Overview
Sewell Wallis is exclusively partnering with a manufacturing business based in Alfreton with a long‑standing heritage in quality, who are looking for a Finance Director. Operating as a vertically integrated, product‑led organisation, the business is entering a critical phase of strengthening financial discipline, improving operational alignment, and enhancing cash performance.
The Finance Director will play a central role in shaping the financial and operational future of the business. This is a high‑impact role for a commercially minded finance leader who thrives in hands‑on environments and is motivated by driving tangible business performance.
This is not a traditional stewardship role. The Finance Director will operate at the heart of the business, ensuring that financial insight directly drives decision‑making across sales, production, and inventory.
Responsibilities
- Own and continuously enhance short‑, medium‑, and long‑term cash‑flow forecasting
- Maintain tight control over payment cycles, capital expenditure, and discretionary spend
- Lead the annual budgeting process, defining a clear affordability envelope
- Implement robust and dynamic forecasting aligned to commercial and operational realities
- Track performance against budget, investment plans, and contingencies
- Establish clear cost centre accountability across the business
- Own the working capital strategy, with a strong focus on stock and debtor management
- Partner with Sales, Production, and Operations to optimise inventory levels
- Reduce obsolescence and improve stock‑turn and cash conversion
- Increase visibility and control over stock risks and provisions
- Align sales forecasts with production planning and capacity constraints
- Support integrated planning processes (e.g. S&OP) to improve decision‑making
- Bring financial rigour to demand and supply planning
- Provide insight into product profitability, margin, and cost drivers
- Challenge pricing, discounting, and product mix where appropriate
- Strengthen financial controls and ensure compliance with statutory requirements
- Lead year‑end processes, including key judgement areas such as stock provisions
- Build and lead a high‑performing, commercially focused finance function
- Act as a trusted partner to the Managing Director and Board
- Manage relationships with auditors, lenders, and external advisors
Qualifications
- Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, or CIMA)
- Strong experience within manufacturing or product‑led environments
- Demonstrated success in improving financial performance and cash management
- Track record of working closely with operational teams (production, supply chain, sales)
- Experience in SME or owner‑led businesses is highly advantageous
- Deep understanding of cash‑flow, working capital, and stock dynamics
- Strong planning, forecasting, and financial modelling skills
Benefits
- c.£90,000 + car or car allowance
- Pension salary sacrifice scheme
- Initially office‑based (first 3–6 months) to embed into the business
- Hybrid working thereafter (minimum 2 days per week in the office)
- 36 days holiday (including public holidays)
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