Head of Finance

A successful and growing manufacturing/FMCG business is seeking an experienced Head of Finance to join its senior leadership team at a large, complex production site in Carlisle. This role is based onsite five days per week.

This is a highly visible role offering the opportunity to influence both operational and commercial decision-making within a fast-paced environment. Reporting into divisional leadership, you will be responsible for leading the site's finance function, ensuring robust financial control, delivering high-quality reporting, and providing commercial insight to support business performance. The role is fully site-based, five days per week.

The Opportunity

As Head of Finance you will partner closely with operational and commercial stakeholders based onsite in Carlisle, acting as a trusted advisor across the business. You will lead a small finance team and play a key role in driving profitability, operational efficiency, and strategic decision-making.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead all aspects of site finance, including financial reporting, controls, compliance, and governance.
• Deliver accurate and timely weekly, monthly, annual, and statutory reporting.
• Manage budgeting, forecasting, variance analysis, and financial planning activities.
• Provide commercial insight and performance analysis to support operational and strategic decisions.
• Partner with site leadership to drive productivity, margin improvement, and cost reduction initiatives.
• Maintain strong balance sheet control, including working capital and fixed asset management.
• Lead audit activity and ensure compliance with internal controls and accounting standards.
• Develop, coach, and mentor the finance team while fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

About You

We are looking for a qualified finance professional who combines strong technical accounting expertise with commercial acumen and leadership capability.

You will ideally have:

• ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualification.
• Significant post-qualified experience within FMCG, food manufacturing, consumer goods, or a complex manufacturing environment.
• Strong financial control, reporting, budgeting, and forecasting experience.
• Experience partnering with operational and commercial stakeholders in a manufacturing setting.
• Proven ability to lead and develop finance teams.
• Excellent analytical, communication, and influencing skills.
• Experience of ERP systems and advanced Excel skills.
• A track record of driving process improvements, efficiencies, and financial performance initiatives.

Why Apply?

• Opportunity to join a well-established business with a significant manufacturing operation.
• Key leadership role with genuine influence across the site.
• Broad remit covering financial control, commercial support, and operational finance.
• Career development opportunities within a large and growing organisation.
• Exposure to senior stakeholders and strategic decision-making.

£80,000 - £90,000 + benenfits. 5 days p/week onsite.

If you are a commercially minded Financial Controller looking to make an impact within a dynamic FMCG or manufacturing environment, we would be keen to hear from you.

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