcontractor payment processes.
  • Ensure compliance with relevant UK construction legislation, contractual standards, and internal governance requirements.
  • Maintain accurate records to support internal and external audits.
• Credit Control & Cash Collection
  • Manage customer accounts, credit control processes, and proactive collection of outstanding payments.
  • Work with project managers and commercial to resolve invoice queries efficiently.
  • Maintain strong cash discipline to support working capital.
• Office & Administration Leadership
  • Lead the office administration function to ensure smooth day-to-day operations and professional business support.
  • Oversee document control, project administration systems, and internal processes.
  • Manage office suppliers, facilities, and administrative resources effectively.
  • Support senior leadership with reporting, coordination, and administration as required.
• Governance, Systems & Continuous Improvement
  • Ensure all finance and administrative activities comply with the group’s company policy, legal obligations, and industry best practice.
  • Maintain the group’s strong internal controls, approval frameworks, and audit-ready documentation.
  • Drive improvements in finance systems, reporting tools, and operational processes to increase efficiency and scalability.
  • Act as a key contributor to business planning, governance, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Team Leadership & Collaboration
  • Lead, mentor, and support administrative staff, fostering a high-performance and service-driven culture.
  • Build strong working relationships across Operations, Commercial, HR, and Group Finance teams.
  • Ensure seamless collaboration between office support functions and site/project delivery teams.

The successful candidate will ideally have:

• Significant experience in a commercial finance management role within construction, contracting, or project-based environments.
• Experience with an established ERP/Finance system, ideally Infor LN 10.7 or equivalent, SAGE, SAP etc.
• Strong knowledge of UK construction finance practices including CIS, applications for payment, retention, and subcontractor controls.
• Track record of working within a group environment managing intercompany transactions across multiple countries.
• Proven ability to manage cashflow, cost reporting, and project margin performance.
• Experience overseeing office administration alongside finance responsibilities.
• High attention to detail, strong organisational skills, and the ability to manage competing priorities.
• Excellent communication skills, able to work effectively with site teams, project managers, and senior leadership.
• A proactive, solution-oriented mindset with the ability to improve systems, controls, and business processes.
• A commitment to professionalism, integrity, and continuous improvement.
• Degree in finance, accounting or administration or equivalent qualification.

The successful candidate will be rewarded with a competitive salary, bonus opportunity, pension, 24 days holiday plus bank holidays (Pro rata), a hybrid working policy, 4 x death in service benefit and access to our Employee Assistance Programme.