Senior Finance Manager in Peterborough

Creightons plc is a UK-based beauty and wellbeing brand owner and manufacturer listed on the AIM market. The Group develops brands, designs products and manufactures at scale, mainly through its subsidiary Potter and Moore Innovations Ltd, which operates two UK sites in Peterborough (HQ) and Devon. The Group produces owned brands, distributes brands, and provides private-label and contract manufacturing across personal care, haircare, men's grooming, skincare and baby care. In 2021 it expanded its premium skincare offering by acquiring Emma Hardie Limited. Creightons also operates internationally supplying a broad customer base ranging from major retailers to premium beauty brands.

We are a fast-moving, team-first business where the best idea wins regardless of where it comes from. Hierarchy doesn’t slow us down - collaboration does the heavy lifting. People here take full ownership of their work, from the spark of an idea all the way through to results on shelf and numbers on a page. There’s no passing the baton and walking away; you see it through, you learn from it, you make it better next time. We move quickly and adapt without drama. If a problem needs solving, we solve it - we don’t wait for the perfect conditions or the perfect brief. That agility isn’t just a working style, it’s genuinely how we’re structured: flexible in how and where we work, lean enough to make decisions fast, and trusting enough to give talented people real responsibility from day one. This is a place where curious, driven, solutions-focused people do some of their best work - because they’re given the space, the autonomy, and the team around them to make it happen. If you’re energised by pace, motivated by ownership, and want to feel the direct impact of your work on a brand you’re proud of, you’ll fit right in.

This is a commercial finance role within the business, offering full ownership of the management accounting processes, including internal reporting, financial planning, forecasting and budget management. The position will also oversee payroll, ensuring accuracy, compliance and timely delivery, while maintaining strong internal financial controls.

However, this role goes far beyond producing numbers. We are looking for a commercially minded finance professional who wants to play an active role in shaping business performance. The successful candidate will partner closely with the Executive Leadership Team, including the CEO, providing clear financial insight that informs strategic decision-making and drives profitability. Through detailed analysis of manufacturing operations and wider business performance, the role will identify opportunities to improve efficiency, optimise costs and unlock growth. You will challenge thinking, bring new ideas, and ensure financial data is translated into meaningful actions across the organisation. As a key finance leader within the business, this role will work across departments, helping stakeholders understand the financial drivers of performance and supporting better, faster decisions. It’s an opportunity for someone who wants to move beyond reporting into true business partnering, influence senior leaders and play a visible role in our success.

Responsibilities

• Hold ultimate responsibility for monthly management accounts and month-end close, overseeing all financial control activities, including review and analysis of monthly and quarterly results.
• Support management accounting tasks: journals, overhead analysis, P&L and balance sheet preparation, variance analysis, and group consolidation.
• Focus on manufacturing COGS including PPV and labour variances.
• Drive continuous improvement in financial processes, reporting, automation, and system optimisation.
• Manage and oversee stock takes, ensuring accuracy and timely reporting.
• Ensure all reporting complies with statutory law and financial regulations.
• Own the delivery of budgets and long-term plans, challenging assumptions to maximise P&L returns.
• Lead the preparation of budgets and regular financial forecasts, updating assumptions to reflect business performance and market conditions.
• Analyse forecast variances and trends to provide actionable insights for strategic decision-making.
• Act as a key member of the Manufacturing Operations leadership team, promoting strong partnerships, financial accountability, continuous improvement, and data-driven decision-making.
• Ensure accurate standard costing, providing robust analysis to highlight margin opportunities and risks.
• Conduct critical financial reviews of ad hoc projects, including ROI assessments and cost-saving initiatives.
• Maintain, review & forecast capital expenditure (fixed asset register).
• Lead financial appraisal of capital investments, including ROI analysis for key projects.
• Manage the management accounts team of 3.
• Manage the payroll team of 2.

Qualifications

• Professional accounting qualification is a necessity (CIMA, ACA, ACCA) at least 5 years PQE with at least 3 years in a leadership role such as a Controller or Senior Finance Manager.
• Previous experience in financial and performance management, ideally within FMCG.
• Strong business acumen with ability to translate commercial and operational factors into financial impact and vice versa.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and influencing skills; comfortable challenging and driving change.
• Analytical and Strategic Thinking: Ability to analyse complex financial data, identify trends, and provide actionable insights.
• Technical Accounting Expertise: Deep understanding of financial reporting, and internal controls.
• Attention to Detail: High level of accuracy in financial reporting and data analysis.
• Communication & Presentation: Ability to present financial information clearly to all stakeholders.
• IT Proficiency: Experience with financial software and ERP systems and advanced skills in Excel.

What We Can Offer You

• Competitive Salary & Benefits: We believe in rewarding the hard work and dedication of our employees with a comprehensive compensation package.
• Dynamic Work Environment: Be part of a vibrant, collaborative team where innovation and creativity are encouraged.
• Career Growth: Take advantage of clear career pathways, mentorship opportunities, and the chance to take on new challenges and responsibilities.
• Inclusive Culture: Join a diverse and inclusive workplace where different perspectives are valued, and everyone is treated with respect and dignity.
• Impactful Work: Contribute to meaningful projects that have a real impact on our customers, community, and industry.