Finance Director

Kilkenny Cheese Ltd

Role Summary

Kilkenny Cheese is a joint venture between Tirlan and Dutch family business Royal A-ware, a 130-year-old company with strong positions in EU and global markets. The facility has started up in 2024 as a greenfield site  at Belview, Co Kilkenny

Royal A-ware is a traditional Dutch family business with a passion for food and with a strong entrepreneurial attitude. Demand-led, we offer our clients tailored products and services. In recent years investments have been made in the development and management of own supply chains resulting in independence, efficiency, and flexibility. We are specialized in producing, ripening, cutting, and packaging cheese, and also produce and package cream and fresh dairy products.

Based in Belview in South Kilkenny the role reports to the Managing Director of Kilkenny Cheese Limited and will be a member of the Executive team of Kilkenny Cheese Limited with the Head of Site Operations and the HR Business Partner. The Finance Director will partner with the Executive Leadership and Site Leadership teams and be responsible for the financial stewardship of the company. It is a hands-on role with month end reporting as well as a strategic role working on business planning and growth

Key Responsibilities

• Preparation and presentation of periodic financial reporting information, in line with structured deadlines and in accordance with both shareholders’ requirements – to include variance analysis with regard to Profit & Loss, Balance Sheet and Working Capital movements versus Budget/Forecast.
• Working with the Managing Director and Board of Kilkenny Cheese to develop the strategic long term plans for Kilkenny Cheese
• Supporting the Managing Director in defining and actioning long term strategic plans
• Provide detailed insights into sales performance of Kilkenny Cheese products through the two joint venture partners
• Be the main focal point for the financial lenders of Kilkenny Cheese in terms of meetings, discussions and reports
• Provide clear and informative financial, operational & industrial commentary with appropriate management information systems – enabling effective communication of site performance, together with the identification & resolution of critical issues impacting the profitability of the Kilkenny Cheese Ltd business.
• Preparation and presentation of annual budget and periodic forecasts in line with structured deadlines – to include clear communication of key variances versus prior plan and prior year performance
• Assist the Executive Leadership Team in completing the operational KPI framework, and exercise ownership with regard to operational performance measurement versus target, within the scope of the Kilkenny Cheese Ltd operational KPI framework
• Fulfill a site leadership role through effective business partnering with regard to the achievement of assigned operational & financial targets.
• Ensure effective and robust site financial controls as part of Royal Aware and Tirlan risk management policy.
• Ensure effective and robust balance sheet reconciliation & control.
• Adopt a continuous improvement approach to finance process efficiency. Accounting supervision (month close process, payroll, cash, tax files).
• Monitor the stock valuation & take part in ordering/payment and capex projects
• Responsible for the review and actioning of various Service Level Agreements in conjunction with department heads
• Working with external bodies including Government agencies such as Enterprise Ireland
• Act as Company Secretary

Key Requirements:

• Qualified accountant with 10 years + post-qualification experience in financial /cost controlling.
• Operational and Strategic Treasury Management experience is desirable
• Demonstrated ability to clearly define and execute agreed strategies
• Understand relevant FMCG market trends through continuous learning and how they may impact long-term horizon for the business.
• Strong Influencing, leadership, & decision making skills with the ability to manage, influence and negotiate with a broad set of internal and external stakeholders.
• A strategic thinker with the ability to see the bigger picture and manage short vs. long term views of every decision.
• Strategic vision & execution, with associated business acumen
• Proven commercial acumen to meet strategic operational imperatives
• Excellent analytical skills and problem solving skills
• Experience of the food industry especially dairy is desirable
• Practical and grounded in their approach to problem solving
• Regular international travel will be necessary
• Experience of a manufacturing organisation in a financial/operational control or management accounting capacity.  
• Solid technical finance ability.
• Track record of process improvement & cost saving initiatives.

Experience

• Be able to demonstrate excellent problem solving skills
• Advanced organisation and planning skills.
• Strong PC skills, Microsoft Office (Word, excel and MS Project),
• Ability to liaise effectively with internal and external stakeholders
• Experience in maintenance of ERP system

Person Profile

• Knowledge of Dairy or similar food processing industry
• Ability to manage a range of complex projects to completion
• Experience in management of significant capital budgets
• Excellent interpersonal and influencing and communication skills
• Willingness to travel internationally

About us

Through our expertise in research and development, customer insights, food safety and state-of-the-art manufacturing we bring innovative food and nutrition solutions to a global market.  Our new and vibrant headquarters in Kilkenny City operates as a collaboration hub where multi-functional teams come together in a hybrid work environment.

Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion
We believe in the value of difference. We know that different perspectives, life experience and backgrounds can drive innovation and deliver growth.

We welcome people from all walks of life without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender perception or identity, national origin, age, marital status, or disability status. 

Please apply with an uptodate CV