Job Description

The Group Finance Director will oversee financial strategy, reporting, and compliance within a leading industrial/manufacturing Group. This permanent role, based in Derbyshire, offers a rewarding opportunity to shape financial operations while contributing to a high speed company growth journey. A mid size SME Group they have a five year plan to grow and build their business.
A newly created, high-impact board level role reporting to the UK CEO and working closely with the PE/VC backers.
Key Responsibilities:

• Ensure the integrity, accuracy, and timeliness of all financial reporting across the group.
• Deliver clear and actionable financial insights to the Board and senior management.
• Manage cash flow and liquidity to support operational needs and strategic investments.
• Drive working capital optimisation and oversee debt and investment strategies.
• Lead cost-efficiency initiatives to enhance profitability whilst enhancing performance.
• Ensure full compliance with financial regulations, accounting standards and tax legislation.
• Lead the external audit process and statutory account preparation for all group entities.
• Collaborate with Managing Directors to shape and execute strategic business plans.
• Lead financial planning processes including budgeting, forecasting, and modelling.
• Develop and maintain pricing models to support commercial bids and production teams.
• Support contract negotiations with financial insight to maximise commercial outcomes.
• Prepare investment business cases and evaluate M&A opportunities and strategic partnerships.
• Inspire and lead finance teams across group companies, fostering a culture of excellence and accountability, promoting talent development and succession planning.
• Ensure the finance team has the capabilities to support business growth and strategy.
• Manage relationships with external stakeholders including auditors, banks, insurers, pension providers, legal advisors, and consultants

High growth developmental opportunityBoard member operating with local C suite and VC/PE ownership
A successful candidate for this Group Finance Director role must have:

• A professional accounting qualification such as ACA, ACCA, or CIMA.
• Proven experience in a leadership role within multi-site industrial/manufacturing.
• Experience in entrepreneurial SME environments, within manufacturing and service delivery.
• A track record of external commercial negotiations with customers and suppliers.
• Excellent understanding of corporate governance and compliance requirements.
• Experience in managing and developing finance teams developing commerciality.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders.
• Knowledge of how to upscale and grow a SME business

Preferred Personal Attributes:

• Strategic thinker with a focus on future growth and long-term value creation
• Committed o continuous improvement and operational excellence
• Collaborative and engaging, with a passion for partnering with business leaders
• Able to communicate complex financial matters clearly and concisely to investors and stakeholders
• Balances strategic vision with operational execution and transactional detail
• Growth-oriented with a solution-focused mindset
• Positive, enthusiastic leader who celebrates team success
• Demonstrates initiative, sound judgment, and resilience

Derbyshire headquartered, profitable multi-site manufacturing/engineering group, PE/VC backed with high growth potential via organic growth and acquisitions
The organisation is a prominent player in a niche industrial/manufacturing sector with a strong market presence and commitment to operational excellence. Successful and well financed they are continuing on a rapid growth curve.

• Competitive salary range between 110,000 and 140,000 per annum.
• Car allowance or access to an EV car scheme.
• Bonus potential of 20-30% based on performance.
• Opportunity to work in a pivotal role within the industrial/manufacturing sector.
• Professional and structured company culture with growth opportunities.
• A dynamic workplace environment fostered by a motivated peer group and a strategically focused executive leadership team.

Candidates who meet the outlined requirements are welcome to submit an application.

Skills Required