Head of Finance

2 Sisters Food Group; Carlisle; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

33 days annual leave

Health Assured EAP

Pension scheme

Cycle2Work

Job summary

2 Sisters Food Group is seeking a Head of Finance for its site in Carlisle. The role leads the finance function, partners with the Site Director, and drives performance across budgeting, forecasting, and governance.

The ideal candidate is a fully qualified accountant with extensive post-qualification experience in FMCG/manufacturing and proven leadership across cross-functional teams.

Qualifications

• Qualified accountant with 5+ years post-qualification experience in FMCG/manufacturing.
• Strong strategic and financial planning capabilities.
• Experience partnering with site leadership and cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead the site finance function with accurate reporting, forecasting and analysis.
• Partner with Site Director to drive business performance against objectives.
• Own budgeting, forecasting and strategic planning processes.
• Provide commercial insights to operations, engineering and supply chain.
• Maintain robust financial controls, governance and compliance.
• Develop and mentor the finance team for high performance.
• Identify cost optimisations and efficiency improvements.
• Present financial performance and risks to senior stakeholders.

Skills

Strategic planning

Budgeting

Forecasting

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Communication

Education

Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)

Tools

ERP systems

Job description

Head of Finance

Location: Carlisle

Working Hours: 08:30-17:00, Monday-Friday

About Us

Join 2 Sisters Food Group , one of the UK’s largest food manufacturers, with an annual turnover exceeding £3 billion and approximately 13,000 employees across multiple sites. We have a strong presence in poultry, chilled, and bakery food categories. We are committed to delivering high-quality products to the British public and our customers including major retailers like Aldi, Co-op and Marks & Spencer.

About the Role

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced and commercially astute Head of Finance to join one of our large-scale manufacturing operations. As a key member of the Site Leadership Team, you will be responsible for leading the finance function, driving business performance, and providing strategic financial direction across the site.

This role requires a strong finance leader who understands the pace, complexity, and operational challenges of a high-volume FMCG manufacturing environment. You will act as a trusted business partner to the Site Director and senior leadership team, translating financial performance into actionable business decisions while maintaining robust financial control and governance.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the site finance function, ensuring accurate and timely financial reporting, forecasting, and analysis.
• Partner with the Site Director and operational leadership team to drive business performance and deliver site objectives.
• Own the budgeting, forecasting, and strategic planning processes.
• Provide commercial insight and challenge to support decision-making across operations, engineering, supply chain, and people functions.
• Deliver robust financial controls, compliance, and governance across the site.
• Lead, develop, and mentor the finance team, creating a high-performance culture.
• Identify opportunities for cost optimisation, efficiency improvements, and value creation.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across finance processes and reporting.
• Present financial performance, risks, and opportunities to senior stakeholders with confidence and clarity.

About You

• Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).
• Minimum 5 years' post-qualification experience within an FMCG or manufacturing environment.
• Proven experience operating in a senior finance leadership role.
• Strong strategic planning, budgeting, and forecasting expertise.
• Experience partnering with operational leadership teams within a manufacturing setting.
• Demonstrable people leadership experience, including developing teams and driving performance.
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Strong commercial acumen and the ability to balance strategic priorities with operational demands.

Why Join Us?

• Work for one of the UK’s largest food manufacturers with a proud legacy – from launching the UK’s first ready meals to driving modern innovation.
• Be part of a team that values integrity, respect, and continuous improvement.
• Work in a collaborative, values-driven environment where your voice matters.
• Enjoy a competitive salary, opportunities for real career development and a benefits package that includes:
• Up to 33 days Annual Leave including Bank Holidays
• Health Assured Employee Assistance Programme and Grocery Aid, offering confidential support services 365 days a year
• Company Pension Scheme
• Cycle2Work Scheme