Head of Finance UK

Zeus Packaging; England; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading packaging company in Europe is seeking a Head of Finance UK to lead financial management across multiple sites. This site-based role in Stone, UK, demands strong financial oversight, strategic insights, and team leadership. Candidates must be fully qualified accountants with proven experience in senior finance roles and hands-on ERP implementation. This position requires regular travel across UK operations and an ability to foster collaboration and support commercial initiatives. Competitive compensation and significant leadership responsibilities await the right candidate.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a senior finance role.
• Strong track record in managing cashflow and working capital.
• Hands-on experience with ERP implementation and process alignment.

Responsibilities

• Lead financial planning and analysis across UK sites.
• Ensure timely and accurate financial reporting.
• Support the integration of newly acquired UK entities.

Skills

Financial planning

Budgeting

Cashflow management

Financial analysis

ERP implementation

Team leadership

Education

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

Tools

AutoCAD 3D

CAD CAM

ABAP

Job description

Overview

Zeus Packaging is one of the largest packaging companies in Europe supplying a wide range of sustainable packaging solutions across multiple industries including food retail logistics, healthcare and manufacturing. With operations across the UK, Ireland and international markets Zeus is committed to innovation, customer focus and sustainability.

Our UK operations are expanding and we are seeking a highly motivated and commercially astute Head of Finance UK to play a pivotal role in leading financial management and strategy across the UK network. This is a site-based role in Stone, UK with regular travel required across UK operations to maintain strong financial oversight and engagement with business units.

Responsibilities

• Financial Leadership & Strategy
  • Lead financial planning, budgeting, forecasting and analysis across all UK sites.
  • Partner with senior leadership and operational managers to drive business performance, cost control and margin improvement.
  • Provide strategic financial insights to support decision-making and long-term growth initiatives.
• Financial Control, Cashflow & Compliance
  • Ensure timely and accurate monthly, quarterly and annual reporting.
  • Manage UK cashflow effectively, optimise working capital, monitor liquidity and forecasting funding requirements.
  • Oversee statutory accounts preparation, audits, tax compliance and regulatory requirements.
  • Maintain and strengthen internal controls and risk management practices.
• Business Partnering & Commercial Support
  • Act as a trusted business partner to operational and commercial leaders across the UK network.
  • Support commercial teams with pricing strategies, contract reviews and profitability analysis.
  • Provide financial modelling and scenario analysis for investment decisions, acquisitions and new initiatives.
  • Challenge assumptions and influence decision-making to ensure financial rigour.
• AI & Process Improvement
  • Drive adoption of AI, automation and digital finance tools to enhance reporting accuracy, forecasting and decision-making.
  • Lead process improvement initiatives that streamline workflows, reduce costs and improve scalability.
  • Stay ahead of emerging financial technologies, advising leadership on strategic opportunities for innovation and ROI.
• Entity Integration & ERP Alignment
  • Support the integration of newly acquired or merged UK entities into group financial structures.
  • Lead and assist in ERP system implementation, ensuring UK processes are aligned with group standards.
  • Drive process harmonisation, data consistency and system improvements across UK sites.
  • Collaborate with Group IT and Finance to deliver smooth transitions during integration projects.
• Team Leadership
  • Lead, coach and develop the UK finance team, ensuring high standards of accuracy, accountability and professional growth.
  • Foster a culture of collaboration between finance operations and commercial teams.

Scope of Position

Business Units Covered: Zeus I&T, Zeus Food, Swanline, Weedon, Boxmart, Smith Bateson, Empire Tapes, Simpac Group and other UK entities.

The post holder will be expected to work any hours required in the execution of duties. The role has line management responsibility of Financial Controllers in all UK businesses.

Location

This position is located at Stone, UK (with regular travel to other UK sites).

Requirements

Essential

• Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).
• Proven experience in a senior finance role.
• Strong track record in managing cashflow, working capital and financial control within multi-site operations.
• Demonstrated success in business partnering with commercial and operational leaders.
• Hands-on experience with ERP implementation and process alignment.
• Excellent technical accounting knowledge, financial analysis and decision support skills.
• Leadership capability with experience building and developing finance teams.
• Willingness to travel regularly across UK sites.

Desirable

• Experience in manufacturing, packaging, FMCG or distribution sectors.
• Exposure to post-acquisition integration or large-scale system projects.
• Commercial mindset with the ability to balance financial control and growth support.

Experience

Director level experience is preferred.

Key Skills

AutoCAD 3D, CAD CAM, ABAP; Management Administration; Manufacturing

Employment Details

Employment Type: Full-Time

Department / Functional Area: Finance

Experience: years

Vacancy: 1