Robert Half is partnering with a leading manufacturing business to recruit a Finance Controller for a key division with a £100m turnover within a multi-billion turnover group. This is a business-critical role, acting as the Number 2 in Finance, where you'll lead the finance function and work closely with the Finance Director and operational leadership to drive strategic and financial performance. This is an ideal opportunity for a finance professional with a strong manufacturing background who thrives in a fast-paced, multi-site environment and enjoys working alongside operational teams to deliver real business impact. The Role As Finance Controller, you will be embedded in the business, partnering closely with manufacturing, operations, and commercial teams to drive financial efficiency, cost control, and profitability. You will lead the finance function, ensuring robust financial management, process improvements, and strategic insights to support operational decision-making. Key Responsibilities Strategic Business Partnering: Work closely with manufacturing, production, and operations teams to align financial strategies with business objectives, ensuring cost efficiencies and profitability. Manufacturing Finance Leadership: Oversee all financial aspects of a complex, multi-site manufacturing environment, ensuring accurate reporting and compliance with group policies. Costing & Operational Performance: Own standard costing, variance analysis, and inventory control, identifying key areas for efficiency gains and cost reduction. Financial Reporting & Analysis: Deliver insightful P&L, balance sheet, and cash flow reporting, translating financial data into actionable business recommendations. Budgeting & Forecasting: Lead the budgeting and forecasting processes, ensuring alignment with both divisional and group-level strategic goals. Capital Expenditure & Investment: Support key investment decisions, appraising capex projects and ensuring long-term return on investment. Risk & Compliance: Ensure robust financial controls, internal audits, and compliance with UK GAAP, proactively managing financial risk. Team Leadership: Develop and lead a high-performing finance team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence. The Candidate We are looking for a commercially minded Finance Controller with a strong background in manufacturing finance and a proven track record in business partnering to improve operational and financial performance. Essential Skills & Experience: Manufacturing Industry Expertise: Extensive experience in a finance leadership role within a multi-site manufacturing environment. Business Partnering: A hands-on, collaborative approach, with the ability to influence and challenge operational teams. Standard Costing & Variance Analysis: Deep knowledge of cost structures, margin improvement, and efficiency drivers in manufacturing. ERP & Systems Knowledge: Experience working with ERP systems, Excel, and Power BI to support data-driven decision-making. Strategic Leadership: A proactive, commercially driven mindset with the ability to lead and influence at all levels. Professional Qualifications: Fully qualified CIMA / ACCA / ACA or equivalent, with experience in a fast-moving, operational finance environment. What's on Offer? Highly competitive salary Car allowance bonus excellent benefits Career progression opportunities within a global manufacturing group Autonomy to shape and lead the finance function The opportunity to work alongside an outstanding Finance Director and be a key part of strategic decision-making If you have a strong manufacturing finance background and are looking for an impactful, business-focused leadership role, we'd love to hear from you. Robert Half Ltd acts as an employment business for temporary positions and an employment agency for permanent positions. Robert Half is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion. Suitable candidates with equivalent qualifications and more or less experience can apply. Rates of pay and salary ranges are dependent upon your experience, qualifications and training. If you wish to apply, please read our Privacy Notice describing how we may process, disclose and store your personal data: roberthalf.com/gb/en/privacy-notice.