At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead finance for a major food manufacturing site and improve inventory and product costing.
- Company: Established UK food manufacturer with a rich heritage.
- Benefits: Competitive contract rate, hands-on experience, and opportunity to influence operations.
- Other info: Fast-paced role with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment while enhancing your finance skills.
- Qualifications: Senior finance background in food or FMCG with strong ERP experience.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
QLM Search is partnering a well-established UK food manufacturer with a rich heritage that is seeking an Interim Head of Finance - Inventory & Product Costing to support one of its key divisions.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead all aspects of site finance for a major manufacturing operation
- Take ownership of inventory valuation, stock integrity and product costing
- Review and improve standard costing, BOM accuracy, yields and overhead absorption
- Analyse and resolve manufacturing variances across materials, labour and overheads
- Ensure accurate and timely month-end close and reporting for manufacturing P&L
- Strengthen financial controls, governance and compliance at site level
- Act as a trusted finance partner to the Site Director and Operations leadership
- Deliver clear actions, improvements and a sustainable handover plan
Candidate Profile
- Senior manufacturing finance background within food or FMCG
- Proven experience in inventory accounting and product costing in complex factories
- Previous experience operating at Head of Finance / Site Finance Lead / Manufacturing FD level
- Strong interim track record with a hands-on, delivery-focused approach
- Comfortable working on-site and influencing operational stakeholders
- Strong ERP experience (SAP or equivalent manufacturing systems)
- Able to operate at pace in a high-volume, time-sensitive environment
Seniority level: Mid-Senior level
Employment type: Contract
Job function: Finance
Industries: Food and Beverage Manufacturing and Dairy Product Manufacturing
Interim Head of Finance - Inventory & Product Costing employer: QLM Search
QLM Search offers an exceptional work environment for the Global Commercial Growth Leader, characterised by a dynamic and consumer-focused culture that prioritises innovation and collaboration. Employees benefit from comprehensive professional development opportunities, competitive compensation packages, and the chance to make a significant impact within a major branded food group. Located in a vibrant industry hub, this role provides unique advantages for networking and career advancement in the food and beverage sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Interim Head of Finance - Inventory & Product Costing
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the food manufacturing sector and let them know you're on the hunt for an Interim Head of Finance role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities that aren't advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of inventory valuation and product costing. We want you to be able to discuss your hands-on experience confidently, especially when it comes to improving standard costing and BOM accuracy.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your ERP experience! If you've worked with SAP or similar systems, make sure to highlight this in conversations. It’s a big plus for roles focused on financial controls and governance in manufacturing.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of resources to help you land that dream job, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge over the competition.
We think you need these skills to ace Interim Head of Finance - Inventory & Product Costing
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Interim Head of Finance. Highlight your experience in inventory accounting and product costing, and don’t forget to mention any relevant ERP systems you've worked with. We want to see how your background fits perfectly with what we’re looking for!
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 from your past that demonstrate your hands-on approach and ability to influence operational stakeholders. We love a good story that showcases your skills!
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, focus on your achievements rather than just responsibilities. Did you improve standard costing or enhance financial controls? Quantify your successes where possible. We’re keen to see how you’ve made a difference in previous roles!
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 don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it’s super easy – just a few clicks and you’re done!
How to prepare for a job interview at QLM Search
✨Know Your Numbers
As an Interim Head of Finance, you'll need to demonstrate a solid grasp of inventory valuation and product costing. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've improved standard costing and BOM accuracy in your previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role requires you to act as a trusted finance partner to the Site Director and Operations leadership. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led finance teams and influenced operational stakeholders in high-pressure environments.
✨Be Ready for Technical Questions
Expect questions about your experience with ERP systems like SAP. Be prepared to explain how you've used these tools to enhance financial controls and governance in manufacturing settings.
✨Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Abilities
Manufacturing variances can be tricky. Think of specific instances where you've analysed and resolved issues related to materials, labour, or overheads. Highlight your hands-on approach and how you delivered clear actions and improvements.
