Head of Finance

Head of Finance

Wolverhampton Area Manufacturing 60,000- 75,000 + Bonus On-Site Leadership Role

An established manufacturing business in the Wolverhampton area is seeking a commercially minded Head of Finance to join its Site Leadership Team and take full ownership of the finance function.

Backed by a larger group whilst retaining the agility and autonomy of an SME operation, the business is entering an exciting period of growth and investment. This is an opportunity for an experienced finance professional to become the most senior finance person on site, working closely with operational and commercial leaders to drive performance and support strategic decision-making.

As a key member of the leadership team, you will have significant visibility across the business, providing financial insight, challenge and support to help achieve ambitious growth plans.

The Opportunity

This is a genuinely hands-on role within a busy manufacturing environment.

We're looking for an individual who enjoys being close to the operation, understands the commercial drivers of a manufacturing business, and is comfortable taking ownership of the entire finance function.

You will operate across both the transactional and strategic aspects of finance, ensuring accurate financial reporting whilst providing meaningful commercial insight to support business performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Take full ownership of the finance function as the number one finance professional on site.
• Produce monthly management accounts, forecasts, budgets and performance reporting.
• Manage cash flow, working capital and banking relationships.
• Oversee day-to-day finance activities, including ledger management, reconciliations, month-end processes and financial controls.
• Coordinate payroll preparation and ensure accurate financial reporting.
• Deliver commercial analysis around profitability, margins, costing and business performance.
• Monitor inventory, stock valuation and working capital performance.
• Partner with operational and commercial teams to support decision-making and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Prepare reporting for both local management and the wider group finance team.
• Support yearly audits, statutory reporting and compliance requirements.
• Drive improvements in financial processes, controls and reporting.

About You

Manufacturing experience is essential.

We're specifically looking for candidates who have built their careers within manufacturing, engineering, industrial or other operationally focused environments.

You will ideally possess:

• ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualification, although strong qualified-by-experience candidates will also be considered.
• Previous experience as a Finance Manager, Financial Controller or Head of Finance within a manufacturing business.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing finance, including costing, inventory, margins, labour costs and working capital management.
• Experience producing management accounts and supporting business performance through financial insight.
• A hands-on approach and willingness to become involved in all aspects of the finance function.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience operating within a group reporting structure would be advantageous.
• The credibility and commercial acumen to contribute effectively as a member of the Site Leadership Team.

Why Apply?

• Number one finance role on site.
• Genuine seat on the Site Leadership Team.
• Significant autonomy and ownership.
• Backing and support from a larger group.
• Opportunity to influence both operational and strategic decisions.
• Broad and varied role with high visibility across the business.
• Growing manufacturing business with ambitious plans for the future.

Location

This is an on-site role based in the Wolverhampton area. Regular visibility within the operation is essential, and the successful candidate will work closely with production, operations and commercial teams on a day-to-day basis.

If you're a hands-on manufacturing finance professional looking for a leadership role where you can make a genuine impact on the direction and performance of a business, we'd be delighted to hear from you.