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- Tasks: Lead finance across multiple sites, ensuring robust control and strategic financial planning.
- Company: Join a market-leading, private equity-backed food manufacturing group.
- Benefits: Competitive salary based on skills, with opportunities for growth and influence.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment and shape the company's financial future.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with senior finance leadership experience in FMCG or manufacturing.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity to develop a high-performing finance team and drive performance.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Sowena Group has been retained by a market leading international, private equity-backed food manufacturing group with a growing multi-site operation is seeking a commercially astute and hands‐on Head of Finance in the Northwest to join its senior leadership team. This is a pivotal role within a fast‐paced and dynamic business, offering significant opportunity to influence strategic direction and drive financial and operational performance.
The successful candidate will combine strong technical capabilities with commercial insight, and will thrive in a collaborative, performance‐driven culture. Applications are also welcomed from experienced Senior Financial Controllers with demonstrable leadership potential and a well‐rounded background in both commercial and operational finance.
Key Responsibilities- Lead the finance function across multiple sites, ensuring robust financial control, accurate and timely reporting, and full regulatory compliance.
- Partner with operational and commercial teams to optimise site performance, improve margins, and drive cost efficiency.
- Manage all budgeting, forecasting, and long‐term financial planning activities in alignment with strategic business goals.
- Oversee treasury operations including cash flow forecasting, liquidity management, and banking relationships.
- Monitor foreign exchange exposure and implement effective FX hedging strategies as appropriate.
- Maintain and enhance standard costing models across all sites, providing clear and actionable variance analysis.
- Lead the month‐end and year‐end close processes in accordance with UK GAAP.
- Ensure compliance with all taxation and statutory requirements (including corporate tax, VAT, and payroll taxes).
- Oversee payroll processes, ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and compliance with all relevant legislation.
- Strengthen internal controls, risk management, and governance frameworks.
- Drive finance‐related ERP development and ensure integrity of financial data across systems.
- Recruit, develop, and mentor a high‐performing finance team, fostering a commercially focused and delivery‐oriented culture.
- Support the Group CFO and broader executive leadership team with strategic initiatives, board reporting, and value creation planning.
- Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).
- Proven track record in a senior finance leadership role within the FMCG sector or manufacturing.
- Experience operating within a multi‐site environment.
- Strong commercial acumen with the ability to influence cross‐functional teams and drive performance.
- Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
- Prior exposure to private equity‐backed businesses is highly advantageous.
This is an exciting opportunity to join a company at a critical juncture in its growth.
Head of Finance in Burnley employer: Sowena Group
Contact Detail:
Sowena Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Finance in Burnley
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those who have experience in FMCG or manufacturing. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its financial performance. Be ready to discuss how your skills can drive their strategic goals. We want you to show them you're not just a fit, but the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You never know when you'll meet someone who can help you land that Head of Finance role. Keep it concise and highlight your leadership experience and commercial acumen.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Finance in Burnley
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, especially in multi-site environments and the FMCG sector. We want to see how your skills align 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 of how you've driven performance and influenced strategic direction in previous positions. We love a good story!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a potential leader in our finance team, it's crucial to demonstrate your leadership capabilities. Talk about your experience in mentoring teams and driving a performance-driven culture. We’re all about collaboration and growth here at StudySmarter!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team. Let’s make it happen!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sowena Group
✨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 food manufacturing sector and be ready to discuss how you've used these to drive performance in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to talk about your leadership approach and how you’ve developed high-performing teams. Think of specific examples where you’ve mentored team members or improved team dynamics, as this role requires strong people management skills.
✨Understand the Business Landscape
Research the company’s position within the FMCG sector and its competitors. Be prepared to discuss how you can influence strategic direction and improve operational performance based on your insights into market trends.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities, especially around budgeting, forecasting, and compliance. Prepare scenarios from your past experience where you successfully navigated challenges, particularly in a multi-site environment.
