Head of Finance

Head of Finance – Hybrid - ££80-90,000 + Benefits Leading Engineering/Manufacturing Business - North Manchester Sellick Partnership is working with a well-established UK Engineering/Manufacturing business, specialising in engineering solutions for both Private and not-for-profit sectors. They're experiencing a period of growth and are seeking a commercially-minded Head of Finance to join their Senior Leadership Team.The OpportunityThis is a genuine step-up role for an ambitious finance professional looking to work towards a CFO position in the next 2-3 years. Reporting directly to the CEO, you'll be responsible for the finance function on a day-to-day basis and also support the business in using financial information to help drive commercial insight and business partnering across the organisation.You'll lead critical initiatives including ERP system selection and implementation, building business cases for growth funding, and identifying cost-saving opportunities through analysis, efficiencies and commercial insight. The business will be looking for external investment over the next 2-3 years, so previous experience of working through that process or experience in a VC/PE-backed business would be advantageous.What makes this role special: The CEO is looking for someone curious and willing to get out into the business, build key internal relationships, and drive tangible value. You'll have genuine autonomy to shape the function and make your mark on the future success of the business. Key ResponsibilitiesBusiness Partnering & Commercial Insight - Drive financial accountability across leadership through proactive partnering; translate data into actionable insights that identify new opportunities, efficiencies and savingsStrategic Analysis - Lead the analytical capability of the team; challenge assumptions and provide a commercial perspective on pricing, margins and investment decisionsFinancial Planning & Control - Oversee forecasting, budgeting, cash flow, working capital and treasury managementGovernance & Compliance - Ensure regulatory compliance, manage audits and maintain robust controlsTeam Development - Elevate the finance team's capabilities, building analytical and commercial skills alongside transactional excellenceStakeholder Management - Build strong relationships with the Executive Board, banks, auditors and potential investorsSkills:EssentialACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent qualificationProven experience in a senior finance role within a growing SMEStrong commercial acumen and business partnering mindset - you're not just a number-cruncherCurious and analytical - you want to understand the business and identify where value can be createdExperience building business cases, RoI analysis and financial modellingExcellent communication skills with ability to influence senior stakeholders both internally and externallyStrong Excel/Systems experience Highly DesirableManufacturing, engineering or project-based sector exposureERP selection and implementation experienceExposure to growth funding, MBO processes or private equity environmentsTrack record of driving process improvement and commercial thinking in finance teamsPackage£80,000 - £90,000 25 days holiday & Christmas shut down) Medicash healthcare Critical illness & death in service cover Pension Employee assistance programmeCultureAn organisation that values integrity, collaboration and excellence, committed to diversity and inclusion. Their purpose is to make a meaningful difference in people's lives through work that has a genuine impact in critical manufacturing.If you are interested in this role please get in touch john.mackey@sellickpartnership.co.uk