Head of Finance - Manufacturing Operations

Hitchenor Wakeford Limited; West Yorkshire; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A branded consumer goods group is seeking a Head of Finance for their UK manufacturing site. This role requires a commercially astute finance leader to drive financial performance and strategic decision-making. Ideal candidates will have at least 5 years of experience in a multinational environment and advanced skills in SAP and Excel. Strong capabilities in operational finance and business partnering are essential.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in finance within a multinational environment, ideally FMCG, Manufacturing, or Supply Chain.
• Advanced knowledge of SAP and Excel.
• Strong understanding of operational finance, inventory, and CAPEX/OPEX management.

Responsibilities

• Lead financial planning, cost control, and performance tracking across the site.
• Provide clear and actionable financial analysis to support decision-making.
• Deliver robust budgeting, forecasting, and financial modelling aligned with global standards.
• Ensure timely and insightful monthly reporting with full variance analysis.
• Drive site efficiency and continuous cost improvement.
• Lead financial governance of CAPEX projects.
• Monitor and improve working capital focusing on inventory optimization.
• Partner with stakeholders globally and locally to influence financial strategy.

Skills

Operational finance management

Financial analysis

Business partnering

Inventory optimization

Cost control

Education

Fully Qualified Accountant

Tools

SAP

Excel

Job description

HW Finance are delighted to be working in Retained Partnership with a Branded Consumer Goods Group, to help appoint a new Head of Finance for one of their Manufacturing Sites.

This is an exceptional opportunity fora commercially astute finance leader with a passion for operational excellence and strategic business partnering.This role will bepivotal in driving financial performance, cost control, and strategic decision-making across a key UK manufacturing site.

The Role

As Head of Finance, you will be the senior finance lead at one of the major UK sites, partnering closely with the Site Head and Regional Finance Lead. You will provide high-quality financial insight and leadership across planning, cost control, investment appraisal (CAPEX), and inventory management. This role offers a strong mix of business partnering, operational finance, and strategic input.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead financial planning, cost control and performance tracking across the site.
• Provide clear and actionable financial analysis to support decision-making.
• Deliver robust budgeting, forecasting and financial modelling aligned with global standards.
• Ensure timely and insightful monthly reporting with full variance analysis.
• Drive site efficiency, OpEx optimisation and continuous cost improvement.
• Lead financial governance of CAPEX projects and ROI analysis.
• Monitor and improve working capital, focusing on inventory optimisation.
• Partner with stakeholders globally and locally to influence and drive financial strategy.

Ideal Experience:

• Fully Qualified with at least 5+ years of experience in finance within a multinational environment, ideally within FMCG, Manufacturing or Supply Chain.
• Advanced knowledge of SAP and Excel.
• Strong understanding of operational finance, inventory, CAPEX/OPEX management, and business partnering. Confident communicator with the ability to challenge, influence and collaborate at all levels.