Financial Director

Blackstar Amplification Ltd – Northampton, Northamptonshire

Position: Finance Director

Location: Blackstar HQ, Northampton, UK.

The company: Launched in 2007, Blackstar is globally recognised and respected as an innovator and leader in guitar amplification design. We are a company of musicians and music lovers who are truly passionate about what we do and understand the importance of great sound. Blackstar is based in Northampton, with over 80 years’ combined experience in guitar amplification design and production.

Our team pioneers change in the industry and has a strong commitment to driving transformational innovation within all of our products. Blackstar, and Carry-on by Blackstar products are the best in the world for design, technology and performance – we create the ultimate tools for self-expression. Blackstar is a unique environment; it is professional and process-orientated, yet at the same time very dynamic and a fun place to work.

If you approach your work with pride, want to be the best and help to grow our global brand to its full potential, we would love to hear from you.

The role: We are recruiting an experienced and commercially minded Finance Director to work alongside the Managing Director and Directorial Team to facilitate Blackstar’s ambitious business objectives. Blackstar is a world-class company which operates at a very high pace and is constantly evolving its business model proposition.

The successful candidate will have a hands-on approach to Financial Management whilst retaining a strategic vision and will need a high degree of energy and commitment. The role is that of a full board Director and hence has a high degree of commercial and fiduciary responsibility. The successful candidate therefore requires great communications skills and gravitas.

There is a strong international aspect, including overseeing the stocking and logistical aspects of supply chain management of the two main Chinese contract manufacturers and shipments to the worldwide distribution network and UK self-distribution set-up. For the right person – this will be the dream job. There are three key aspects to the role:

1. Board Director Responsibilities: Blackstar has a close-knit and highly talented Directorial team who constantly work to define and refine the strategic vision of the business.
2. Directing the Blackstar Finance Function: A key factor will be the management of the finance team and the company’s Financial control and reporting.
3. Overseeing the Blackstar Supply Chain Function: Blackstar has a lean Supply Chain function primarily managing the output of the two main Chinese Contract Manufacturers and ensuring timely shipments to the worldwide distribution network.

Working with the Directorial team, you will work on all aspects of the annual business planning and its implementation. You will have a company-first attitude and a “whatever it takes to get the job done” approach. You will be a reliable and enthusiastic team player and always be ready to lend a hand to get stuck into opportunities for improvement, both in Finance and other areas of the business.

The F.D. will be a commercial cornerstone within the company and will be the source of reliable data, forecasting and vision to all other departments. As Blackstar is such a collaborative team environment this is definitely an office-based role. In addition, occasional international travel will be required in support of the manufacturing and distribution functions of the business.

Main Directorial Responsibilities:

• Driving the financial strategy of the business.
• Annual Business Planning with the Directorial team and driving implementation throughout the year.
• Daily meetings with the Founding Directors to discuss overall company progress.
• Daily meetings with Directorial / EMT team to address operational issues.
• Production of monthly reports for the Board and attending / minuting the bi-annual board meetings.
• Owning the relationship with external financial institutions such as banks, auditors and insurers.
• Overall control of the accounting function.
• Financial planning and advice on all financial aspects for both Board and EMT.
• Formulating targets and budgets in accordance with the Board’s strategy.
• Overseeing all financial transactions, accounting and financial audit systems.
• Corporate finance, policies on capital requirement, debt, taxation including HMRC R&D and Patent initiatives, grant applications and all fiscal matters, equity and M&A activity.
• Oversee preparation of the annual accounts.
• Meeting all statutory and fiscal requirements.
• Ensuring that financial systems are appropriate and fit for purpose.
• Overseeing all insurance policies and ensuring that financial risks are minimized.
• Ensuring that Payroll, employee benefits and all aspects of remuneration are appropriate and affordable.

Key Supply Chain / Logistics:

• Overseeing the logistical / supply management of the company suppliers, primarily the two main Chinese contract manufacturers and 3PL providers.
• Working with the Managing Director and Director of Business Operations on the long-term supply chain (manufacturing) plan.
• Ensuring On-Time-In-Full (OTIF) shipments and logistical arrangements to the 50+ worldwide distributors.
• Reviewing the stock requirements at the Asian logistical hub and the home and EU based 3PL distribution partners that feed the local distribution set-up.

The ideally sought candidate will possess the following:

• Good GCSE’s and definitely Mathematics/English.
• Advanced analytical skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent Excel & numerical skills.
• High level of attention to detail.
• A highly organised approach.
• At least 10 years in a similar role.
• An independent and self-reliant approach.
• At least 10 years PQE.
• A passion for music with a desire to develop a career in the Music Instruments Industry.
• An ambassador of the company with great interpersonal skills, but controlled analytical nature, able to build professional relationships with people at all levels.
• Ability to manage working time effectively and prioritise appropriately.
• Enthusiastic, conscientious, committed and dependable.
• Calm under pressure.
• A can-do attitude and willingness to go the extra mile when required.

Package and info:

• Salary + Bonus scheme
• Workplace pension
• 25 days annual leave (+1 day annually after 2nd work anniversary, up to maximum 30 days)
• Comprehensive Private Health Insurance package.
• Office hours are 8:00am to 5:00pm (1 hour lunch) Monday to Friday, and a willingness to work extra hours as and when required to achieve results.

At Blackstar we always try to support our staff flexibly where practical and possible, working together to ensure the needs of the business are met. Blackstar Amplification welcomes applications from all, irrespective of disability, gender, gender expression and identity, sexual orientation, marital or parental status, age, race, colour, ethnic origin, nationality (subject to UKBA permission), trade union membership and activity, political or religious beliefs, socio-economic background and any other distinction. If you wish to apply, then please return a completed Blackstar application form, along with your CV and a brief video to introduce yourself in 60 seconds or less.