Dairy Crest Finance Director

The Dairy Crest Finance Director role is a crucial position, responsible for overseeing all financial aspects of what is now Saputo Dairy UK. Historically, Dairy Crest was a significant player in the UK dairy industry, and the Finance Director played a pivotal role in guiding its financial strategy, performance, and overall health.

Key responsibilities would encompass a wide range of activities, including:

• Financial Planning and Analysis: Leading the development and execution of financial plans, budgets, and forecasts. This involves a deep understanding of the dairy market, pricing trends, and operational costs. The Finance Director would analyze financial performance against targets, identifying areas for improvement and opportunities for growth.
• Financial Reporting and Control: Ensuring accurate and timely financial reporting in compliance with accounting standards and regulations. This includes preparing statutory accounts, managing audits, and maintaining robust internal controls to safeguard company assets. They are also responsible for ensuring compliance with tax laws and regulations.
• Treasury Management: Managing the company's cash flow, investments, and debt. This involves optimizing working capital, mitigating financial risks, and securing funding for strategic initiatives. They would oversee relationships with banks and other financial institutions.
• Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A): Evaluating potential acquisitions, divestitures, and joint ventures. This requires conducting due diligence, assessing financial risks and opportunities, and negotiating deal terms. The Finance Director plays a key role in integrating acquired businesses and maximizing synergies.
• Relationship Management: Building and maintaining strong relationships with key stakeholders, including investors, lenders, auditors, and regulators. The Finance Director acts as a primary point of contact for financial matters and communicates financial performance to external parties.
• Strategic Leadership: Providing financial insight and leadership to the executive team, contributing to the development and implementation of the company's overall strategy. This involves identifying opportunities for growth, improving profitability, and enhancing shareholder value. They are often instrumental in driving operational efficiencies and cost reduction initiatives.

The ideal candidate for this role typically possesses a strong accounting background, often a qualified accountant (e.g., ACA, ACCA, CIMA). They need extensive experience in a senior finance role, preferably within the food or manufacturing industry. Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills are essential. Furthermore, leadership qualities, including the ability to motivate and develop a high-performing finance team, are critical for success. The Finance Director needs to be comfortable working in a fast-paced and dynamic environment, adapting to changing market conditions and regulatory requirements. Given the acquisition by Saputo, the role would also require experience with international reporting standards and working within a global organization.

The Dairy Crest Finance Director, or now the Saputo Dairy UK equivalent, is therefore much more than a number cruncher; they are a strategic business partner, a risk manager, and a key contributor to the company's overall success.