Finance Director in Crawley

Our client is a well-established British designer and manufacturer of luxury architectural hardware, supplying high-end residential and hospitality projects both in the UK and internationally. The business combines traditional craftsmanship with modern manufacturing techniques and continues to invest in new product development, operational capability and international growth.

We are seeking a hands-on, commercially focused Finance Director to join the senior leadership team of this growing business, based in Crawley. This is a pivotal appointment, partnering closely with the CEO, Board and senior management team, with responsibility spanning day-to-day financial control through to strategic planning and long-term value creation. In addition to owning the financial strategy and performance of the business, the Finance Director will play a key role in building, developing and scaling the finance function, ensuring it is appropriately resourced to support the company’s growth ambitions.

The role requires an individual comfortable operating at both a strategic and detailed level, with strong commercial judgement and the credibility to influence decision-making across the organisation. As the company continues to grow, there will be the opportunity to participate in a long-term incentive plan or equivalent, enabling participation in the value created.

• Contribute to the definition and delivery of the organisation’s vision and strategy.
• Produce forecasts assessing long-term financial trends, including scenario modelling around growth, new products and market opportunities.
• Provide financial and commercial support to senior management to help achieve short- and long-term objectives, including funding initiatives and potential acquisitions.
• Review financial performance against forecasts, analyse variances and improve planning and forecasting processes.
• Maintain and enhance internal controls, accounting policies and procedures, ensuring compliance and protection of company assets.
• Deliver relevant financial information accurately and on time to the Board and senior leadership team.
• Take ownership of specific projects to reduce the operational burden on the Board, reporting progress and outcomes as required.
• Ensure financial systems, reporting and data flows are aligned and scalable, supporting both operational performance and strategic insight.
• Build proactive relationships with department heads to ensure effective communication, motivation and high-quality information flow.
• Ensure Sales leadership and teams have appropriate financial insight, including margin analysis, product penetration and customer profitability, and recommend improvements where appropriate.
• Maintain clear and constructive communication with the Board, particularly the CEO.
• Identify and evaluate opportunities for acquisitions, new premises, capital investment or emerging product trends.
• Build, lead and develop the finance team, ensuring it is adequately resourced, commercially focused and capable of supporting ongoing business growth.

Confident in listening, understanding and explaining financial and commercial issues. Able to present financial information effectively to teams, the Board, investors and external stakeholders, including banks, auditors and advisers. Commercially minded, with the ability to challenge constructively and support decisions that deliver organisational objectives. Proven ability to develop individuals and teams through mentoring and training. Strong communication skills across all levels of the organisation. Sound judgement in knowing when to seek additional management or specialist advice. Holds a recognised CCAB accountancy qualification or equivalent. At least three years’ experience in a senior finance role (Finance Director or Senior Financial Controller) with hands-on responsibility. Experience working with SMEs with Boards that include non-executives and/or external investors. Experience of acquisitions and growth-related projects. Strong Excel capability. Familiarity with ERP or accounting systems such as SAP Business One or similar.

£125,000 – £145,000 per annum (depending on experience) Car allowance or company car Long-term incentive plan including annual profit or performance-related bonus Healthcare Supportive and engaging working environment Access to all onsite facilities including gym.