Head of Finance

Job DescriptionThe Head of Finance is responsible for leading and overseeing all financial operations for our client based in Telford, ensuring the integrity, accuracy, and timeliness of financial reporting. This role safeguards compliance with statutory and industry regulations while driving robust financial controls and governance. Acting as a strategic partner to senior leadership, the Head of Finance provides actionable insights to support decision-making, optimise cost management, and enable sustainable growth. In a fast-paced manufacturing environment, this position plays a critical role in managing budgets, forecasting, and cash flow, while championing process improvements, system efficiencies, and people development initiatives to maintain profitability and operational excellence across multiple sites.Key Areas of Responsibility and Standards of PerformanceLeadership & People DevelopmentLead the finance function for the site, developing and motivating the on-site finance team to achieve high performance and engagement.Implement succession planning, coaching, and mentoring to enhance skills and support career progression.Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, diversity, and continuous improvement.Financial Strategy & PerformanceDrive cost containment and efficiency through system development, CAPEX management, stock control, and process automation.Deliver accurate budgeting, forecasting, and P&L oversight, fully integrated with OSI reporting and multi-currency (EUR) operations.Provide financial insights to support business growth, capital investment, and expansion projects.Planning, Reporting & ComplianceManage all planning, budgeting, forecasting, and reporting processes (weekly, monthly, year-end) for the site and departments.Create monthly and annual reports to identify trends and financial forecasts.Ensure compliance with company policies, government regulations, and audit requirements.Oversee external audits and maintain a clean balance sheet through regular reconciliations.Operational Finance & ControlsOversee procurement of livestock and packaging, ensuring timely and accurate supplier payments.Manage payroll, reward, and benefits processes with precision and compliance.Implement rigorous financial controls across bonuses, insurance, HMRC obligations, and banking relationships.Monitor cash flow, review internal reports, and establish systems to prevent errors in data collection and calculations.Continuous Improvement & Strategic ProjectsLead process transformation initiatives to reduce manual tasks and enhance automation.Suggest updates and improvements for accounting systems, including payroll and invoicing.Develop and refine product costing methodologies to support accurate pricing and profitability analysis.Support strategic projects and ad-hoc initiatives to drive operational and financial excellence.Business Growth & Multi-Site ManagementDrive financial leadership across multiple sites, ensuring consistent application of best practices and robust financial governance.Collaborate with senior stakeholders to identify growth opportunities, optimize operational efficiency, and support strategic expansion plans.Deliver accurate financial insights to guide investment decisions, capital projects, and resource allocation, contributing to sustained revenue growth and profitability.Implement standardized reporting and performance measurement across sites to enable data-driven decision-making and continuous improvement.Act as a key partner in scaling operations, managing complexity, and ensuring financial resilience during periods of growth.Key Performance IndicatorsAccuracy of Financial Reporting: Monthly reports delivered on time and error-free.Budget Variance: Maintain variances within agreed thresholds.Cost Reduction: Achieve annual cost savings targets in procurement and production.Cash Flow Management: Maintain positive cash flow and optimise working capital.Compliance: Zero missed deadlines for tax filings and statutory reporting.Team Development: Improve finance team performance and retention rates.Employee Engagement: Increase engagement and development within the finance team.Person SpecificationProfessional accounting qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).Proven experience in financial management within food production or manufacturing.Strong knowledge of UK GAAP, tax regulations, and cost accounting principles.Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.Proficiency in ERP systems and advanced Excel skills.Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.Personal AttributesLiving by our Values of: Act with IntegrityPut People FirstSteward Our Resources for Future GenerationsSeek Partnering RelationshipsStrive to Continuously ImproveExplore Innovative SolutionsWork Together as a TeamHigh attention to detail and accuracy.Strong leadership and interpersonal skills.Commercial awareness and strategic thinking.Integrity and commitment to ethical financial practices.JBRP1_UKTJ