Head of Operational Finance

Samworth Brothers; Leicester; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food manufacturer in Leicester is seeking a Head of Finance – Operations to steer financial performance across multiple sites. The successful candidate will lead finance teams, manage operational reporting, and drive performance improvements. A strong background in finance, particularly within manufacturing or FMCG, is necessary, alongside qualifications such as ACA, CIMA, or ACCA. Join us to be part of a dynamic team committed to excellence.

Benefits

Enhanced pension scheme

Private health scheme

Employee discount scheme

Annual pay reviews

Profit related pay

Training and growth opportunities

Qualifications

• Qualified accountant with ACA, CIMA, or ACCA.
• Experience in finance roles within manufacturing or FMCG is essential.
• Proficient in leading and developing teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team focusing on development and delivery.
• Oversee operational financial reporting on multiple timelines.
• Manage budgeting and financial forecasting.

Skills

Qualified accountant (ACA, CIMA or ACCA)

Strong experience within manufacturing and/or FMCG

Track record in Finance Manager, Financial Controller or Finance Director position

Proven ability to lead and inspire teams

Strong stakeholder management

Strategic mindset with hands-on capability

Job description

About The Role

Join the Samworth Brothers Team and become part of our dynamic family!

At Samworth Brothers, we genuinely care about our colleagues and strive to create an engaging environment that values your unique contributions. We are committed to your success and offer a range of exceptional benefits that we believe support your life and personal aspirations:

• Enhanced pension scheme
• Private health scheme
• Employee discount scheme
• Experience annual pay reviews
• Profit related pay
• Unlock your potential through training and growth opportunities

The Opportunity

As our Head of Finance – Operations, you’ll play a key role in steering financial performance across five sites within the Food To Go Category. Reporting directly to the Category Finance Director, this role sits at the heart of our senior finance leadership team, working closely with Commercial, FP&A and Financial Reporting to shape the future performance of the FTG business.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead a team of 4 direct reports and a wider team of 10, creating a culture focused on development, ownership and delivery.
• Oversee all operational financial reporting – weekly, monthly and annual.
• Own the quarterly reforecasting, annual budget, and the 5‑year financial model for FTG.
• Drive performance by challenging and supporting material, labour and overhead efficiencies.
• Lead consistent improvement initiatives across all sites through MBR processes and one‑off interventions.

The Ideal Candidate

We believe that success is built upon collaboration and diverse perspectives. At Samworth Brothers, we welcome candidates who are passionate about working together to achieve greatness. As a valued member of our team, you will bring the following skills and experience:

• A qualified accountant (ACA, CIMA or ACCA).
• Strong experience within manufacturing and/or FMCG.
• A track record in a Finance Manager, Financial Controller or Finance Director position.
• Proven ability to lead, develop and inspire teams.
• Strong stakeholder management and the ability to influence across a large and diverse organisation.
• A strategic mindset with hands‑on capability and a passion for continuous improvement.

We also want you to thrive in an engaging and inclusive work culture where you will have the opportunity to take on personal accountability and take pride in your work. We encourage positive communication, and the building of strong collaborative relationships is essential to every role.

Join us at Samworth Brothers, where you'll be more than just a team member – you'll be an integral part of our thriving family.

Apply today and embark on an exciting journey with us!

About Us

We are a fourth-generation family business producing high quality own‑label products for many of the UK’s best‑known retailers along with our own brands including Ginsters, Soreen, Higgidy, Dickinson & Morris, Urban Eat, West Cornwall Pasty Company and Walker & Son. We employ over 10,000 people in well‑invested modern food manufacturing sites around the country.

At Samworth Brothers we take pride in our family feel within our businesses and work together to make things happen. We can offer you the stability of a wider group as well as the opportunities that that offers if you wish to progress your career with us. We are family and we would like to invite you to be part of that and support our teams in delivering great products to all of our customers.

Samworth Brothers do not engage with unlicensed gangmasters or third parties. Samworth Brothers will NEVER ask you for money in order to provide you with employment. If you are in any doubt, please contact an official Samworth Brothers representative.