Head of Finance

Overview

Reporting directly to the Managing Director, this is a hands‑on leadership position overseeing the finance function, which comprises a small in‑house team supported by an outsourced provider preparing management and statutory accounts. The role also carries oversight of IT, ensuring systems and infrastructure support the needs of a growing manufacturing business. You’ll take ownership of financial oversight and control while playing an active business partnering role across the organisation, working closely with senior leaders to drive commercial decision‑making and add value beyond traditional finance reporting.

Scope for the role to grow as the business grows.

Our client is a fast‑growing personal care manufacturer based in Peterborough. The business is family‑owned and prides itself on providing a flexible and proactive service to its customers. They are looking for a commercially minded Head of Finance to lead their finance function and join their senior management team, helping to shape the next phase of the company’s growth.

• Lead and develop the in‑house finance team, while managing the relationship with the outsourced accounting provider.
• Oversee the preparation and quality of management and statutory accounts, VAT and payroll.
• Act as a strategic finance partner to the senior management team and wider business.
• Provide financial insight and analysis to support commercial and operational decisions.
• Improve financial processes and controls to support a scaling manufacturing business.
• Contribute to budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow management.
• Oversee IT systems and infrastructure, including managing any external IT support providers.
• Identify opportunities to add value across departments, from production to commercial functions.

• Proven experience in a manufacturing environment is essential.
• A track record of operating at a senior level, ideally with prior exposure to a senior management or leadership team.
• Ideally experience in an SME environment.
• Proven experience in delivering change and process improvement.
• Strong business partnering skills, with the ability to translate financial data into commercial insight.
• Comfortable working hands‑on in a smaller team while also thinking strategically.
• Experience overseeing IT functions or working closely with IT providers is desirable, though not essential.
• Experience managing or working alongside outsourced finance providers is advantageous.
• Resilient and adaptable, with the ability to thrive in a fast‑growing, fast‑paced environment.
• Strong people skills and ability to develop team members and support colleagues.
• High adaptability and ability to learn quickly.

• Annual bonus scheme.
• Regular staff socials and activities.