Finance Manager

Job Description:

Finance Manager
Manufacturing
Derby
£60-£70k + bonus + benefits

Join a leading force in precision manufacturing — where engineering excellence meets innovation and performance. This organisation delivers mission-critical components and systems that support global industries. Operating at the forefront of advanced manufacturing, our client is looking to recruit a Finance Manager to play a pivotal role in driving financial insight, control, and performance improvement across its Derby operations.
The Opportunity
As Finance Manager, you’ll act as a trusted business partner to both finance and operational leadership, bringing clarity to complex data and shaping strategic decision-making. You’ll take ownership of plant-level reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis — ensuring accuracy, accountability, and value creation in every area of the business.
This is a hands-on role embedded in the operational heartbeat of the site, influencing everything from cost management and stock control to ERP improvement and performance KPIs.

Key Responsibilities
Monthly & Quarterly Reporting

• Deliver accurate and timely month-end reporting to Gross Margin in collaboration with the Financial Controller.
• Provide detailed margin analysis by customer and product.
• Measure and report on Purchase Price Variance (PPV) and standard cost reviews.
• Conduct detailed monthly variance analysis, identifying trends and opportunities to enhance profitability and efficiency.
• Develop and report Operational & Financial KPIs to support effective decision-making.
• Review stock and warranty provisions in conjunction with Operations.
• Report key variances against Budget and Prior Year to both Group and site Leadership teams.

Budgeting & Forecasting

• Lead financial budgeting, forecasting, and planning for operations.
• Partner with Operations, Sales, and Procurement to agree key forecast inputs.
• Manage updates to Standard Costs, including the annual standard cost roll.
• Prepare and consolidate budgets and forecasts to Gross Margin level.
• Produce weekly flash reports for Group Finance.

Operational & Strategic Support

• Analyse plant operations and costs to establish accurate standard cost rates.
• Regularly review standard costs and overhead absorption based on production volumes.
• Provide decision support and financial insight to drive operational performance improvements.
• Deliver investment analysis to support capital and operational decision-making.
• Drive ERP system enhancements to improve data integrity and reporting efficiency.
• Partner with plant management and cross-functional teams to identify financial and operational improvement opportunities.

Stock & Cost Control

• Maintain financial control of all aspects of stock, including provisioning and average costings.
• Participate in key initiatives such as the Stock Reduction Project.
• Lead and participate in stock counts and ensure accuracy of stock reporting.

About You
We’re looking for a proactive and commercially minded finance professional who thrives in a manufacturing or operational environment. You’ll be naturally curious, analytical, and confident working across departments to translate financial insights into real-world improvements.
You will ideally have:

• A recognised accounting qualification (CIMA, ACCA, ACA or equivalent).
• Experience in a manufacturing or plant finance role.
• Solid understanding of standard costing
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Hands-on experience with ERP systems and a passion for process improvement.

Why Join

• Be part of a globally respected organisation with deep engineering heritage and a bold growth agenda.
• Work in a collaborative, forward-thinking environment where your insights will shape operational success.
• Enjoy opportunities for professional growth and development across an expanding network.