Commercial Finance Director

Commercial Finance Director

About Lanes Group

Lanes Group is the UK’s largest independent drainage and wastewater specialist with a turnover of more than £500m, supporting utilities, businesses, and public sector clients nationwide. As the business continues to evolve, we are embedding a strong business‑partnering model within Finance to better support operational decision‑making and deliver sustainable growth.

Role Purpose

The Commercial Finance Director will be a key member of the senior finance leadership team, acting as a strategic partner to the Chief Operating Officer and senior operational and commercial leaders across the division. This role will provide financial insight, challenge, and support to drive profitable growth, enhance decision‑making, and guide the business through a period of significant growth and private‑equity ownership.

• Lead the commercial finance function, ensuring finance is fully embedded in operational and commercial decision‑making.
• Drive profitability analysis, pricing strategies, and contract performance monitoring.
• Develop and improve financial models to support scenario planning, investment appraisals, and strategic decisions.
• Own the results of the divisional P&L, balance sheet, and cash‑flow performance, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and insight in reporting.
• Supported by Central Shared Services, deliver monthly management accounts, variance analysis, and forecasts with clear commercial commentary and recommendations.
• Ensure divisional compliance with financial controls, policies, and statutory requirements.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate financial and operational risks across the division.
• Ensure strong internal controls and governance in line with Group standards.
• Champion continuous improvement in processes, systems, and reporting.

• Act as a trusted advisor to operational and commercial leaders, ensuring alignment between financial and business goals.
• Build strong relationships with divisional and regional management teams to influence outcomes and drive performance.
• Provide insight into revenue drivers, margin improvement, and cost optimisation opportunities.

• Support the CFO and Executive team in delivering growth plans, including M&A, expansion into new markets, and strategic projects.
• Play a leading role in business transformation initiatives, embedding data‑driven decision‑making and a performance culture.
• Drive continuous improvement in reporting, forecasting, and business insight.
• Champion the finance business‑partnering model, supporting cultural change across Finance and the wider Group.

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high‑performing commercial finance team.
• Foster a collaborative, business‑focused culture across Finance.
• Act as a visible senior leader within the Group, supporting and driving the company’s values and strategic direction.

• Proven track record in a fast‑moving senior commercial finance leadership role.
• Strong business‑partnering and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence at Executive and Board level.
• Demonstrated success in supporting businesses through growth, change, and transformation.
• Expertise in commercial finance: investment appraisal, and scenario modelling.
• Multi‑Site experience is preferred but not essential.
• Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).

• Opportunity to play a pivotal role in a private‑equity‑backed growth journey.
• Exposure to strategic decision‑making, transformation projects, and value creation.
• A platform to influence and shape the commercial finance function in a market‑leading organisation.

Seniority Level: Director

Employment Type: Full‑time

Job Function: Finance

Industries: Utilities

In joining the Lanes Group, the UK’s largest independent provider we are committed to fostering a workplace culture that prioritises the well‑being, growth, and safety of our employees. Through continuous training, professional development opportunities, and a supportive environment that values every individual's unique contribution, we empower our team to uphold the highest standards of integrity, collaboration, and inclusivity.