Position Summary
Magellan Aerospace has an exciting opportunity for a Director of Finance, European Operations. This full‑time permanent role works 39 hours per week on a unionised site (Unite the Union) and is based in Llay, Wrexham, LL12 0PB. The role will manage finance across multiple UK and European sites and work closely with the Vice President of European Operations, senior leadership teams and the Chief Financial Officer to drive financial performance, governance and controls, and support long‑term strategy.
Perks and Benefits
A company culture that promotes work‑life balance
Access to mental health support
Business performance related bonus
Career development opportunities
Commitment to continued learning and development
Perkbox – includes monthly treats and discounts from selected restaurants, cinemas, shops etc
Long Service Awards
Enhanced Holiday Entitlement based on length of service
Free parking
Essential Responsibilities
Leadership & Business Partnership
Partner closely with the site leadership teams and the Vice President of European Operations, providing insight, support and constructive challenge
Act as a core member of the senior leadership team, jointly accountable for site performance across Europe and the delivery of strategic objectives
Build strong credible relationships with the divisional and group finance functional leads
Develop a strong working relationship with the CFO, ensuring openness and transparency
Drive a high‑performing culture across the group
Lead and develop the Finance function across UK and European sites
Ensure consistent, aligned messaging across the site leadership teams to support clarity, engagement, accountability and execution
Provide clear financial insight and guidance to the leadership team, ensuring strong understanding of margin, cost drivers, working capital and cashflow
Translate strategy, policies and reporting requirements into practical local plans for execution
Encourage open dialogue, challenge and constructive feedback, creating a culture of trust, professionalism and continuous improvement
Develop succession planning and strengthen capability within Finance teams across the region
Financial Leadership & Accountability
Manage all financial reporting and statutory requirements across UK and European entities
Take ownership of consolidated European financial performance and presentation of results
Ensure timely and accurate submission of monthly accounts and associated analysis in line with group reporting requirements
Lead all financial and operational accounting activities, including annual budgets, monthly forecasts, costing, payroll and cash management
Maintain robust inventory valuation and costing systems appropriate to the aerospace manufacturing environment
Contribute fully to the 5‑year strategic plan, owning financial targets in partnership with European leadership
Lead the development, coordination and reporting of key performance indicators ensuring accuracy, clarity and consistency
Analyse operating and financial performance, monitoring profitability, cost reduction initiatives and corrective action to improve results
Act as the primary contact for internal and external audits, ensuring compliance with country accounting standards and group policy
Oversee submission of annual year‑end accounts in line with Group and regional requirements
Oversee all statutory, tax and regulatory submissions including VAT, PAYE, Tax, customs
Financial Control & Treasury Management
Maintain robust governance, internal controls, risk management and information systems aligned to group internal control standards and audit requirements
Ensure effective cash management, liquidity planning, and robust forecasting processes regionally
Ensure compliance with Group accounting policies and delegated authority limits
Commercial & Operational Leadership
Act as a trusted partner to manufacturing operations, commercial, quality, procurement and HR
Embed finance into all operational and commercial decisions, ensuring visibility of cost, margin and cash risk
Support pricing, bids and capital investment requirements with clear financial analysis and commercial insight
Identify operational risks and opportunities early and work with leadership teams to implement corrective action
Ensure a strong link between operational performance, financial outcome and strategic objectives
Health, Safety & Compliance
Promote and maintain high standards of health, safety and environmental compliance across the business
Ensure all finance processes comply with company policy, procedures and code of practice
Other Duties
Any other reasonable duties in support of business needs.
Position Requirements
Essential Criteria
Qualified accountant (CIMA, ACCA or ACA)
Significant senior experience in manufacturing businesses
Strong balance of strategic and operational finance leadership
Track record of driving operational performance and accountability
Experienced people leader
Strong commercial acumen
Experience of treasury & cost accounting
Experience of consolidating financial results
Knowledge of ERP/MRP systems and accounting software packages
Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to interact at all levels
Strong analytical skills & IT skills
Experience supporting multi‑site operations (UK & Europe)
Experience managing treasury, cash, and FX exposure for multi‑currency operations
Demonstrated success in business partnering to drive growth and performance
Desirable Criteria
Hands on experience of SAP S4/Hana
Experienced in the aerospace sector
Key Competencies
Prioritisation
Results driven
Business acumen
Excellent verbal and written communication
Simplifying complex situations
Problem solver
Team working
Personal Attributes
Tenacious, resilient and hands on
Collaborative and calm under pressure
Ability to motivate teams to deliver
Clarity of thought under regardless of conflicting priorities
Displays Integrity and respect
Drives change
Creative in finding ways to do things better
Acts ethically in all you do
Ability to interact and collaborate well with all levels in the business
About Us
Magellan Aerospace is a global, integrated aerospace company that provides complex assemblies and systems solutions to aircraft and engine manufacturers, defence and space agencies worldwide. The organization officially adopted the name “Magellan Aerospace Corporation” in 1996; deriving it from the intrepid explorer Ferdinand Magellan. His global exploits at the turn of the 15th century established a number of firsts, so the company’s vision has been to carry this same legacy into the future of the aerospace industry. At Magellan, we have over 80 years of collective knowledge and experience in the aerospace industry, and believe one truth: People create value. Employees are our greatest resource in working towards a successful future, and together we build professional relationships that thrive. We know that personal development is fundamental to the success of every individual, and every individual is fundamental to the success of our business, so we invest in our employees and provide excellent career progression opportunities. When you are part of Magellan, you are part of the team!
Confidentiality
Magellan Aerospace respects the privacy and confidentiality of personal information provided by candidates and shall not disclose to any external parties unless legislated.
Thank you for considering this exciting opportunity. This document is intended to provide the reader with information and is not a contractual document. Some of the material therefore may be subject to change.
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