Interim Finance Director

An exceptional opportunity has arisen for an experienced Interim Finance Director to join a leading organisation based in Birmingham, taking on a pivotal role that will shape the financial future of a diverse European business cluster. Reporting directly to the CEO, this position offers you the chance to make a tangible impact by driving operational excellence, supporting improvement initiatives, and ensuring the finance function delivers outstanding value You will be at the heart of strategic decision-making, working closely with senior leaders to align financial and business objectives while fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement.

What you'll do:
As Interim Finance Director based in Birmingham, you will play an instrumental role in guiding the financial direction of a complex European business cluster. Your daily focus will be on providing expert advice to senior leaders while ensuring operational excellence across all areas of finance. You will have direct responsibility for UK operations but also provide vital oversight to teams in Northern Europe.

Success in this role means not only delivering accurate financial reporting but also identifying opportunities for cost savings, process improvements, and technology adoption. Act as a key business partner to the CEO and Leadership Team by providing strategic insight and guidance on all financial matters, ensuring alignment between financial goals and broader business objectives. Oversee all aspects of operational finance including performance analysis, cost-saving identification, margin improvement initiatives, productivity enhancements, and effective management of stock and inventory levels.

Take ownership of financial management activities such as budgeting, forecasting, cash flow optimisation, working capital management, monthly reporting with value-added insights, annual statutory reporting, and leading both local and group audits. Drive systems and process improvements by spearheading ERP enhancement projects, streamlining processes for efficiency gains, leveraging technology for better insights, and supporting cross-functional initiatives. Ensure robust compliance with all group policies as well as legal and regulatory standards through strong governance frameworks and risk management practices.

Lead, mentor, and develop the finance team to foster a high-performance culture that meets current needs while preparing for future growth; create an ethical work environment where everyone can thrive. Provide oversight and support to overseas finance teams in Northern Europe through effective communication channels while maintaining direct responsibility for UK-based operations. Collaborate with IT by managing the Business Applications/IT Business Partner role that reports into this position;

ensure seamless integration between finance systems and wider business applications. Champion best practice throughout the finance function by embracing positive change management principles that enable sustainable improvements across people, processes, and technology. Undertake occasional travel within the UK as well as quarterly visits to Northern European operations to maintain strong relationships with stakeholders across all regions.

What you bring:

Professional accounting qualification such as ACA, ACCA or CIMA is essential for this position given its level of responsibility. Extensive experience in a senior finance role within manufacturing or industrial sectors is required to understand the unique challenges faced by these environments. Demonstrable track record of successfully implementing change initiatives within complex organisations is highly desirable. Exceptional commercial acumen combined with analytical abilities enables you to interpret data effectively for informed decision-making.

Hands-on approach ensures you are comfortable engaging directly with teams at all levels while remaining focused on strategic outcomes. Outstanding interpersonal skills allow you to communicate clearly with stakeholders from diverse backgrounds across multiple countries. Proven ability to mentor and develop high-performing teams fosters an inclusive environment where everyone can contribute their best work. Experience leading ERP transformation projects or similar system/process improvement programmes is advantageous.

Willingness to undertake occasional travel within the UK plus quarterly visits abroad demonstrates your flexibility in supporting international operations. Please Note - Due to the expected number of applications, only those who meet the requirements will be contacted for further information and consideration in January 2026. Robert Walters Operations Limited is an employment business and employment agency and welcomes applications from all candidates