Finance Director

Our client is a well-established, profitable manufacturing business with an annual turnover of approximately £60 million. Operating within a fast-paced and highly competitive sector, they have built an excellent reputation for quality, innovation and customer service. They are now seeking to appoint an experienced Finance Director to join their Executive Leadership Team. This is a pivotal appointment for an accomplished finance leader who combines commercial acumen with operational excellence. Reporting directly to a fractional CFO, the successful candidate will lead the finance function while acting as a trusted business partner to the wider leadership team, helping shape business strategy, improve performance and support informed decision-making.The Role As Finance Director, you will take full ownership of the company's financial strategy, reporting and governance while driving commercial performance across the business. You will provide clear financial leadership, ensuring robust controls, accurate reporting and meaningful commercial insight to support strategic decision-making. Working closely with operational and commercial teams, you will identify opportunities to improve profitability, enhance business processes and maximise operational efficiency. Key Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the finance function, ensuring high levels of performance and accountability.
• Prepare monthly management accounts, board reports and KPI dashboards.
• Deliver accurate budgeting, forecasting and long-term financial planning.
• Provide strategic financial advice to the Managing Director and Executive Team.
• Drive cash flow management, working capital optimisation and profitability improvements.
• Oversee statutory accounts, tax compliance and audit processes.
• Ensure strong financial controls, governance and risk management across the business.
• Support commercial decision-making through financial analysis and business partnering.
• Lead financial aspects of business improvement and investment projects.
• Manage banking relationships, funding arrangements and external advisors.
• Monitor manufacturing costs, margins, inventory and operational performance.
• Develop financial systems, reporting capabilities and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant financial and regulatory requirements.

About You We are seeking an accomplished Finance Director or a commercially focused Financial Controller ready to step into an executive leadership role. You will be a confident communicator who enjoys working closely with operational teams and influencing decision-making across the business. You will ideally possess:

• ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualification.
• Significant senior finance leadership experience within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong commercial awareness with the ability to influence business strategy.
• Experience of costing, inventory management and manufacturing KPIs.
• Excellent financial planning, budgeting and forecasting skills.
• Strong leadership experience with the ability to develop high-performing teams.
• Experience managing audits, statutory reporting and regulatory compliance.
• Advanced ERP and financial systems knowledge.
• A proactive, hands-on approach with excellent problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management abilities.

Why Join? This is an excellent opportunity to join a successful manufacturing business where finance plays a central role in business performance. You will become a key member of the Executive Leadership Team, working closely with senior stakeholders to influence strategic decision-making while leading a capable finance function. The role offers genuine autonomy, significant commercial exposure and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact within a well-established organisation committed to operational excellence.