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- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and operations for a fast-growing manufacturing business.
- Company: Miswa Chemicals Limited, an ambitious independent British manufacturer.
- Benefits: Opportunity for career progression to Finance Director and competitive salary.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team focused on profitability and long-term growth.
- Why this job: Play a key role in scaling a business with a £50m+ revenue goal.
- Qualifications: ACCA qualified with experience in SME growth environments.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
Robert Half are proud to be exclusively retained by Miswa Chemicals Limited to appoint a Head of Finance based in Northampton in the office full time. This role represents an opportunity for a high-performing finance leader to play a central role in scaling an ambitious manufacturing business while working closely with the owners and progressing toward a Finance Director position as the company continues its growth trajectory.
Miswa is a fast-growing, independent British manufacturer of transportation and industrial chemical solutions with a clear ambition to scale to £50m+ revenue by FY29 while maintaining disciplined, profitable growth. The business is seeking a high-calibre Head of Finance to manage a small finance function with a huge opportunity to expand, with aspirations toward a future Finance Director role, to lead financial strategy through its next phase of expansion. This role will suit an experienced finance leader from an SME or entrepreneurial environment who is commercially sharp, operationally grounded and comfortable partnering closely with owner-directors.
Role Purpose
The Head of Finance will provide strategic and operational financial leadership, ensuring the business maintains strong financial discipline while scaling. The role will focus on delivering:
- Profitable and sustainable growth
- Rigorous financial control
- Strong cash flow management
- Robust governance and reporting
- Optimised funding structures
- Strategic readiness for future acquisitions
Working closely with the owners, the Head of Finance will strengthen profitability, build financial resilience and elevate the finance function to support long-term growth.
Strategic Financial Leadership
- Partner with the Managing Director and Board on long-term financial strategy
- Deliver EBITDA and cash targets aligned to the £50m growth plan
- Lead disciplined capital allocation and investment decisions
Profitability & Margin Management
- Deliver SKU, customer and channel margin analysis
- Identify margin erosion and implement corrective action
- Support pricing governance and commercial decisions
- Drive continuous improvement in gross and net profitability
Cash Flow & Reserve Development
- Implement rolling 6-12 month cash flow forecasting
- Optimise working capital across inventory, receivables and payables
- Build and protect a meaningful cash reserve
- Develop structured plans to build an acquisition reserve
Funding & Banking Oversight
- Manage and optimise invoice discounting facilities
- Oversee asset finance and commercial loan arrangements
- Support renegotiation of banking facilities and cost of capital
- Maintain strong relationships with lenders and advisors
Capex & Investment Planning
- Introduce structured ROI and payback analysis
- Evaluate capital expenditure proposals
- Ensure investment decisions align with strategic priorities
Budgeting & Financial Governance
- Lead annual budgeting and forecasting processes
- Oversee delivery of clear monthly management accounts and board packs
- Implement financial dashboards aligned to key KPIs
Operational Financial Control
- Strengthen cost discipline across operations and production
- Link operational metrics to financial performance
- Drive financial accountability throughout the organisation
Finance Team Leadership
- Lead, develop and mentor the finance team
- Conduct structured performance reviews
- Improve reporting accuracy, systems and processes
- Oversee payroll governance and compliance
FX & Risk Management
- Develop and manage a structured foreign exchange strategy
- Protect margins through forward planning and hedging where appropriate
- Identify and manage financial risk proactively
Candidate Profile
We are seeking a commercially minded Head of Finance / aspiring Finance Director with:
- ACCA qualified (or equivalent)
- Proven success within an SME growth environment
- Strong experience driving profitability and margin improvement
- Advanced working capital and cash flow management expertise
- Experience managing invoice discounting, asset finance and loan structures
- Track record renegotiating banking facilities
- Experience preparing businesses for acquisition or investment
- Ability to operate effectively at Board level
- Hands-on style with strong operational understanding
- High integrity and discretion when working with founders/owners
Head of Finance in Northampton employer: Robert Half Limited
Contact Detail:
Robert Half Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Finance in Northampton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those who might know about opportunities at Miswa Chemicals. A personal recommendation can go a long way in landing that interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching Miswa Chemicals thoroughly. Understand their growth plans and how your experience aligns with their goals. This will show them you're genuinely interested and ready to contribute.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to discuss your past achievements in driving profitability and managing cash flow. Highlight specific examples that demonstrate your strategic financial leadership skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re here to support you every step of the way in your job search journey.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Finance in Northampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Finance role. Highlight your experience in financial leadership, cash flow management, and any relevant achievements that align with Miswa's growth ambitions.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell your story! Explain why you're passionate about the role and how your background in SME environments makes you the perfect fit for Miswa Chemicals. Don't forget to mention your aspirations towards a Finance Director position!
Showcase Your Financial Acumen: In your application, be sure to showcase your expertise in budgeting, forecasting, and financial governance. Use specific examples to demonstrate how you've driven profitability and managed cash flow effectively in previous roles.
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 Robert Half Limited
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Head of Finance, you’ll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics relevant to Miswa Chemicals, like EBITDA and cash flow management. Be ready to discuss how you've driven profitability and margin improvements in previous roles.
✨Showcase Strategic Thinking
This role is all about strategic financial leadership. Prepare examples of how you've partnered with senior management to shape long-term financial strategies. Think about specific instances where your decisions have led to successful capital allocation or investment outcomes.
✨Demonstrate Operational Insight
Miswa is looking for someone who understands the operational side of finance. Be prepared to discuss how you've linked operational metrics to financial performance in past roles. Highlight any experience you have in strengthening cost discipline across operations.
✨Build Rapport with Owners
Since you'll be working closely with owner-directors, it's crucial to show that you can build strong relationships. Prepare to discuss how you've effectively communicated financial insights to non-financial stakeholders and how you've maintained integrity and discretion in sensitive situations.