Finance Director

Harper May is working with a privately-owned consumer non-durables manufacturer and distributor. The business operates across multiple product categories with a direct-to-retail footprint and has experienced consistent organic growth over the past three years. It is now moving through a period of selective acquisition and operational consolidation, which demands stronger financial infrastructure and strategic rigour across the group. The board is seeking a Finance Director to lead this evolution.

Reporting to the Chief Executive, you will take full ownership of the finance function and sit as a core member of the executive team. This is a commercially-focused leadership role: you will shape financial strategy, drive margin discipline, and build the planning and control frameworks needed to support both organic growth and integration activity over the next 18-24 months.

• Develop and execute financial strategy aligned to group expansion plans and acquisition integration
• Lead budgeting, forecasting, and performance management across business units and product lines
• Partner with commercial leads on pricing, product profitability, and channel economics
• Manage group cash flow, working capital, and debt facilities
• Build and strengthen financial controls, reporting, and governance standards
• Support acquisition due diligence and post-acquisition synergy realisation
• Lead, develop, and retain the finance team

• ACA, ACCA, or CIMA qualified with 8+ years of senior finance experience
• Proven track record in a manufacturing or consumer-facing business
• Commercial mindset with demonstrated impact on margin, efficiency, or cost control
• Experience with acquisition integration or multi-site financial management
• Comfortable operating at board level and challenging senior stakeholders constructively
• Strong people leader with the ability to attract and develop finance talent