Interim Finance Director

Overview

A senior interim leadership position responsible for stabilising, overseeing, and advancing the financial operations of a multi-entity international group. This role provides strategic financial direction to the European head office while ensuring strong coordination with the wider global organisation. The Interim Finance Director will lead a core finance team of approximately 10 direct reports, with broader oversight of a dispersed European finance community.

The assignment is initially for 6 months, with potential for extension based on project needs and organisational priorities.

Strategic Leadership & Group Financial Management

• Provide immediate, experienced leadership to the group finance function during a period of transition or increased business demand.
• Advise senior leadership on financial performance, commercial opportunities, and risk areas.
• Support strategic planning, investment decisions, and group-wide priorities.

Financial Reporting & Governance

• Oversee consolidated reporting across all business units, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timely delivery.
• Lead budgeting, forecasting, and performance management processes.
• Strengthen financial controls, governance frameworks, and audit readiness across multiple jurisdictions.

Operational & Manufacturing Finance

• Provide expert oversight of manufacturing finance, including cost accounting, margin analysis, inventory, and plant performance.
• Partner with Operations to drive financial efficiency, support productivity programmes, and evaluate operational improvements.
• Assess capital expenditure, production changes, and cost-optimisation initiatives.

Team Leadership & Capability Building

• Lead, mentor, and stabilise a team of approx. 10 finance professionals.
• Ensure clarity, structure, and prioritisation during the interim period.
• Build cohesion across the wider European finance community and enhance cross-functional collaboration.

Commercial & Strategic Projects

• Support commercial decision-making around pricing, customer profitability, and contract evaluation.
• Lead or contribute to ongoing transformation initiatives, systems enhancements, integrations, or restructuring.
• Identify opportunities to improve processes, reporting tools, and operational visibility.

• Significant experience operating at Finance Director or equivalent senior level within an international manufacturing organisation
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• Strong grounding in group financial leadership, consolidation, and multi-entity operations.
• Proven track record of leading teams through periods of transition, transformation, or rapid change.
• Expertise in cost accounting, plant finance, and operational performance analysis.
• Professional accounting qualification preferred (e.g., ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).
• Ability to quickly build credibility, influence senior stakeholders, and deliver impact within a short-term assignment.