Head of Finance

FMCG Exec; England; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

FMCG Exec in the United Kingdom is seeking a Head of Finance to lead the finance function and partner with the senior leadership team. The role demands a strategic, hands-on finance leader capable of delivering robust governance and commercial insight across manufacturing operations.

You will drive budgeting, forecasting, reporting and performance improvement initiatives, partnering with operational teams to enhance profitability and sustainable growth.

Qualifications

• Qualified accountant with ACA/ACCA/CIMA.
• Senior finance leadership experience in manufacturing.
• Strong understanding of cost accounting and margin analysis.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the finance function with robust controls and reporting.
• Provide strategic financial insight to support business decisions.
• Own budgeting, forecasting, cash flow and financial planning.

Skills

Manufacturing finance

Cost accounting

Stock management

Margin analysis

Financial leadership

Stakeholder management

Education

ACA/ACCA/CIMA

Job description

Head of Finance

Salary: £100,000 - £140,000 + Benefits

The Opportunity

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced and commercially astute Head of Finance to join an established and growing manufacturing business.

This is a key leadership appointment, offering the opportunity to take ownership of the finance function and play a pivotal role in shaping the financial and commercial direction of the business. Working closely with the senior leadership team, you will provide strategic financial insight, drive operational performance and support the delivery of the company's wider business objectives.

The successful candidate will be both a strategic thinker and a hands‑on finance leader, capable of balancing strong financial governance with a proactive, commercially focused approach.

The Role

Reporting into the senior leadership team, your responsibilities will include:

• Leading and developing the finance function, ensuring robust financial controls, processes and reporting structures are in place.


• Providing strategic financial advice and commercial insight to support business decision-making.


• Taking ownership of budgeting, forecasting, financial planning and cash flow management.


• Delivering accurate and timely monthly management accounts and financial reporting.


• Partnering with operational and manufacturing teams to improve financial performance, profitability and cost efficiency.


• Driving margin improvement, working capital optimisation and cost control initiatives.


• Overseeing financial performance across manufacturing operations, identifying opportunities for efficiencies and sustainable growth.


• Managing statutory reporting, audit processes, tax compliance and wider financial governance.


• Developing financial KPIs and reporting tools to support business performance and operational decision-making.


• Supporting strategic projects, investment decisions and business transformation initiatives.


• Leading, mentoring and developing the finance team.

About You

We are looking for a commercially minded finance leader who can operate effectively at both strategic and operational levels.

You will ideally bring:

• A recognised professional accountancy qualification (ACA, ACCA or CIMA).


• Significant experience in a senior finance leadership position, ideally within a manufacturing, industrial or engineering environment.


• A strong understanding of manufacturing finance, including cost accounting, stock management, production costs and margin analysis.


• Proven experience of driving financial and operational improvements.


• Strong commercial acumen and the ability to influence decision-making at board and senior leadership level.


• Experience leading, developing and motivating finance teams.


• Excellent analytical, communication and stakeholder management skills.


• A proactive, hands‑on approach with the ability to challenge constructively and drive positive change.

What's on Offer?

• Senior leadership position with significant business influence.


• Opportunity to shape and develop the finance function.


• A commercially focused role within an established manufacturing environment.


• The opportunity to make a tangible impact on business performance and future growth.