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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the finance function and drive strategic planning for a growing manufacturing company.
- Company: Established privately owned manufacturing firm with a supportive culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, direct influence on business direction, and opportunity for meaningful change.
- Other info: Join a values-driven team and thrive in a fast-paced, product-focused setting.
- Why this job: Shape financial strategy and make a real impact in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with experience in manufacturing and strong strategic insight.
A long-established, privately owned manufacturing company is seeking a strategic, commercially minded Head of Finance to partner directly with the Managing Director and senior leadership team. This is a pivotal role for a finance leader who thrives in a hands-on, product-driven environment and wants to influence the future direction of a growing business.
You’ll take full ownership of the finance function while acting as a key strategic advisor—driving cost control, strengthening inventory performance, and supporting long-term growth.
The Opportunity
This is a rare chance to step into a role with genuine influence. You’ll shape financial strategy, improve operational performance, and ensure the business is equipped for its next phase of growth. Working closely with the MD, you’ll bring clarity, challenge, and commercial insight to every major decision.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the finance function, ensuring robust financial reporting, controls, and governance
- Produce high-quality monthly management accounts, board packs, KPIs, and performance analysis
- Partner with the MD and senior leadership team to drive strategic planning and business growth
- Lead budgeting, forecasting, cash-flow management, and scenario modelling
- Strengthen cost control across manufacturing, operations, and overheads
- Oversee inventory management, stock accuracy, and working capital optimisation
- Drive margin improvement through product costing, pricing analysis, and operational insight
- Support investment decisions, capital expenditure planning, and ROI analysis
- Lead continuous improvement across systems, processes, and data integrity
- Manage and develop a small finance team, fostering accountability and high performance
- Act as a trusted advisor to the MD, providing challenge, clarity, and commercial direction
Requirements
Experience & Background
- Qualified accountant (ACA/ACCA/CIMA)
- Strong experience in manufacturing, engineering, or product-based environments
- Proven track record in cost control, inventory management, and operational finance
- Confident producing board-level reporting and strategic insight
- Experience partnering with senior leadership teams and influencing decision-making
- Strong understanding of product costing, stock, and manufacturing performance metrics
- Hands-on, proactive, and comfortable operating in an owner-managed business
Personal Attributes
- Commercially sharp with a strategic mindset
- Strong communicator who can challenge constructively and influence at all levels
- Detail-driven, disciplined, and operationally curious
- Comfortable balancing hands-on delivery with strategic leadership
- Thrives in a fast-paced, practical, product-focused environment
Benefits
What’s on Offer
- A strategic leadership role with direct influence on business direction
- Close partnership with an ambitious Managing Director
- Opportunity to shape the finance function and drive meaningful change
- Stable, supportive, and values-driven privately owned environment
- Salary of £90,000 - £100,000 Plus Benefits
Head of Finance in Oxford employer: OM Search Consultants LTD
Contact Detail:
OM Search Consultants LTD Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Finance in Oxford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance and manufacturing sectors. Attend industry events or webinars where you can meet potential employers or colleagues who might know about openings. Remember, it’s all about who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company inside out. Understand their products, market position, and financial challenges. This way, you can tailor your answers to show how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in cost control and inventory management.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just wait for job postings! Be proactive and reach out directly to companies you admire. Express your interest in working with them and share how you can add value as a Head of Finance. You never know when an opportunity might arise!
✨Tip Number 4
Finally, apply through our website! We’ve got a range of roles that could be perfect for you. Plus, applying directly shows your enthusiasm and commitment to joining our team. Let’s get you that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Finance in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Head of Finance. Highlight your experience in manufacturing and operational finance, and don’t forget to showcase your strategic mindset and ability to influence decision-making.
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. Mention specific examples of how you've driven cost control and improved financial performance in previous positions.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a key player in the senior leadership team, it’s crucial to demonstrate your leadership abilities. Share experiences where you’ve managed teams or influenced senior stakeholders, showing how you can bring clarity and challenge to the table.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at OM Search Consultants LTD
✨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 sector, such as cost control and inventory management. Be ready to discuss how you've used these metrics to drive strategic decisions in your previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Mindset
This role requires a commercially minded approach. Prepare examples of how you've influenced business growth through strategic planning. Think about specific scenarios where your insights led to improved operational performance or cost savings, and be ready to share these during the interview.
✨Communicate Effectively
Strong communication skills are essential for this position. Practice articulating complex financial concepts in a clear and concise manner. You might be asked to present financial reports or strategies, so ensure you can convey your ideas confidently and engage with the senior leadership team.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Qualities
You'll be managing a small finance team, so it's crucial to showcase your leadership style. Prepare to discuss how you've developed teams in the past, fostered accountability, and driven high performance. Highlight any experiences where you've acted as a trusted advisor to senior leaders, providing clarity and challenge.