Operational Business Partner; Finance

Operational Business Partner (Finance) – INSPIRED Pet Nutrition

We’re excited to recruit an experienced, hands‑on, commercially minded finance professional to join the Finance team in Thirsk.

As a key link between Finance and Operations, you’ll influence decision‑making, drive performance improvements, and support strategic priorities across our Thirsk site.

• Partner with site leadership to understand operational drivers and deliver meaningful financial insights.
• Challenge assumptions and influence decision‑making to support continuous improvement.
• Support site performance reviews, identifying opportunities for cost reduction, process optimisation, and margin enhancement.
• Provide real‑time financial analysis to support production planning, inventory management, and capacity utilisation.
• Work with the wider Finance team to forecast and explain monthly performance, taking action to drive improvement.

• Lead budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis for manufacturing operations.
• Translate operational data (yield, scrap, downtime, throughput) into clear financial impact assessments.
• Support product costing, standard cost setting, and variance analysis across materials, labour and direct production costs.
• Prepare and present monthly management packs with clear, insight‑led commentary and recommendations.

• Partner with Operations, Supply Chain and Engineering to optimise material costs and working capital.
• Evaluate Cap Ex proposals and conduct post‑implementation reviews to ensure ROI delivery.
• Contribute to make‑vs‑buy decisions, pricing strategies and productivity initiatives.
• Support production teams to enhance cost control and resource utilisation.

• Ensure strong financial controls and compliance within the manufacturing environment.
• Improve financial and operational reporting processes through continuous improvement initiatives.
• Support lean and digital manufacturing programmes with robust financial analysis.
• Develop financial literacy among non‑finance stakeholders through coaching and training.

• Qualified or part‑qualified accountant (CIMA, ACCA, ACA or equivalent).
• Strong manufacturing finance experience, with solid understanding of cost structures and variance analysis.
• Confident working closely with operational and engineering teams, influencing stakeholders at all levels.
• Highly analytical with the ability to translate complex data into clear, actionable insights.
• Advanced Excel and ERP system experience (IFS / Tropos preferred; Power BI / Anaplan advantageous).
• Comfortable working in a fast‑paced, continuously improving environment.
• Strong communication and relationship‑building skills, with a proactive approach.

• Competitive salary
• Hybrid working
• Medicash plan
• Enhanced maternity, paternity & pawternity benefits
• Free onsite parking
• Dog‑friendly offices (Thirsk & Crick)
• Discounted products & free hot drinks
• Flexible benefits: cycle to work, dental insurance, workplace nursery scheme
• Heavily discounted pet food

INSPIRED Pet Nutrition is committed to building an inclusive workplace that reflects the diversity of the colleagues and communities we serve. We believe everyone should feel valued, respected and able to be themselves at work.

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and do not discriminate on the basis of age, disability, gender identity or expression, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation. We make hiring decisions based on talent, potential and the experience you bring.

We are also committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process and in the workplace, ensuring equitable access and opportunity for all. If you need any adjustments or support to take part in our recruitment process, please contact

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