Head of Finance

An exceptional opportunity has arisen for a commercially driven Head of Finance to join a scaling manufacturing and eCommerce organisation based in West Cumbria.Reporting directly to the Managing Director, this senior leadership position offers significant autonomy and influence. You will assume full accountability for the finance remit, acting as a trusted strategic partner to the business and embedding robust financial frameworks to support sustained growth, particularly as the company accelerates its international expansion.The successful candidate will bring deep manufacturing sector experience, coupled with the ability to enhance financial visibility, introduce scalable processes, and deliver insight-led reporting that underpins profitable growth with a strong EBITDA focus.

Your new company
A well-established yet rapidly growing manufacturing and eCommerce business recognised for product quality and innovation. Operating across the UK and overseas markets, the company distributes through a blend of direct-to-consumer and retail channels and continues to invest heavily in new product development and operational capability.
Your new role
As Head of Finance, you will provide end‑to‑end financial leadership across the organisation. Key accountabilities will include:

Responsibility of the finance function, including leadership and development of a small finance team (2 direct reports)
Ownership of the monthly financial close, ensuring delivery of accurate and insightful management information covering profit and loss, balance sheet, and cash position
Oversight of cashflow planning and working capital management, with particular emphasis on inventory optimisation
Development of value‑adding financial analysis and commentary to inform commercial and operational decision‑making
Establishment and rollout of performance measures and KPIs across the business
Driving the budgeting, forecasting, and re-forecasting cycles to align financial planning with ambitious growth objectives
Providing detailed insight into product cost structures, margin performance, and operational drivers
Acting as a strategic partner to the Managing Director, contributing to improved profitability and performance tracking with clear EBITDA accountability
Proactively identifying cost reduction initiatives and margin enhancement opportunities
Managing statutory reporting requirements, coordinating year‑end processes, and acting as the main point of contact for audits
Building and maintaining effective relationships with external accountants, auditors, and professional advisors
What you'll need to succeed
To succeed in this role, you will bring a blend of technical finance expertise, commercial awareness, and hands‑on leadership capability.
You will ideally demonstrate:

Full accounting qualification (ACA, ACCA, or CIMA), or be qualified through substantial relevant experience
A strong track record in a senior finance role within a manufacturing environment
In‑depth knowledge of manufacturing finance
Experience of implementing performance reporting frameworks and improving the quality and visibility of management information
A commercially focused mindset, with the confidence to challenge assumptions, influence stakeholders & and contribute ideas
Flexibility and resilience to thrive within a fast‑moving, growth‑oriented business environment
The ability to balance strategic thinking with a highly practical, detail‑driven approach
Strong technical competence across financial controls, compliance, and reporting
Advanced Excel capability alongside experience working with ERP and accounting platforms

What you'll get in return

Competitive starting salary up to £90,000 per annum DOE
33 days annual leave, inclusive of bank holidays
Company pension scheme
Full‑time role (40 hours per week) with flexible start and finish times
Full time on-site
What you need to do now

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