Finance Director - PE-Backed Lift Engineering Services

Strategic Finance Leadership. Private Equity Environment. Operational Impact. Are you a commercially sharp Finance Director ready to play a pivotal role in a high-performing, Private Equity-backed engineering services business? Liftec Express – a leading independent provider of lift and escalator maintenance, repair and modernisation services across the UK – is entering an exciting phase of performance acceleration and value creation.

We are now seeking a high-calibre Finance Director to partner with the Managing Director and PE stakeholders to drive financial excellence, operational performance, and strategic growth. This is a hands-on, high-impact leadership role within a fast-paced SME environment where your contribution will directly influence business performance and long-term value. T he Role at a Glance:
Finance Director - Qualified Dartford, Hybrid Competitive Base Salary  15% Annual Bonus Paid Quarterly Plus Extensive Benefits Package inc Car Allowance Core hours 40 per week: 08:00-17:00, with one hour for lunch Company:
Pioneer of the British lift industry. Formally part of global brand Otis - Private Equity-backed by R Capital since 2025. A Leasing independent service provider, specialising in the supply, installation, maintenance, repair and modernisation of all types of lift equipment. Pedigree:
Clients include national retail chains/major hospitals, large facilities management providers and MOD sites Culture:
Safety, Ethics & Quality Focused Your Background:
Proven experience as a Finance Director, Head of Finance, or senior finance leader in a PE-backed or turnaround business

Skills:

Qualified accountant - ACA, ACCA or CIMA. Team Leadership. Liftec Express is a well-established, highly respected name in the UK lift and escalator services sector. Previously part of OTIS, the world's leading manufacturer and service provider of elevators, escalators, and moving walkways - the business is now owned by R-Capital and with greater agility as a standalone company is gearing for rapid growth.

This is a rare opportunity to join at senior leadership level during a significant value-creation phase. Ready for your next adventure? Reporting directly to the Managing Director, the Finance Director will lead the entire finance function and act as a strategic partner to both the MD and Private Equity owners. You will provide strong financial leadership and insight, ensuring rigorous controls and governance while strengthening working capital performance and supporting Liftec Express’ growth and transformation strategy.

With full ownership of FP&A, financial control, reporting, compliance, audit and tax, you will deliver accurate monthly management accounts and drive budgeting, forecasting and long-term planning. You will help shape business strategy, performance targets and value creation initiatives, maintaining a sharp focus on cash flow, cost control and profitability. The role also includes preparing board and investor reporting, managing relationships with PE stakeholders and external advisors, and leading and developing the finance team to support continued business growth.

About You:

You are a commercially astute, execution-focused finance leader who thrives in a performance-driven environment. A qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA or CIMA) with ideally a Master’s degree in Finance or Accounting, you bring 10 years’ relevant experience, including proven success as a Finance Director, Head of Finance or senior finance leader. You have operated within PE-backed, turnaround or high-change SME environments, ideally within service, engineering, construction or field-based operations businesses, and bring strong financial modelling and performance management capability with a clear track record of improving profitability and cash flow.

Experience with ERP systems such as JD Edwards and exposure to post-merger integration would be advantageous. Strategic yet hands-on, you combine analytical rigour with a strong bias for execution. You are detail-oriented, solutions-focused and comfortable operating in a fast-paced, evolving environment. With strong leadership presence and excellent communication and…