Head of Finance

Northampton Exclusive Retained Search - Robert Half - Head of Finance Robert Half are proud to be exclusively retained by Miswa Chemicals Limited to appoint a Head of Finance based in Northampton in the office full time . This role represents an opportunity for a high-performing finance leader to play a central role in scaling an ambitious manufacturing business while working closely with the owners and progressing toward a Finance Director position as the company continues its growth trajectory.

The Opportunity Miswa is a fast-growing, independent British manufacturer of transportation and industrial chemical solutions with a clear ambition to scale to £50m revenue by FY29 while maintaining disciplined, profitable growth. The business is seeking a high-calibre Head of Finance to manage a small finance function with a huge opportunity to expand, with aspirations toward a future Finance Director role, to lead financial strategy through its next phase of expansion.

This role will suit an experienced finance leader from an SME or entrepreneurial environment who is commercially sharp, operationally grounded and comfortable partnering closely with owner-directors. Role Purpose The Head of Finance will provide strategic and operational financial leadership, ensuring the business maintains strong financial discipline while scaling. The role will focus on delivering:
* Profitable and sustainable growth
* Rigorous financial control
* Strong cash flow management
* Robust governance and reporting
* Optimised funding structures
* Strategic readiness for future acquisitions Working closely with the owners, the Head of Finance will strengthen profitability, build financial resilience and elevate the finance function to support long-term growth. Strategic Financial Leadership
* Partner with the Managing Director and Board on long-term financial strategy
* Deliver EBITDA and cash targets aligned to the £50m growth plan
* Lead disciplined capital allocation and investment decisions Profitability & Margin Management
* Deliver SKU, customer and channel margin analysis
* Identify margin erosion and implement corrective action
* Support pricing governance and commercial decisions
* Drive continuous improvement in gross and net profitability Cash Flow & Reserve Development
* Implement rolling 6-12 month cash flow forecasting
* Optimise working capital across inventory, receivables and payables
* Build and protect a meaningful cash reserve
* Develop structured plans to build an acquisition reserve Funding & Banking Oversight
* Manage and optimise invoice discounting facilities
* Oversee asset finance and commercial loan arrangements
* Support renegotiation of banking facilities and cost of capital
* Maintain strong relationships with lenders and advisors Capex & Investment Planning
* Introduce structured ROI and payback analysis
* Evaluate capital expenditure proposals
* Ensure investment decisions align with strategic priorities Budgeting & Financial Governance
* Lead annual budgeting and forecasting processes
* Oversee delivery of clear monthly management accounts and board packs
* Implement financial dashboards aligned to key KPIs Operational Financial Control
* Strengthen cost discipline across operations and production
* Link operational metrics to financial performance
* Drive financial accountability throughout the organisation Finance Team Leadership
* Lead, develop and mentor the finance team
* Conduct structured performance reviews
* Improve reporting accuracy, systems and processes
* Oversee payroll governance and compliance FX & Risk Management
* Develop and manage a structured foreign exchange strategy
* Protect margins through forward planning and hedging where appropriate
* Identify and manage financial risk proactively Candidate Profile We are seeking a commercially minded Head of Finance / aspiring Finance Director with:
* ACCA qualified (or equivalent)
* Proven success within an SME growth environment
* Strong experience driving profitability and margin improvement
* Advanced working capital and cash flow management expertise
* Experience managing invoice discounting, asset finance and loan structures
* Track record renegotiating banking facilities
* Experience preparing businesses for acquisition or investment
* Ability to operate effectively at Board level
* Hands-on style with strong operational understanding
* High integrity and discretion when working with founders/owners Robert Half Ltd acts as an employment business for temporary positions and an employment agency for permanent positions. Robert Half is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion. Suitable candidates with equivalent qualifications and more or less experience can apply. Rates of pay and salary ranges are dependent upon your experience, qualifications and training.

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