European Finance Director

European Finance Director — Manufacturing | Europe | Hybrid – Interim – Italy or Hungary based (6 month contract)

Our client is looking for an experienced European Finance Director to lead regional finance across a complex, multi-site manufacturing and distribution footprint. Reporting to a Managing Director and dotted line to a Group CFO, the role will operate as a strategic business partner to the SLT for EMEA and be expected to drive performance, strengthen finance controls, and partner with senior leadership to deliver margin, cash, and growth.

The Company:

They operate as a global manufacturer and distributor of industrial components, serving OEMs and Tier 1s across multiple sectors and industries. The business combines in-house manufacturing with a wide distribution network, delivering engineered solutions, vendor-managed logistics, and rigorous quality standards across 70+ countries.

The Role:

• Manage a team of four direct reports, located across EMEA countries including six locations: one manufacturing and five distribution sites
• Oversee all budgeting, forecasting, financial analysis, and business case appraisals – as well as navigating the strategic direction for the EMEA region
• Strengthen financial control, statutory compliance, and audit readiness (IFRS/UK GAAP/local GAAP)
• Build robust standard costing, variance analysis, and cost-to-serve insights
• Optimise working capital (inventory, receivables, payables) and support treasury activity
• Partner with Operations on efficiency, quality, and profitability improvement
• Lead process, ERP, and reporting enhancements; champion continuous improvement
• Develop and mentor a high-performing regional finance team

Person Criteria:

• Qualified accountant (ACA/ACCA), graduate calibre and currently operated in a Head of or Director level role.
• Manufacturing/multi-site product-based experience; strong standard costing and working capital knowledge would be desired.
• Analytical, hands-on, and able to deep dive and simplify financial processes
• Previously used to working on project activity
• Proven stakeholder influence; clear written and verbal communication
• Strong coaching/people leadership; credible presence and integrity
• Able to prioritise and deliver at pace in a multicultural, matrix environment
• International experience is important and used to working with multi-cultural teams is a must

To apply in confidence, send your CV to