We’re looking to attract an ambitious, commercially astute finance professional ready to step into a pivotal leadership role within a growing manufacturing SME. This is a fantastic opportunity to play a key role in shaping performance, influencing strategy, and developing your career within a wider group of businesses.
Based in the North West, this established and highly successful business has built a strong reputation over the past 20+ years. Following recent growth and acquisition activity, the business is entering an exciting new phase, creating a superb opportunity for a hands-on, analytically minded finance leader to make a real impact.
Working closely with the Managing Director, you will act as a true business partner, not simply reporting on past performance, but actively driving insight, challenging assumptions, and influencing decision-making. This role will suit someone who thrives in an SME environment, enjoys being close to operations, and is motivated by continuous improvement and long-term development.
Why Apply?
*A key leadership role with direct exposure to the Managing Director
*Opportunity to be part of a growing business
*Exposure to a wider UK group, offering collaboration and development opportunities
*Scope to grow and develop within the role as the business continues to expand
The Job
*Lead the finance function and manage a small finance team, setting high standards and developing capability
*Produce accurate and timely monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reporting
*Maintain robust financial controls and ensure compliance with statutory, tax, and regulatory requirements
*Own and develop a suite of KPIs across operations, sales, margins, stock, and cash
*Analyse performance, identify trends and risks, and provide actionable insight to senior leadership
*Lead budgeting, forecasting, and long-range planning processes
*Build scenario models and support strategic decision-making, tenders, and investment cases
*Partner closely with production and supply chain teams to understand cost drivers and improve performance
*Enhance stock control, margin visibility, and operational reporting
*Drive improvements in systems, processes, and data quality (including Excel/Power BI)
*Streamline month-end processes and embed a culture of continuous improvement
The person specification
*CCAB qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, or CIMA)
*Proven experience within a growing SME environment (manufacturing or construction highly desirable)
*Strong technical accounting and financial management expertise
*Advanced Excel skills and a highly analytical, data-driven mindset
*Commercially astute, with the confidence to influence and challenge senior stakeholders
*Hands-on approach with the ability to operate both strategically and operationally
*Experience leading, developing, and motivating a small finance team
*Strong communication skills, with the ability to present insights clearly and effectively
*High attention to detail, with a proactive and results-driven mindset
*Experience improving systems, reporting, and business processes
Salary & benefits
*£65,000 – £70,000 (depending on experience)
*Car or Car allowance
*Bonus - up to 10% (based on company performance)
*Private Health Care & Life Assurance (5 x salary)
The next steps
If this opportunity is of interest, we would be delighted to hear from you. Simply apply by submitting your CV.