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- Tasks: Lead financial strategy across manufacturing sites and ensure accurate reporting.
- Company: Join Sanderson Design Group, a luxury interior design house with a rich history.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a chance to shape financial operations.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a creative industry while driving profitability and efficiency.
- Qualifications: Qualified finance professional with experience in manufacturing or logistics.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for team leadership and career growth.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 84000 £ per year.
Provide financial leadership and control across two manufacturing sites (Anstey in Loughborough and Standfast in Lancaster) and two central warehouses (Milton Keynes). The role ensures accurate and timely financial reporting, strong cost and inventory control, effective month-end close processes, and successful delivery of external audits, while partnering with operations to drive profitability, efficiency, and compliant growth.
About Us: Sanderson Design Group plc is a luxury interior design house, home to six iconic brands with over 165 years of history: Sanderson, Morris & Co., Harlequin, Zoffany, Clarke & Clarke, and Scion. Our portfolio spans fabric, wallpaper, and paint, with manufacturing capabilities through Anstey and Standfast & Barracks. Our purpose is to ‘bring the beautiful into people’s homes and lives’ and we are the proud owner of one of Europe’s largest design archives, with over 75,000 historical documents and artworks. We also have a growing international licensing programme which supports our strategic global expansion.
Responsibilities:
- Act as the senior finance partner to factory and warehouse leadership teams.
- Translate operational strategy into financial plans, forecasts, and performance targets.
- Lead on appraisal of strategic projects, working closely with the Group Operations Director.
- Provide commercial insight to support pricing, capacity planning, and make-or-buy decisions.
- Support continuous improvement and operational excellence initiatives.
- Own standard costing methodology and ensure consistency across both factories.
- Oversee manufacturing variance analysis including labour, materials and overheads.
- Partner with operations to identify and deliver cost reduction and productivity initiatives.
- Provide oversight of the full month-end close process for all sites, ensuring timely close in line with corporate deadlines; accuracy and completeness of financial results; and consistent accounting treatment across factories.
- Deliver consolidated site reporting and meaningful variance analysis to senior management, including leading on monthly Financial and Operation Reviews.
- Act as the primary finance lead for external audits relating to manufacturing.
- Maintain strong internal controls across manufacturing and warehouse operations.
- Lead the annual budget and rolling forecast processes across all sites.
- Develop site-level and consolidated KPIs for manufacturing and warehouse performance.
- Monitor performance against budget and forecast, driving corrective action plans.
- Evaluate and financially justify capital expenditure proposals.
- Lead, coach, and develop multi-site manufacturing finance teams.
- Own the insurance renewal process for the Group including managing any insurance related queries during the year.
Measures of Success:
- Month-end close timeliness and accuracy.
- Audit outcomes and issue resolution.
- Manufacturing cost and variance performance.
- Inventory turns and working capital improvement.
- Forecast accuracy and budget adherence.
- Finance team capability and engagement.
Connecting with Others:
- Operations leadership – Partner with leadership on budgets, projects and performance.
- Finance leadership – represent Finance in all aspects of the manufacturing side of the business.
- Group finance - Delivery of the monthly management accounts and ad hoc reporting.
- External Auditors – Provide documentation and assist with any questions regarding year end or half year accounts.
- Budget holders – Assist with ad hoc queries and analysis. Support with building budgets and forecasts.
Qualification:
Qualified (CIMA, ACA, ACCA) finance professional with significant post-qualification experience plus demonstrable industry experience in effectively supporting the finance operations of a manufacturing/logistics business.
Skills & Experience:
- Skilled business partner with significant experience partnering with non-Finance stakeholders.
- Experience of managing and developing a team.
- Able to report finance information to non-finance colleagues.
- High degree of attention to detail with the ability to self-review and error-check work to ensure accuracy.
- Highly developed problem solving abilities and organisational skills.
- Excellent numerical and communication skills.
Head of Finance- Manufacturing (18 month FTC) in Loughborough employer: Sanderson Design Group plc.
Contact Detail:
Sanderson Design Group plc. Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Finance- Manufacturing (18 month FTC) in Loughborough
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance and manufacturing sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Sanderson Design Group and its brands. Understand their financial operations and challenges. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with the responsibilities of the Head of Finance role. Highlight your skills in cost control, financial reporting, and team leadership to make a strong impression.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Sanderson Design Group.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Finance- Manufacturing (18 month FTC) in Loughborough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Head of Finance in manufacturing. Highlight your experience in financial leadership, cost control, and working with operations to drive profitability. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about finance in the manufacturing sector and how you can contribute to our mission. Be sure to mention any relevant projects or achievements that showcase your expertise.
Showcase Your Team Leadership Skills: Since this role involves leading and developing finance teams, make sure to highlight your experience in managing teams. Share examples of how you've coached others and improved team performance – we love to see collaboration in action!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sanderson Design Group plc.
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Head of Finance, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics relevant to manufacturing, such as cost variance analysis and inventory turns. Be ready to discuss how you've used these metrics to drive profitability in previous roles.
✨Understand the Business
Familiarise yourself with Sanderson Design Group's brands and their unique market positions. Knowing how finance supports operations in a manufacturing context will show that you can translate operational strategies into financial plans effectively.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions about how you would handle specific challenges, like managing month-end close processes or leading audits. Prepare examples from your past experience where you've successfully navigated similar situations, highlighting your problem-solving skills.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As this role involves leading and developing finance teams, be prepared to discuss your leadership approach. Share examples of how you've coached team members or partnered with non-finance stakeholders to achieve common goals, demonstrating your ability to connect with others.
