Operational Finance Manager

Job Title: Operational Finance Manager Location: WMFTS - UK - Bickland Water Road Location Type: On-Site Website: Group: Watson-Marlow Fluid Technology Solutions is part of Spirax Group, a FTSE100 and FTSE4Good multi‑national industrial engineering group with expertise in the control and management of steam, electric thermal solutions, peristaltic pumping and associated fluid technologies. When you join us, you will be integrated into a cooperative and encouraging team, participate in challenging yet critical work, and experience ongoing growth opportunities to help you achieve your full potential. Visit our website to learn more. Key Responsibilities Role Summary You will be responsible for the standard costing structure and all related financial activities from sales down to gross contribution. This role plays a key part in supporting operational decision making, driving cost efficiency and maintaining strong financial controls. The successful applicant will provide meaningful analysis and insight; considering the potential impact on the wider group profitability and efficiencies. This role is responsible for managing the day to day activities of the cost accounting and perpetual inventory team and currently has four direct reports. What you’ll be doing Lead and manage all aspects of cost accounting, including standard cost development, variance analysis, and cost of goods sold (COGS) Financial control and analysis of cost of sales, product margin and productivity Partnering with operational teams to provide financial data to assist informed data driven decisions Cross functional collaboration working across multiple levels of the organisation Contributing towards business process improvement and implementation of efficiencies Weekly sales forecast, stock reporting Manage month‑end close activities for your area, including accruals, journals, reconciliations, and variance analysis Monthly, quarterly and annual reporting requirements Budgeting and Forecasting Yearly review of costing structure including year end cost roll requirements Oversight of credit control with Sales OpCo's, and intercompany recharges Working with team members to ensure successful achievement of objectives and developing the team’s overall capabilities and expertise Any other ad hoc tasks as requested by Line Manager Skills / Experience Qualified accountant Experience of managing a team Effective communication skills, able to simplify complex data and present actionable insights to a range of stakeholders Relevant experience in a manufacturing finance environment including costing, profit margins and inventory is highly advantageous although not essential Excellent problem solving, process improvement and organisational skills Good interpersonal skills with a commercial mindset and the ability to present concepts and results in a concise manner to all levels of the organisation IT proficient, strong Excel skills and experience working with Power BI would be desirable Benefits A competitive salary Flexible working arrangements A generous holiday allowance Three days’ paid volunteering leave Additional support and benefits through our Everyone is Included Group Inclusion Plan We are an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply. If you require accommodations during the application process, please let us know. We are also a Disability Confident Committed Employer. If you would like to apply using this scheme, please select this option in our application form. #J-18808-Ljbffr