Head of Operational Finance

Based - Manchester M2 6DN, (Hybrid 50%)

Permanent, Full Time

Join Premier Foods — where people, brands and purpose come together.

We’re proud to be one of the UK’s largest listed food businesses, with over 4,000 colleagues across 13 sites shaping the future of some of Britain’s best‑loved brands, found in 94% of households nationwide, making us one of the UK’s top three ambient food suppliers. From much‑loved household names such as Mr Kipling, Bisto, Oxo, Batchelors and Sharwoods, to our recently welcomed brands Fuel10k and Merchant Gourmet, our portfolio is packed with iconic favourites — and continues to grow.

Role Purpose

This is a rare opportunity to take on a pivotal leadership role at the heart of Premier Business Services (PBS), shaping a future‑ready Financial Operations function as we continue our journey towards a true Centre of Excellence.

As Head of Financial Operations, you’ll have end‑to‑end ownership of critical financial lifecycles, leading high‑impact teams across Commercial Credit, Receivables, Risk, Governance and Accounts Payable. You’ll bring clarity, accountability and momentum—strengthening governance, uplifting capability and enabling transformation at pace to support sustainable business growth.

What you’ll be doing

• Defining and delivering a Financial Operations strategy aligned to Premier Business Services Centre of Excellence ambition.
• Modernising financial operations through best‑in‑class service, strong controls, automation and continuous improvement.
• Acting as a senior SME, influencing Group Finance strategy across lifecycle performance, risk, governance and cash discipline. 

• Leading the end‑to‑end Financial Operations organisation, embedding clear Enhance control frameworks, audit readiness and risk mitigation across all operational areas.

• Leading and developing a diverse, multi‑disciplinary leadership team, building deep SME capability across AP, O2C, Credit, Risk and Governance.

• Leading large‑scale process simplification, automation and digital enablement initiatives.
• Partnering with Finance Systems and Business Change teams on lifecycle redesign, UAT and systems optimisation, including SAP‑led transformation.

What we need from you

• Significant senior leadership experience across Financial Operations, including O2C, AP, Credit, Risk and Governance.
• A strong track record of transforming large, complex teams and embedding high‑performance cultures.
• Deep understanding of financial controls, governance, audit and risk management.
• Experience operating in shared services or Centre of Excellence environments.
• Strong commercial acumen with the ability to influence and challenge senior stakeholders.
• SAP experience strongly preferred, with exposure to major systems transformation highly desirable.
• Exceptional leadership presence, communication and problem‑solving skills.

What we offer you in return 

• Competitive Salary 

• Bonus 

• Car Allowance 

• Company Pension 

• Private Medical 

• Holiday Purchase Scheme 

• Sharesave Scheme 

• EV Car Scheme 

• Paid Volunteering Day 

• Employees benefits platform access 

At Premier foods we believe in inclusion, authenticity and individuality. We aim to ensure all existing and future colleagues are given equitable opportunities and are respected, valued and encouraged to bring their true authentic selves to work no matter who they are, what they look like, who they love or what they believe in. Our culture is one where everyone is welcome.

We're proud to be a Disability Smart employer and are committed to supporting disability inclusion throughout our recruitment process. If you experience any access issues or require reasonable adjustments at any stage, please let us know so we can ensure you have the support you need.