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- Tasks: Lead financial operations and drive strategic decision-making in a dynamic manufacturing environment.
- Company: Join a trusted UK manufacturer dedicated to enhancing mobility solutions for all.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, collaborative culture, and the chance to shape financial strategy.
- Why this job: Be part of a high-impact role that influences business direction and fosters innovation.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with senior finance experience, ideally in SME manufacturing.
- Other info: Opportunity to oversee a small finance team and contribute to M&A activities.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 85000 £ per year.
This well established manufacturing group is a trusted, long-established UK manufacturer of home lifts, platform lifts, and mobility solutions, dedicated to improving the quality of life and independence of customers across residential and commercial markets. With a turnover of £11–12 million and strong growth ambitions, we are seeking an experienced and commercially astute Finance Director to join the senior leadership team and play a pivotal role in driving strategic and operational performance.
The Commercial Finance Director will act as a strategic business partner to the Managing Director and wider board, providing robust financial leadership and insight to support data-driven decision-making. This is a key appointment that will help shape the company’s future, combining financial control with commercial acumen to drive growth, profitability, and operational efficiency.
Key Responsibilities:- Lead the finance function, overseeing all financial operations including management reporting, budgeting, forecasting, statutory accounts, cash flow management, and audit.
- Partner with the MD and board to develop and deliver commercial strategies aligned to business objectives.
- Provide insightful financial analysis to support pricing decisions, margin improvement, product mix, and investment appraisals.
- Take ownership of financial planning, driving accountability across the business with a focus on KPIs, performance metrics, and continuous improvement.
- Support manufacturing and operational teams with costings, stock control, and supply chain finance to enhance efficiency and profitability.
- Manage relationships with external stakeholders including auditors, banks, and regulatory bodies.
- Take overall responsibility for the HR function, ensuring alignment with business objectives, overseeing policy development, and supporting a high-performance culture across the organisation.
- Oversee and develop the small finance team, instilling a culture of high performance, accuracy, and continuous improvement.
- Contribute to M&A activity, funding requirements, and broader strategic initiatives where relevant.
- Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA) with significant post-qualification experience, ideally in an SME manufacturing environment.
- Proven experience in a senior finance role, ideally within a growing, privately owned or PE-backed business.
- Strong commercial acumen, with the ability to challenge and influence at board level.
- Hands-on and adaptable, with a willingness to get into the detail as needed.
- Excellent leadership and communication skills, with the ability to engage cross-functionally across the business.
- Experience with ERP systems and a data-driven mindset.
- Opportunity to join a market-leading UK manufacturer with a strong reputation for quality and innovation.
- High-impact board-level role with the autonomy to shape financial strategy and influence business direction.
- Collaborative and values-driven culture.
- Competitive salary and benefits package.
Finance Director employer: Sowena Group
Contact Detail:
Sowena Group Recruiting Team
dave@sowenagroup.co.uk
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Director
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the manufacturing sector, especially those who have experience in finance roles. Attend industry events or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and learn more about the specific challenges they face.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in financial management within the manufacturing industry. Understanding how financial strategies can drive operational efficiency will help you stand out as a candidate who is not only qualified but also knowledgeable about the sector.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with ERP systems and how you've used data-driven insights to influence financial decisions. Being able to provide specific examples of your impact on previous organisations will demonstrate your capability for this role.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your leadership skills by highlighting instances where you've successfully managed teams or projects. The ability to lead a finance team effectively while collaborating with other departments is crucial for this position.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in finance, particularly in manufacturing or similar industries. Emphasise your qualifications (ACA, ACCA, CIMA) and any leadership roles you've held.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your commercial acumen and strategic thinking. Mention specific examples of how you've driven financial performance and supported business growth in previous roles.
Highlight Key Achievements: In both your CV and cover letter, include quantifiable achievements that demonstrate your impact on financial operations, such as improvements in cash flow management or successful budgeting initiatives.
Showcase Leadership Skills: Since this role involves overseeing a finance team, highlight your leadership experience. Discuss how you've developed teams, fostered a high-performance culture, and engaged with cross-functional stakeholders.
How to prepare for a job interview at Sowena Group
✨Understand the Company and Industry
Before your interview, make sure to research the manufacturing industry, particularly in home lifts and mobility solutions. Understanding the company's position in the market and its growth ambitions will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate your genuine interest.
✨Showcase Your Financial Acumen
Be prepared to discuss your experience with financial operations, management reporting, and strategic decision-making. Highlight specific examples where your financial leadership has driven growth or improved profitability in previous roles.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a Finance Director, you'll need to lead a team and engage with various stakeholders. Share examples of how you've successfully managed teams, fostered a high-performance culture, and collaborated with cross-functional teams to achieve business objectives.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and commercial acumen. Prepare to discuss how you would approach financial planning, cost control, and investment appraisals in real-world scenarios relevant to the company’s operations.
