Head of Finance UK

Zeus Packaging is one of the largest packaging companies in Europe supplying a wide range of sustainable packaging solutions across multiple industries including food retail logistics healthcare and manufacturing. With operations across the UK Ireland and international markets Zeus is committed to innovation customer focus and sustainability.

Our UK operations are expanding and we are seeking a highly motivated and commercially astuteHead of Finance UK to play a pivotal role in leading financial management and strategy across the UK network.

SUMMARY OF ROLE

The Head of Finance UK will oversee all financial activities across the UK sites ensuring robust financial control accurate reporting and strategic decision support to drive growth and profitability. This individual will partner closely with the UK Managing Director Group CFO and senior leadership team while also leading a high-performing finance team.

This is a site-based role in Stone UK with regular travel required across UK operations to maintain strong financial oversight and engagement with business units.

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Financial Leadership & Strategy

• Lead financial planning budgeting forecasting and analysis across all UK sites.
• Partner with senior leadership and operational managers to drive business performance cost control and margin improvement.
• Provide strategic financial insights to support decision-making and long-term growth initiatives.

Financial Control Cashflow & Compliance

• Ensure timely and accurate monthly quarterly and annual reporting.
• Manage UK cashflow effectively optimising working capital monitoring liquidity and forecasting funding requirements.
• Oversee statutory accounts preparation audits tax compliance and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain and strengthen internal controls and risk management practices.

Business Partnering & Commercial Support

• Act as a trusted business partner to operational and commercial leaders across the UK network.
• Support commercial teams with pricing strategies contract reviews and profitability analysis.
• Provide financial modelling and scenario analysis for investment decisions acquisitions and new initiatives.
• Challenge assumptions and influence decision-making to ensure financial rigour.

AI & Process Improvement

• Drive adoption of AI automation and digital finance tools to enhance reporting accuracy forecasting and decision-making.
• Lead process improvement initiatives that streamline workflows reduce costs and improve scalability.
• Stay ahead of emerging financial technologies advising leadership on strategic opportunities for innovation and ROI.

Entity Integration & ERP Alignment

• Support the integration of newly acquired or merged UK entities into group financial structures.
• Lead and assist in ERP system implementation ensuring UK processes are aligned with group standards.
• Drive process harmonisation data consistency and system improvements across UK sites.
• Collaborate with Group IT and Finance to deliver smooth transitions during integration projects.

Team Leadership

• Lead coach and develop the UK finance team ensuring high standards of accuracy accountability and professional growth.
• Foster a culture of collaboration between finance operations and commercial teams.

SCOPE OF POSITION

Business Units Covered: Zeus I&T Zeus Food Swanline Weedon Boxmart Smith Bateson Empire Tapes Simpac Group and other UK entities.

The post holder will be expected to work any hours required in the execution of his/her duties. The role has line management responsibility of Financial Controllers in all UK businesses.

LOCATION

This position is located at Stone UK (with regular travel to other UK sites)

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential

• Fully qualified accountant (ACA ACCA CIMA or equivalent).
• Proven experience in a senior finance role.
• Strong track record in managing cashflow working capital and financial control within multi-site operations.
• Demonstrated success in business partnering with commercial and operational leaders.
• Hands-on experience with ERP implementation and process alignment.
• Excellent technical accounting knowledge financial analysis and decision support skills.
• Leadership capability with experience building and developing finance teams.
• Willingness to travel regularly across UK sites.

Desirable

• Experience in manufacturing packaging FMCG or distribution sectors.
• Exposure to post-acquisition integration or large-scale system projects.
• Commercial mindset with the ability to balance financial control and growth support.

Required Experience:

Director