Group Finance Director

Sowena Group; Manchester; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 120,000

Job description

This range is provided by Sowena Group. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Base pay range

Direct message the job poster from Sowena Group

CEO & Founder | Senior Finance Executive Search & Selection

Sowena Group has been retained by a dynamic, fast-growing, and acquisitive services group based in Greater Manchester. Recently backed by private equity, the company is set for a period of substantial growth, with plans to double in size. With a strong reputation in the facilities management sector, our client is committed to expanding its operations, investing in cutting-edge systems, and ensuring robust financial controls. The Group Finance Director will play a crucial role in leading the company's financial strategy, optimising commercial performance, and supporting operational improvements.

The Group Finance Director (GFD) will be a key member of the leadership team, reporting directly to the CEO. This is a high-impact role responsible for overseeing all financial aspects of the business and supporting the company’s growth trajectory. The GFD will work closely with the PE House/the board and provide critical insights and strategic recommendations to further the company’s growth ambitions. This role demands a strong operational, commercial, and technical skill set to develop and implement financial systems, processes, and controls that will underpin the company's expansion.

As the company scales, the Group Finance Director will be instrumental in developing a high-performance finance team, building financial infrastructure, and creating systems that will support the growing needs of the business. The GFD will also ensure that the company’s financial practices align with industry best practices and regulatory requirements.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership:

1. Work closely with the CEO and private equity team to define the strategic financial direction of the business.
2. Play a central role in developing and executing the company’s growth strategy, ensuring financial stability and profitability.
3. Act as a key advisor on financial performance, capital allocation, and investment opportunities, ensuring alignment with the company’s goals.
4. Integration for any acquisitions, supporting the company's ambitious growth plans and financial modelling.
5. Lead the implementation of robust financial controls, ensuring that the company’s systems and processes are fit for purpose as the business scales.
6. Oversee the design and roll-out of a possible new financial system to support operational efficiency or other relevant tools.
7. Ensure strong governance and compliance with financial regulations and accounting standards.
8. Develop and maintain financial policies, procedures, and reporting systems to ensure timely, accurate, and insightful financial information is available.

Commercial & Operational Finance:

1. Provide hands-on financial leadership across operations, ensuring the business is well-positioned to execute its commercial objectives including on-going FP&A.
2. Work closely with commercial and operational teams to identify and execute cost-saving opportunities, improve margins, and drive profitability.
3. Collaborate with senior management to analyse pricing strategies, contracts, and financial modelling to support the company’s growth.
4. Manage working capital, cash flow forecasting, and liquidity to ensure operational efficiency and profitability.
5. Lead and develop the finance team, providing mentorship, guidance, and professional development opportunities.
6. Drive a culture of accountability, high performance, and continuous improvement within the finance function.
7. Recruit and retain top talent, building a finance team that can scale with the business.

Stakeholder Engagement & Reporting:

1. Present regular financial updates and insights to the Board, private equity investors, and other key stakeholders.
2. Develop financial reports, KPIs, and dashboards that provide actionable insights to support business decisions.
3. Build and maintain strong relationships with external auditors, banks, and other key stakeholders.

Key Requirements:

Experience & Background:

1. Proven track record as a Finance Director or in a senior finance leadership role within a fast-growing and acquisitive business.
2. Experience working closely with senior leadership teams, private equity investors, and external stakeholders.
3. Strong expertise in managing financial controls, budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting in a complex, fast-paced environment.
4. Demonstrated experience in leading and executing financial systems transformation (e.g., ERP implementation).
5. Significant experience in the facilities management or services sector would be highly advantageous.

Skills & Attributes:

1. Strong technical accounting and financial management skills, including experience with financial reporting and regulatory compliance.
2. Excellent commercial acumen with a deep understanding of business drivers, cost management, and profitability optimisation.
3. A strong leader with the ability to inspire and develop a team, promoting a culture of high performance and accountability.
4. Exceptional communication and presentation skills with the ability to engage and influence at all levels of the organization.
5. Proactive, hands-on approach with a track record of driving change and continuous improvement.
6. Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to think strategically and analytically.

Qualifications:

1. Degree or equivalent experience in finance, business, or related field.
2. Experience in an acquisitive and rapidly growing environment.

This role offers a rare opportunity to play a pivotal role in a dynamic and rapidly growing company. If you are a forward-thinking finance professional with experience in scaling businesses and leading financial transformations, please apply or reach out to Perran Cooke at Sowena Group.

Seniority level

Director

Employment type

Full-time

Job function

Accounting/Auditing, Finance, and Strategy/Planning

Industries

Facilities Services, Construction, and Building Construction