Plant Finance Manager

We are seeking a Finance Manager to act as a key financial partner to the Plant Manager and site leadership team within a manufacturing environment. This role sits within a larger enterprise structure and is responsible for the full financial oversight of a production facility.

The successful candidate will take ownership of site-level accounting and finance activities, ensuring strong financial control, accurate reporting, and alignment with both operational performance and corporate standards. This role requires strong technical finance capability, a solid understanding of manufacturing environments, and the ability to partner closely with operational teams to drive performance and cost efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead all site-level product costing activities, including initial cost modelling, final margin validation, and ongoing assumption review
• Analyse manufacturing performance metrics, including labour efficiency, yield performance, and other key operational KPIs, providing clear variance reporting and insight
• Maintain and update standard costing structures in line with annual budget cycles and changing operational assumptions
• Oversee inventory control processes, including daily/periodic cycle counts, full physical inventories, and investigation of variances
• Track, analyse, and report on overhead spending across the facility on a monthly basis
• Support capital expenditure evaluations and other ad hoc financial projects impacting plant operations
• Prepare and deliver financial and operational reporting to management, ensuring clarity around cost drivers, performance trends, and margins
• Act as a key interface between Finance, Operations, and Commercial teams to align expectations around cost structure, pricing, and margin targets
• Partner with Operations to identify opportunities for cost reduction and efficiency improvement across the manufacturing process
• Own the month-end close process for the site, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance
• Produce financial analysis, supporting schedules, and management reporting for leadership review
• Develop, implement, and continuously improve financial processes, controls, and site-level procedures in line with corporate policy and regulatory requirements
• Maintain accurate system costing structures and recommend updates when production processes change
• Apply strong understanding of manufacturing operations and product flows to financial decision-making
• Manage and develop direct reports where applicable
• Support additional projects and responsibilities as required by site and business needs

Candidate Profile

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related discipline
• 5-7 years' experience in a finance or accounting role, ideally within a manufacturing or food production environment
• Strong grounding in cost accounting, budgeting, and financial control principles
• Experience with fixed asset management and manufacturing cost structures
• Strong analytical ability with excellent attention to detail and accuracy
• Advanced Excel skills and strong proficiency with financial systems and reporting tools
• Experience with ERP systems; SAGE experience considered an advantage
• Strong communication skills with the ability to influence across operational and commercial teams
• Highly organised, able to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines
• Comfortable working both independently and collaboratively within cross-functional teams
• Strong understanding of compliance requirements, accounting standards, and internal control frameworks

Working Environment

This role is based in a manufacturing facility with a blended office and plant environment. The position may involve exposure to typical production site conditions, including noise, dust, and other operational elements. Standard office tools and systems are regularly used as part of day-to-day responsibilities.