Finance Lead

The Opportunity

Are you a commercially minded manufacturing finance professional who thrives on being close to operations, influencing decisions and driving performance improvements?

Following significant growth through acquisition, this business is continuing its journey towards a fully integrated operation, focused on operational excellence, continuous improvement and sustainable growth. 

As Finance Lead, you will act as the number one finance professional on site, partnering closely with operational leaders to improve performance, maximise efficiency and provide meaningful insight to support decision-making. This is a highly visible role that combines financial leadership with hands-on operational engagement.

About the Role

Key responsibilities will include:

• Leading all site-based financial activities and performance reporting
• Driving operational finance, cost control and margin improvement
• Owning yield reporting, analysis and performance improvement initiatives
• Leading budgeting, forecasting and variance analysis processes
• Partnering closely with site operations and senior leadership teams
• Supporting board-level continuous improvement reporting
• Managing and developing a small finance team
• Providing commercial insight to improve operational decision-making and site performance

About You

We are seeking a qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA or CIMA) with a strong track record in manufacturing finance.

You will bring:

• Experience within manufacturing, production or operational finance environments
• Strong understanding of cost management, operational drivers and performance analysis
• Experience partnering with operational stakeholders and influencing decision-making
• The ability to translate complex data into actionable business insight
• A hands-on, pragmatic approach and willingness to work closely with site teams
• Strong communication skills and the confidence to challenge constructively
• Leadership experience and the ability to develop high-performing teams

Food manufacturing experience would be advantageous but is not essential.

Why join?

This is an outstanding opportunity to join a growing international business undergoing significant transformation and investment. You'll have real influence, site-wide visibility and the opportunity to contribute directly to operational performance and future growth.