Group Finance Director (Manufacturing Industry) at HCS Affiliates Group at HCS Affiliates Group

We are recruiting on behalf of a leading manufacturing group for an experienced and strategic Group Finance Director to drive financial performance, governance and long-term growth across multiple operating entities.

Role Purpose

The Group Finance Director will provide strategic, commercial, and operational financial leadership, partnering closely with the Group Managing Director, Executive Committee, and Board.

The role requires a deep understanding of manufacturing economics, strong cost and cash discipline, and the ability to influence decisions from the factory floor to the boardroom.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and execute the Group’s finance strategy, budgeting, forecasting and business planning.
• Provide strategic financial advice to the GMD, Board and Executive Leadership Team.
• Oversee financial reporting, compliance with US GAAP/IFRS and local statutory requirements.
• Drive profitability, working capital optimization and cost efficiency initiatives.
• Lead fundraising, financing negotiations and investment planning.
• Support mergers, acquisitions, tax planning and corporate structuring.
• Strengthen internal controls, risk management and governance frameworks.
• Translate complex financial data into actionable insights for stakeholders.
• Provide leadership and development for the finance team across the Group.

Key Performance Areas

• Profit Before Tax growth
• Liquidity & working capital optimization
• Strong internal controls and governance
• Debt-to-equity management
• Leadership and talent development

Key Requirements

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Statistics, Engineering, Data Science or related field. MBA preferred.
• CPA (K) and ICPAK membership mandatory; US GAAP experience is an advantage.
• Manufacturing Finance Leadership: At least 10 years in senior finance roles within manufacturing/industrial production, with direct exposure to plant operations and cost drivers (audit/advisory-only backgrounds not suitable).
• Cost Accounting Expertise: Strong command of standard costing, variance analysis, BOMs, overhead allocation, and product/SKU profitability, with proven margin and cost-reduction results.
• Cash & Working Capital Management: Track record of optimizing inventory and strengthening cash flow in asset-heavy environments.
• Kenyan Tax & Compliance: Hands-on experience with KRA audits and disputes, plus solid knowledge of VAT, customs/excise, and statutory requirements.
• Capex & Investment Evaluation: Experience assessing plant and machinery investments using IRR/NPV and conducting post-investment reviews.
• Operational Partnership: Ability to influence plant and operations leaders while engaging effectively at Board level.
• Stakeholder Engagement: You will work closely with Board members, auditors, regulators, investment partners and senior leadership across the business.