Finance Director

Finance Director Dorset | Manufacturing SME £  car  benefits The Opportunity A well-established, privately owned UK manufacturing business is seeking to appoint a Finance Director to join its senior leadership team. Operating at c.£22m turnover, the business has a strong and stable trading profile, supported by a robust cash position and long-standing customer relationships across the healthcare sector and international markets.

With the planned retirement of the incumbent later this year, this represents a timely opportunity for a commercially focused Finance Director to step into a broad, high-impact role within a values-led organisation.

The Role Reporting to the Managing Director, the Finance Director will take full responsibility for financial strategy and operations, alongside leadership oversight of HR and IT. This is a key Board appointment, offering the opportunity to influence strategic direction while maintaining close involvement in day-to-day operational performance. Key responsibilities will include:
Acting as a trusted adviser to the Managing Director and Board on performance, strategy, investment and risk Leading budgeting, forecasting and long-term business planning Providing clear commercial insight to support decision-making across the business Ensuring robust financial control, statutory compliance and audit management Driving cash management and working capital optimisation Leading and developing Finance, HR and IT functions Supporting continuous improvement initiatives, including systems and process enhancement The role requires a hands-on approach, working closely with operational leaders to translate financial information into actionable insight.

The Context Long-established UK manufacturing business with strong heritage Core customer base across regulated and service-led sectors, alongside growing international exposure Consistent financial performance with strong cash generation Privately owned, family-influenced culture with a long-term outlook Lean leadership team offering genuine scope to make an impact The Candidate We are seeking a Finance Director with strong manufacturing experience and the ability to operate effectively within a privately owned SME environment.

Experience and background:
Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA or CIMA) Proven track record within a manufacturing or production-led business Experience leading a finance function within an SME or privately owned organisation Strong understanding of operational finance, margins, inventory and supply chain Experience operating at Board level Leadership profile:
Credible, pragmatic and able to operate at both strategic and operational level Strong people leader with experience overseeing multi-functional teams Comfortable working within a family-owned or founder-led business Personal attributes:
Commercially astute and outcome-focused Collaborative and capable of influencing across the business Hands-on, with a continuous improvement mindset Why Join

This role offers a rare opportunity to join a stable, well-performing manufacturing business in a broad and influential leadership position, with: A genuine seat at the Board table Responsibility across Finance, HR and IT Exposure to both UK and international markets Opportunity to shape systems, processes and future direction A values-driven, privately owned environment £  car  benefits depending on experience Application guidance:
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