Financial Planning and Analysis Manager

The Financial Planning and Analysis Manager will lead the company’s budgeting, forecasting, performance reporting and commercial analysis processes. The role will provide clear financial insight to support strategic decision-making, operational performance improvement and long-term business planning across a manufacturing environment. The successful candidate will act as a key finance business partner to senior leadership, production, operations, sales, procurement and supply chain teams, translating financial data into practical actions that improve profitability, cash generation, cost control and manufacturing efficiency. What you'll be doing: Lead the annual budgeting process, rolling forecasts and medium-term financial planning cycle, ensuring alignment with business strategy and operational plans. Prepare monthly management reporting packs, including variance analysis, commentary and clear recommendations for senior management and the Board. Develop and maintain financial models to support forecasting, scenario planning, investment appraisal, pricing decisions and strategic initiatives. Analyse manufacturing performance, including labour efficiency, material usage, overhead absorption, production variances, inventory levels, margins and cost drivers. Partner with operations, production and supply chain leaders to identify opportunities to improve productivity, reduce waste, control costs and enhance profitability. Monitor key performance indicators across the business and develop reporting that links operational activity to financial outcomes. Support cash flow forecasting, working capital management and analysis of stock, debtors, creditors and capital expenditure. Provide financial insight for new product introductions, customer contracts, capital investment proposals and make-versus-buy decisions. Prepare presentations and analysis for senior leadership, investors, lenders or other external stakeholders as required. Who we are looking for: Qualified accountant, ideally ACA, ACCA or CIMA, with strong post-qualification experience in FP&A, commercial finance or commercial finance business partnering. Experience in a manufacturing, engineering, industrial, FMCG or product-based environment is strongly preferred. Strong understanding of manufacturing cost drivers, standard costing, inventory, gross margin analysis and operational KPIs. Excellent financial modelling, forecasting, budgeting and variance analysis skills. Advanced Excel capability and experience using ERP (we use MS Dynamics 365), and reporting or business intelligence tools such as Power BI, Tableau, SAP, Oracle, or similar systems. Ability to interpret complex financial and operational data and present it clearly to non-finance stakeholders. Strong commercial awareness, with the confidence to challenge assumptions and influence decisions. Excellent communication, presentation and stakeholder management skills. High attention to detail, strong analytical capability and the ability to work to tight deadlines. Experience leading or developing finance team members would be advantageous. About us ELIQUO HYDROK is an award-winning, established and growing, market leader. We provide water treatment solutions that keep seas and rivers clean and drinking water safe. From flood water management to sewage filtration systems, we provide innovative, environmentally considerate, cost-effective, and practical solutions to municipal water companies. We’re passionate about our people, offering a range of benefits to our valued employees, including hybrid working and a Medicash healthcare plan. You will be part of a team of 180+ colleagues delivering high-quality, essential services underpinning water infrastructure and environmental improvement across the UK. Inclusion & Diversity At Eliquo Hydrok, we are committed to fostering a culture of Fairness, Inclusion and Respect across all areas of our business. We actively promote equality and diversity, and do not tolerate discrimination of any kind - whether based on gender, race, disability, age, religion, sexual orientation, or employment status. Our goal is to ensure that every individual, regardless of background, feels respected, valued, and empowered to reach their full potential. To support fairness in our recruitment process, we ask all applicants to complete an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) survey after applying. This helps us monitor and improve our practices, ensuring equal access to opportunities for everyone. Benefits Flexible/hybrid working options available Medicash Health Plan Company Pension Sick Pay On-site parking Cycle to Work Scheme Company Events Appraisal and Personal Development programme