Head of Finance & Operations

We are the internal recruitment partner for our client, an established, internationally focused science and manufacturing SME, we are supporting them in their search for an ambitious and commercially minded Head of Finance & Operations.

With a strong reputation for scientific rigour, integrity and technical excellence, the business has an established international customer and supplier base and is entering an exciting period of continued growth.

This is a highly influential senior leadership position, offering the opportunity to shape the organisation’s financial performance, people strategy and operational effectiveness.

About the role:

Reporting directly to the Managing Director, you’ll take ownership of the company’s Finance and HR functions, providing the commercial insight, financial discipline and operational leadership required to support sustainable growth.

This is not a traditional finance role. You’ll operate at both a strategic and hands-on level, with responsibility spanning financial planning and reporting, cash management, international trade, R&D tax, HR, payroll, systems, facilities and operational processes.

You’ll work closely with the Managing Director, operational teams, Science and Engineering colleagues and a range of established external professional advisers.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the company’s financial strategy, business planning and growth initiatives; provide commercial insight, analysis and KPI reporting; prepare budgets, forecasts and long-term financial plans; supervise the Finance Manager; and oversee monthly management accounts and year-end statutory reporting.
• Ensure compliance with UK accounting standards, tax and statutory requirements; manage cash flow, working capital and banking relationships; maintain strong financial controls, governance and internal procedures; liaise with auditors, accountants, insurers and professional advisers; and coordinate R&D tax credit claims, including identifying qualifying projects and costs, maintaining supporting documentation, ensuring compliance and monitoring available incentives and grants.
• Manage the financial aspects of international trading, including foreign currency exposure, import/export requirements, VAT and international tax compliance, supplier payments and customer terms; support inventory management, costing and margin analysis; and monitor profitability across products, customers and regions.
• Coordinate and organise company logistics, including procurement, subcontracting, distribution and temporary exports for exhibitions; negotiate rates and manage shipping suppliers, carriers and freight forwarders.
• Ensure international shipping documentation and import/export declarations comply with customs laws and global trade regulations.
• Oversee accurate and compliant monthly payroll; manage employee benefits including pensions, Permanent Health Insurance, Death in Service, EV schemes and other benefit programmes; liaise with payroll providers, pension administrators and external advisers; and maintain accurate employee records and HR documentation.
• Manage company insurance policies, including employer’s liability, public liability, professional indemnity, travel and property insurance, and liaising with brokers and insurers on renewals, claims and policy administration.
• Oversee company premises and facilities administration, including lease renewals and rates, and manage relationships with landlords and management agents.
• Lead and implement HR strategy, policies and procedures aligned with business objectives and growth; work with the HR Business Partner on HR strategies and initiatives; support organisational, workforce and succession planning; and ensure compliance with UK employment legislation and accurate HR records, contracts and policies.
• Oversee employee relations including disciplinary, grievance, absence and performance matters; oversee recruitment, onboarding, training and development; promote engagement, wellbeing, retention and an inclusive culture; and drive health, safety and compliance by working with operational leadership to embed a proactive safety culture, ensure regulatory compliance, minimise risk and protect employee wellbeing.
• Oversee Finance and HR systems, including accounting, payroll, HRIS and business systems, ensuring data integrity, security and efficiency; lead system improvements, automation and reporting enhancements; and work with internal stakeholders and external providers on upgrades, integration and digitalisation.
• Maintain robust system controls, user access governance, data protection and cybersecurity awareness.