Head of Finance

Overview

Position Overview:

The Head of Finance will be responsible for full financial stewardship of Chemence’s European businesses — driving strategy, delivering operational excellence, and ensuring financial performance meets or exceeds group objectives. The role demands an exceptional finance leader with at least 10 years of post-qualification experience in senior finance positions, specifically within manufacturing businesses with multi-site operations. This individual will play a critical role in shaping and managing the company’s financial strategy, driving cost efficiency, and evaluating investment opportunities. This role will also oversee budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, and help steer the company’s long-term strategy, including mergers, acquisitions, and capital expenditure planning. The Head of Finance will be a key player in identifying areas for financial improvement, mitigating tax liabilities, and contributing to a more robust financial position.This is not an entry-level finance leadership role. We are looking for an elite candidate who is commercially astute, analytically sharp, operationally hands-on, and capable of influencing at board level.

Key ResponsibilitiesStrategic Financial Leadership

Lead the financial strategy for all European entities, ensuring alignment with the Chemence Group’s vision and growth objectives.

Provide proactive, data-driven insight to the board and senior leadership to shape business direction.

Oversee and optimise financial performance across multiple jurisdictions and currencies.

Financial Planning and Analysis

Lead the preparation of accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports.

Drive the budgeting and forecasting process, ensuring alignment with the company’s goals and objectives.

Provide insightful financial analysis to help management understand cost trends, identify opportunities for savings, and improve profitability.

Cost Management and Control

Oversee cost analysis, identifying inefficiencies and recommending strategies for improvement.

Evaluate and optimise operational costs and investments to ensure profitability.

Implement and manage cost control mechanisms to drive financial efficiency across departments.

Investment and Growth Strategy

Analyse investment opportunities, including potential mergers and acquisitions, to support business growth and long-term strategy.

Collaborate with senior management to assess and implement capital expenditure (CapEx) projects.

Support the identification and evaluation of strategic partnerships that can drive business expansion.

Tax and Risk Mitigation

Manage tax planning strategies to minimize liabilities and ensure compliance with tax regulations.

Provide guidance on risk management, helping the company navigate financial, regulatory, and operational challenges.

Strategic Financial Leadership

Advise senior leadership on financial decisions, guiding the company toward sustained growth and profitability.

Work closely with the board to align financial strategy with the company’s vision and long-term objectives.

Lead the development of financial models and strategic financial plans.

Key SkillsOutstanding communication, negotiation, and leadership skills.

Proficiency in ERP systems and advanced Excel modelling.

Strong expertise in evaluating investment opportunities and understanding capital expenditure processes.

In-depth knowledge of financial forecasting, planning, and risk management.

Experience in driving business strategy through financial insight and decision support.

Ability to analyse complex financial data and present it in a clear, actionable manner.

Excellent communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with stakeholders.

Qualifications and Experience (Essential)Fully qualified CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants) qualification or equivalent, with significant experience in a senior finance role.

Minimum 10 years’ senior financial management experience, with at least 5 years overseeing multi-entity and multi-country operations.

Proven expertise in manufacturing or industrial environments and experience in management accounting, with a focus on cost analysis, budgeting, and financial performance management.

Exceptional operational finance skills, with a track record of delivering strategic cost savings and margin improvement initiatives with quantifiable results.

Strong ERP systems expertise, including implementation or optimisation.

Demonstrable track record of managing multi-entity, multi-currency PandL and balance sheet responsibility at a senior level.

Advanced analytical capability with the ability to translate complex data into actionable strategy.

Qualifications (Desirable)MBA or equivalent post-graduate business qualification.

Lean Six Sigma or similar process improvement certification.

Experience in supply chain finance or working capital optimisation at a group level.

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