Head of Finance

ITSS Recruitment; Northampton; On-site; GBP 75,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment firm seeks a Head of Finance to drive financial strategy and operational excellence within a growing manufacturing company. The role requires over 10 years of senior financial experience, particularly in multi-entity operations. You will lead budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting while advising senior leadership on investment strategies and risk mitigation.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of senior financial management experience required.
• Experience in manufacturing or multi-entity operations essential.
• Strong ERP systems expertise is a must.

Responsibilities

• Lead financial strategy for European entities.
• Prepare accurate financial reports and drive budgeting.
• Manage cost analysis and implement cost control.

Skills

Leadership

Financial analysis

Cost management

Strategic planning

Tax planning

ERP systems

Education

CIMA qualification or equivalent

Job description

Overview

Role: Head of Finance

Location: Corby

Salary: £75-90k

The Head of Finance will be responsible for full financial stewardship of the European businesses - driving strategy, delivering operational excellence, and ensuring financial performance meets or exceeds group objectives.

This role requires an exceptional finance leader with at least 10 years of post-qualification experience in senior finance positions, specifically within manufacturing businesses with multi-site operations. The individual will shape and manage the company\'s financial strategy, drive cost efficiency, and evaluate investment opportunities. Responsibilities include budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, and helping steer the company\'s long-term strategy, including mergers, acquisitions, and capital expenditure planning. The Head of Finance will identify areas for financial improvement, mitigate tax liabilities, and contribute to a robust financial position. This is not an entry-level finance leadership role; we seek an elite candidate who is commercially astute, analytically sharp, operationally hands-on, and capable of influencing at board level.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Financial Leadership: Lead the financial strategy for all European entities, ensuring alignment with the Group\'s vision and growth objectives. Provide proactive, data-driven insight to the board and senior leadership to shape business direction. Oversee and optimise financial performance across multiple jurisdictions and currencies.
• Financial Planning & Analysis: Lead the preparation of accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports. Drive the budgeting and forecasting process, ensuring alignment with the company\'s goals and objectives. Provide insightful financial analysis to help management understand cost trends, identify opportunities for savings, and improve profitability.
• Cost Management & Control: Oversee cost analysis, identify inefficiencies, and recommend strategies for improvement. Evaluate and optimise operational costs and investments to ensure profitability. Implement and manage cost control mechanisms to drive financial efficiency across departments.
• Investment & Growth Strategy: Analyse investment opportunities, including potential mergers and acquisitions, to support business growth and long-term strategy. Collaborate with senior management to assess and implement capital expenditure (CapEx) projects. Support the identification and evaluation of strategic partnerships that can drive business expansion.
• Tax & Risk Mitigation: Manage tax planning strategies to minimise liabilities and ensure compliance with tax regulations. Provide guidance on risk management, helping the company navigate financial, regulatory, and operational challenges.
• Strategic Financial Leadership: Advise senior leadership on financial decisions, guiding the company toward sustained growth and profitability. Work closely with the board to align financial strategy with the company\'s vision and long-term objectives. Lead the development of financial models and strategic financial plans.

Qualifications / Experience

• Fully qualified CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants) qualification or equivalent, with significant experience in a senior finance role.
• Minimum 10 years\' senior financial management experience, with at least 5 years overseeing multi-entity and multi-country operations.
• Proven expertise in manufacturing or industrial environments with a focus on management accounting, cost analysis, budgeting, and financial performance management.
• Exceptional operational finance skills, with a track record of delivering strategic cost savings and margin improvement initiatives with quantifiable results.
• Strong ERP systems expertise, including implementation or optimisation.
• Demonstrable track record of managing multi-entity, multi-currency P&L and balance sheet responsibility at a senior level.
• Advanced analytical capability with the ability to translate complex data into actionable strategy.

If you feel the above Head of Finance specification matches your professional background, click apply.