Interim Finance Director - SME

Our client is a well-established, owner‑managed SME operating within the logistics, transport and distribution sector, with turnover in the region of £15–30m. Profitable and operationally robust, the business is at a pivotal stage of its development, with clear growth ambitions and a need to strengthen its financial infrastructure to support the next phase.

This is an urgent, on‑site interim appointment, requiring an individual who can start at short notice and quickly embed themselves within the business.

This is a highly influential, hands‑on Finance Director role, working closely with the owners and senior leadership team. The business now requires sharper financial insight, more robust systems and clearer management information to support better decision‑making across operations.

You will act as a trusted commercial partner to the owners, bringing structure, challenge and clarity, while remaining close to the day‑to‑day realities of a stock‑ and asset‑intensive logistics environment.

As Interim Finance Director, you will take full ownership of the finance function and operate as a key voice at board level. Your remit will include:

• Acting as a core member of the leadership team, providing clear financial insight, analysis and constructive challenge

• Reviewing, upgrading and implementing finance and ERP systems, alongside associated processes and controls

• Designing and delivering high‑quality management information to support operational and commercial decisions

• Full responsibility for budgeting, forecasting, cash‑flow and working capital management, with a strong focus on stock

• Leading and developing the existing finance team

• Supporting operational improvements, contract profitability analysis and short‑ to medium‑term strategic planning

You will be a pragmatic, commercially minded finance leader who is comfortable operating in an owner‑managed SME and being highly visible on‑site.

You are likely to bring:

• Proven experience at Finance Director level within an SME (£15–30m turnover)

• A strong background in transport, logistics, distribution or similar operational environments

• Deep experience managing stock, working capital and cash‑flow

• Hands‑on involvement in finance system and ERP implementation or improvement

• The confidence and credibility to influence owners and senior stakeholders

• Availability to start at short notice and commit to five days per week on site in the North West

This is an excellent interim opportunity for a Finance Director who thrives in hands‑on environments, enjoys improving systems and insight, and wants to make a tangible impact in a growing logistics‑led SME.