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- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and operations for a growing manufacturing SME.
- Company: Established manufacturing business in South Manchester with ambitious growth plans.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, company car, bonus potential, generous leave, and pension contributions.
- Other info: Opportunity for career advancement in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Join the board and shape the future of a thriving business.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with strong manufacturing finance experience.
The predicted salary is between 90000 - 100000 £ per year.
Finance Director role for a growing SME in South Manchester, that sits on the board and will lead the financial strategy and operations of a well-established organisation in the industrial and manufacturing sector.
We are working with a well‑established, profitable manufacturing business with turnover of approximately £12m, in South Manchester. The company operates in a technically complex manufacturing environment where margin control, costings discipline and operational insight are critical to performance. The business is entering its next phase of development and requires a Finance Director who can act as a true commercial business partner to the Board - bringing insight, challenge and financial leadership, while maintaining strong financial controls. The Board has ambitions to grow the business past the £20m turnover mark, and the Finance Director will have a key role to play in achieving that goal.
This role would suit:
- A high‑calibre first‑time Finance Director, or
- A Finance Director seeking their second FD role in a smaller, owner‑led environment.
This Finance Director role reports into the Managing Director and will take full ownership of the finance function and play a key role in shaping strategic and operational decision‑making across the business.
Key responsibilities include:
- Strategic & Commercial Leadership
- Act as a key member of the Board, providing robust challenge, independent thinking and commercial insight.
- Support the Managing Director and Board with strategic planning, scenario modelling and investment appraisals.
- Translate financial data into clear, actionable insight for non‑finance stakeholders.
- Influence decision‑making across pricing, product mix, capital expenditure and growth initiatives.
- Manufacturing Finance & Costings
- Full ownership of product costing models, standard costing, variance analysis and margin control.
- Work closely with operations to understand manufacturing processes, yields, waste and efficiencies.
- Drive continuous improvement in gross margin, cost control and operational performance.
- Ensure costings and operational KPIs are robust, transparent and well understood by the Board.
- Financial Control & Reporting
- Lead the production of high‑quality monthly management accounts, board packs and performance reporting.
- Own the budgeting, forecasting and rolling cashflow processes.
- Maintain strong balance sheet discipline, working capital management and cashflow forecasting.
- Ensure appropriate financial controls, governance and compliance frameworks are in place.
- Stakeholder Management
- Lead relationships with banks, auditors, advisors and external stakeholders.
- Present confidently to lenders and support banking relationships and facility management.
- Act as Company Secretary where appropriate.
- Leadership & Team Development
- Lead, develop and motivate the finance team.
- Create a finance function that is respected, commercial and operationally aligned.
- Promote a culture of accountability, accuracy and continuous improvement.
Profile
A successful Finance Director should have:
- Qualified accountant (ACA / ACCA / CIMA).
- Strong background in manufacturing finance, with deep understanding of costings and margin drivers.
- Proven experience operating at senior level (FD, Head of Finance, Financial Controller ready for step‑up).
- Experience working closely with MDs, boards and senior leadership teams.
- Demonstrated ability to challenge constructively, influence decisions and hold firm when required.
Job Offer
Base salary between £90,000 and £100,000 (DOE, potential for higher)
Company car
Bonus - on target 25% and stretch target 37.5%
10 employer pension contribution
25 days annual leave, plus 8 bank holidays (with the option to buy/sell up to 5 days per year)
Finance Director in Cheadle employer: Michael Page
Contact Detail:
Michael Page Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Director in Cheadle
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals, attend finance events, and join relevant groups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on that perfect Finance Director role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! Prepare to discuss your experience in manufacturing finance and how you've driven margin control and cost efficiencies. Be ready to share specific examples that highlight your strategic thinking and leadership skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! When you get the chance to meet with potential employers, make sure you can clearly articulate how you can add value to their board. Tailor your message to show how your insights can help them grow past that £20m turnover mark.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got loads of resources to help you land that Finance Director gig. Plus, applying directly shows your enthusiasm and commitment to joining the team.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Director in Cheadle
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the Finance Director role. Highlight your experience in manufacturing finance and any strategic leadership roles you've held. We want to see how you can bring that commercial insight to our board!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've influenced decision-making and driven financial performance in previous positions.
Showcase Your Financial Acumen: In your application, don’t forget to mention your qualifications and any relevant achievements. We’re looking for someone who can demonstrate strong financial controls and operational insight, so make sure to highlight those skills!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you get all the updates about your application status. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Michael Page
✨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, such as margin control and costings discipline. Be ready to discuss how you've used these metrics to drive strategic decisions in your previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role requires strong leadership and team development. Prepare examples of how you've led finance teams in the past, focusing on how you’ve motivated them and promoted a culture of accountability. Highlight any initiatives you've implemented that improved team performance or operational alignment.
✨Prepare for Scenario Modelling Questions
Expect questions around strategic planning and scenario modelling. Think about specific instances where you’ve had to analyse different financial scenarios and present actionable insights to non-financial stakeholders. Practise explaining complex financial concepts in simple terms.
✨Understand Stakeholder Management
You’ll be interacting with various stakeholders, including banks and auditors. Be prepared to discuss your experience in managing these relationships. Share examples of how you’ve successfully navigated challenging discussions or negotiations, and how you’ve built trust with external partners.