Director of Finance, European Operations in Wales

Magellan Aerospace has an exciting opportunity for a Director of Finance, European Operations. This full‑time permanent role works 39 hours per week on a unionised site (Unite the Union) and is based in Llay, Wrexham, LL12 0PB. The role will manage finance across multiple UK and European sites and work closely with the Vice President of European Operations, senior leadership teams and the Chief Financial Officer to drive financial performance, governance and controls, and support long‑term strategy.

Perks and Benefits

• A company culture that promotes work‑life balance
• Access to mental health support
• Business performance related bonus
• Career development opportunities
• Commitment to continued learning and development
• Perkbox – includes monthly treats and discounts from selected restaurants, cinemas, shops etc
• Long Service Awards
• Enhanced Holiday Entitlement based on length of service
• Free parking

Essential Responsibilities

• Leadership & Business Partnership
  • Partner closely with the site leadership teams and the Vice President of European Operations, providing insight, support and constructive challenge
  • Act as a core member of the senior leadership team, jointly accountable for site performance across Europe and the delivery of strategic objectives
  • Build strong credible relationships with the divisional and group finance functional leads
  • Develop a strong working relationship with the CFO, ensuring openness and transparency
  • Drive a high‑performing culture across the group
  • Lead and develop the Finance function across UK and European sites
  • Ensure consistent, aligned messaging across the site leadership teams to support clarity, engagement, accountability and execution
  • Provide clear financial insight and guidance to the leadership team, ensuring strong understanding of margin, cost drivers, working capital and cashflow
  • Translate strategy, policies and reporting requirements into practical local plans for execution
  • Encourage open dialogue, challenge and constructive feedback, creating a culture of trust, professionalism and continuous improvement
  • Develop succession planning and strengthen capability within Finance teams across the region
• Financial Leadership & Accountability
  • Manage all financial reporting and statutory requirements across UK and European entities
  • Take ownership of consolidated European financial performance and presentation of results
  • Ensure timely and accurate submission of monthly accounts and associated analysis in line with group reporting requirements
  • Lead all financial and operational accounting activities, including annual budgets, monthly forecasts, costing, payroll and cash management
  • Maintain robust inventory valuation and costing systems appropriate to the aerospace manufacturing environment
  • Contribute fully to the 5‑year strategic plan, owning financial targets in partnership with European leadership
  • Lead the development, coordination and reporting of key performance indicators ensuring accuracy, clarity and consistency
  • Analyse operating and financial performance, monitoring profitability, cost reduction initiatives and corrective action to improve results
  • Act as the primary contact for internal and external audits, ensuring compliance with country accounting standards and group policy
  • Oversee submission of annual year‑end accounts in line with Group and regional requirements
  • Oversee all statutory, tax and regulatory submissions including VAT, PAYE, Tax, customs
• Financial Control & Treasury Management
  • Maintain robust governance, internal controls, risk management and information systems aligned to group internal control standards and audit requirements
  • Ensure effective cash management, liquidity planning, and robust forecasting processes regionally
  • Ensure compliance with Group accounting policies and delegated authority limits
• Commercial & Operational Leadership
  • Act as a trusted partner to manufacturing operations, commercial, quality, procurement and HR
  • Embed finance into all operational and commercial decisions, ensuring visibility of cost, margin and cash risk
  • Support pricing, bids and capital investment requirements with clear financial analysis and commercial insight
  • Identify operational risks and opportunities early and work with leadership teams to implement corrective action
  • Ensure a strong link between operational performance, financial outcome and strategic objectives
• Health, Safety & Compliance
  • Promote and maintain high standards of health, safety and environmental compliance across the business
  • Ensure all finance processes comply with company policy, procedures and code of practice
• Other Duties
  • Any other reasonable duties in support of business needs.

Position Requirements

Essential Criteria

• Qualified accountant (CIMA, ACCA or ACA)
• Significant senior experience in manufacturing businesses
• Strong balance of strategic and operational finance leadership
• Track record of driving operational performance and accountability
• Experienced people leader
• Strong commercial acumen
• Experience of treasury & cost accounting
• Experience of consolidating financial results
• Knowledge of ERP/MRP systems and accounting software packages
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to interact at all levels
• Strong analytical skills & IT skills
• Experience supporting multi‑site operations (UK & Europe)
• Experience managing treasury, cash, and FX exposure for multi‑currency operations
• Demonstrated success in business partnering to drive growth and performance

Desirable Criteria

• Hands on experience of SAP S4/Hana
• Experienced in the aerospace sector

Key Competencies

• Prioritisation
• Results driven
• Business acumen
• Excellent verbal and written communication
• Simplifying complex situations
• Problem solver
• Team working

Personal Attributes

• Tenacious, resilient and hands on
• Collaborative and calm under pressure
• Ability to motivate teams to deliver
• Clarity of thought under regardless of conflicting priorities
• Displays Integrity and respect
• Drives change
• Creative in finding ways to do things better
• Acts ethically in all you do
• Ability to interact and collaborate well with all levels in the business

About Us

Magellan Aerospace is a global, integrated aerospace company that provides complex assemblies and systems solutions to aircraft and engine manufacturers, defence and space agencies worldwide. The organization officially adopted the name “Magellan Aerospace Corporation” in 1996; deriving it from the intrepid explorer Ferdinand Magellan. His global exploits at the turn of the 15th century established a number of firsts, so the company’s vision has been to carry this same legacy into the future of the aerospace industry. At Magellan, we have over 80 years of collective knowledge and experience in the aerospace industry, and believe one truth: People create value. Employees are our greatest resource in working towards a successful future, and together we build professional relationships that thrive. We know that personal development is fundamental to the success of every individual, and every individual is fundamental to the success of our business, so we invest in our employees and provide excellent career progression opportunities. When you are part of Magellan, you are part of the team!

Confidentiality

Magellan Aerospace respects the privacy and confidentiality of personal information provided by candidates and shall not disclose to any external parties unless legislated. Thank you for considering this exciting opportunity. This document is intended to provide the reader with information and is not a contractual document. Some of the material therefore may be subject to change.