Listed Global Manufacturing Group | Lancashire
The Brief
An international manufacturing group with multiple UK entities required a Finance Manager to take ownership of producing statutory and management accounts across the UK entities. The role sat in a complex manufacturing environment, requiring hands-on experience with BOMs, costing, WIP, and manufacturing controls. The business had been working with another recruitment agency, but the process had stalled. Candidates being presented were either audit-trained with no manufacturing exposure, or there were long periods with no suitable candidates at all. The lack of understanding around what “good” looked like in a manufacturing finance role was creating frustration and risk within the finance function.
The Approach
From the outset, the focus was on truly understanding the manufacturing environment and the realities of the role. Lucinda spent time with the Financial Controller and Group Finance Director to understand the production process, cost structures, system landscape, and how finance needed to support operations, not just report on them.
The search targeted candidates with practical manufacturing experience, strong systems capability, and the ability to operate autonomously in a multi-entity structure. The first candidate presented met the brief precisely.
The Result
The successful Finance Manager joined the business after a prompt interview process and remains with the organisation today several years on. Their impact was immediate and significant. The Group Finance Director subsequently made the decision to hub the UK finance function in Lancashire, expanding the remit and importance of the site.
Following the success of the initial hire, the client has returned exclusively to Lucinda for all subsequent placements:
- Senior Contractor
- Finance Business Partner
- Management Accountant
- Transactional Clerk
- Part-time Transactional Clerk
The Impact
The client now has a fully resourced, stable, and highly effective finance function supporting UK operations and the wider group. The team works closely with senior leadership, supports manufacturing decision-making, and provides accurate, timely financial insight across the business.
Just as importantly, the team is settled, engaged, and genuinely happy, a reflection of careful matching, deep sector understanding, and a long-term approach to recruitment rather than transactional hiring.
Summary
This assignment evolved into a long-term partnership. As the relationship developed, the recruitment process became increasingly straightforward, not because the roles were simpler, but because there was complete clarity and confidence on both sides.
Through regular contact and a genuine investment in the business, there was a deep understanding of not only the technical requirements, but also the type of people who would thrive within the team. Skills, personality, and cultural fit were all considered equally, allowing each subsequent hire to be made quickly and with conviction.
Over time, this has become more than a supplier relationship and has resulted in a finance team that is settled, engaged, and genuinely happy and a partnership that continues to deliver long-term value for the business.
Feedback
I had the pleasure of working with both Lucinda and Cassie during my process and I can’t speak highly enough of them. Both of them were great from the off, very easy to talk too and really listened to what I wanted from my next role. They gave me good advice throughout the process, even giving me some tips for an interview I had applied for directly with an employer, which really cemented my opinion that they genuinely wanted what was best for me and I think that really matters. They got me a job that sounds perfect for me and really helped in what could have otherwise been quite a stressful time. I strongly recommend Hawthorn One if you are looking for a new job and they will definitely be the first people I contact if I find myself on the market again.”
Finance Business Partner
“I have worked with Lucinda for a few years and it has always been a positive experience. She helped me secure the role I’m in now, and I’m grateful for the support she offered. What makes her stand out is how genuine she is. You can tell she really cares about finding the right role for you, not just any role. She took the time to understand what I was looking for and what was important to me, and made sure the opportunity was a great fit.
She’s never pushy and always keeps you in the loop. She made sure I knew everything about the company and the role, and her interview advice was spot on – it really boosted my confidence going into each stage.
If you’re looking for a recruiter who’s supportive, honest and genuinely wants the best for you, I’d 100% recommend her.”
Management Accountant