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Finance Director Medical Manufacturing Specialist

J938267 Debenham East of England £60K - £85K / Year

Are you a commercially astute Finance Director who enjoys being close to the business, influencing strategic decisions and making a tangible difference to operational performance?

We are working exclusively with an established, privately owned manufacturing business with an 8 figure turnover, who are looking to appoint an ambitious and hands-on Finance Director.

Reporting directly to the Managing Director, this is a pivotal position offering genuine influence across the business. You will take ownership of the finance function, provide strategic and commercial direction, and play an important role in improving manufacturing performance, profitability and cash flow.

This is much more than a traditional Finance Director position. It offers the opportunity to combine financial leadership with a strong operational and commercial focus, working closely with colleagues across the business, including the manufacturing team.

The Role

As Finance Director, you will be responsible for the overall financial health and performance of the business, providing insight, challenge and direction to support its continued growth.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Strategic & Commercial Leadership: Acting as a trusted business partner to the Managing Director, influencing commercial decisions, business planning and future growth strategies.
• Financial Planning: Leading budgeting, forecasting, financial modelling and scenario planning to support informed decision-making.
• Cash Flow & Working Capital: Driving effective cash management, improving working capital and ensuring strong financial controls.
• Manufacturing Finance: Developing and maintaining robust standard costing models, bills of materials (BOM), labour and overhead absorption rates.
• Cost & Performance Analysis: Producing regular production variance analysis, identifying opportunities to improve material usage, labour efficiency, yield and overall factory performance.
• Stock & Inventory: Strengthening inventory controls across raw materials, work in progress and finished goods, improving stock accuracy and turnover.
• Capital Investment: Evaluating capital expenditure proposals, machinery investment and automation opportunities through robust financial appraisal.
• Financial Reporting & Compliance: Overseeing monthly management accounts, board reporting, statutory accounts, audit, HMRC compliance and R&D tax claims.
• Team Leadership: Leading and developing a small finance team, ensuring an effective and well-controlled finance function.

You will be expected to balance strategic thinking with a practical, hands-on approach, getting into the detail when required and building strong relationships throughout the business.

About You

We are looking for a qualified accountant who combines strong technical financial expertise with commercial awareness and a genuine understanding of manufacturing environments.

You will ideally offer:

• ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualification, with CIMA particularly advantageous.
• Proven senior-level finance experience within a manufacturing, engineering or production-led SME.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing costing, including standard costing, BOMs, labour and overhead absorption.
• Experience analysing production variances, inventory and manufacturing performance.
• A good understanding of manufacturing ERP systems and advanced Excel skills.
• The confidence to challenge, influence and support stakeholders at all levels, from the factory floor to the boardroom.
• A proactive, collaborative and hands-on approach, with the ability to operate both strategically and operationally.

Above all, you will be someone who enjoys taking ownership, improving processes and helping a business achieve its commercial ambitions.

The Opportunity & Package

• Salary of £60,000 - £85,000, dependent on experience.
• Performance-related bonus.
• Electric company car.
• Full-time, permanent position.
• Direct reporting line to the Managing Director.
• Genuine opportunity to influence business strategy and manufacturing performance.
• A key leadership role within an established, privately owned and growing business.

Location: Weekly Office attendance Suffolk.

Please note: This is an office-based position, and regular attendance at the company's Suffolk site is essential. It is therefore important that applicants are comfortable with the location and commuting requirements.
Interested?

If you are a commercially driven Finance Director with manufacturing experience and are looking for a role where you can genuinely influence the direction and performance of a business, we would love to hear from you.

For a confidential discussion, please get in touch.