Head of Finance

This range is provided by Sowena Group. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Direct message the job poster from Sowena Group

Sowena Group has been retained by a market leading international, private equity-backed food manufacturing group with a growing multi-site operation is seeking a commercially astute and hands‑on Head of Finance in the Northwest to join its senior leadership team. This is a pivotal role within a fast‑paced and dynamic business, offering significant opportunity to influence strategic direction and drive financial and operational performance.

The successful candidate will combine strong technical capabilities with commercial insight, and will thrive in a collaborative, performance‑driven culture. Applications are also welcomed from experienced Senior Financial Controllers with demonstrable leadership potential and a well‑rounded background in both commercial and operational finance.

• Lead the finance function across multiple sites, ensuring robust financial control, accurate and timely reporting, and full regulatory compliance.
• Partner with operational and commercial teams to optimise site performance, improve margins, and drive cost efficiency.
• Manage all budgeting, forecasting, and long‑term financial planning activities in alignment with strategic business goals.
• Oversee treasury operations including cash flow forecasting, liquidity management, and banking relationships.
• Monitor foreign exchange exposure and implement effective FX hedging strategies as appropriate.
• Maintain and enhance standard costing models across all sites, providing clear and actionable variance analysis.
• Lead the month‑end and year‑end close processes in accordance with UK GAAP.
• Ensure compliance with all taxation and statutory requirements (including corporate tax, VAT, and payroll taxes).
• Oversee payroll processes, ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and compliance with all relevant legislation.
• Strengthen internal controls, risk management, and governance frameworks.
• Drive finance‑related ERP development and ensure integrity of financial data across systems.
• Recruit, develop, and mentor a high‑performing finance team, fostering a commercially focused and delivery‑oriented culture.
• Support the Group CFO and broader executive leadership team with strategic initiatives, board reporting, and value creation planning.

• Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).
• Proven track record in a senior finance leadership role within the FMCG sector or manufacturing.
• Experience operating within a multi‑site environment.
• Strong commercial acumen with the ability to influence cross‑functional teams and drive performance.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Prior exposure to private equity‑backed businesses is highly advantageous.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a company at a critical juncture in its growth. For more details, to be considered for this opportunity or to confidentially discuss the market then please reach out to Gemma Quaye or Perran Cooke at Sowena Group or click apply.