Finance Director of Financial Planning & Performance

An excellent SME Finance Director role - leading financial strategy, reporting and business partnering Your new company Hays are delighted to be exclusively retained by Little & Cull in the search for their new Finance Director.Little & Cull is a leading UK supplier of premium bakery products and prepared dishes, trusted by food service operators across the travel, leisure, hospitality and casual dining sectors. Operating across two production sites in Devon and headquartered just off the A38 in Newton Abbot, the business combines chef-led creativity with strong commercial expertise to deliver food that consistently performs in professional kitchens.With a turnover of approximately £25 million, Little & Cull has built a reputation for innovative, high-quality products supported by responsive, knowledgeable and genuinely personal service. Its extensive portfolio is thoughtfully developed in-house to meet the evolving needs of its food service partners, helping them serve outstanding food with confidence.The company also excels in bespoke product development, working closely with clients to create tailored recipes, formats and flavour profiles that reflect brand identity, operational requirements and emerging trends. Now in its 20th year, Little & Cull continues to demonstrate consistent and sustainable organic growth, testament to its customer focus, culinary expertise and long-standing commitment to great food. Your new role Reporting to the Board, the Finance Director will shape the financial strategy of the business and act as a key commercial partner across Operations, Commercial and Supply Chain. This is a forward-looking, influential leadership role with a focus on strategic insight, commercial performance, investment planning and supporting continued business growth.The Finance Director will hold overarching responsibility for the finance function, leading a team of five. Day-to-day financial reporting and management accounts will be overseen by an experienced Finance Manager, enabling the Finance Director to maintain a broader, more strategic perspective. Lead and evolve the financial strategy to support sustainable, profitable growth. Provide clear financial insight, challenge and strategic guidance to the CEO and leadership team. Drive long-term planning, scenario modelling and investment appraisal. Support strategic decision-making across product development, pricing, capex and operational planning. Finance Oversight & Governance Hold overall responsibility for financial governance, risk management and control frameworks. Ensure high-quality financial information, with day-to-day reporting led by the Finance Manager. Oversee statutory accounts, audit processes and regulatory compliance. Commercial & Operational Business Partnering Provide insight on customer profitability, product investment and portfolio growth opportunities. Support system improvements, automation and the strengthening of financial processes. Lead and develop a finance team of five, fostering a culture of accountability, high performance and collaboration. Supporting the ongoing development and oversight of the daily finance function. Build strong cross-functional relationships to ensure finance is seen as a proactive and valued business partner. Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA). Proven experience as a Finance Director or senior finance leader in light manufacturing, FMCG or ideally food production within a similarly sized organisation. Strong commercial acumen, with the ability to influence and shape business direction. A strategic, career-defining role within a respected, high-growth food producer. The opportunity to shape financial strategy and influence long-term business direction. A collaborative, agile working environment where your impact will be visible. Competitive salary, executive package and genuine progression potential. thomson2@hays.