Group Finance Director - John G Russell (Transport) Ltd (Russell Group)

The Russell Group is a leading, family-owned transport and logistics provider, committed to delivering high-value, sustainable solutions across the UK and Europe. Founded in 1969 by Chairman, John Russell, the company began with just 14 vehicles and a vision for innovative logistics. Today it operates a fleet of over 250 vehicles and has more than 800 dedicated employees across 14 depots and 3 UK rail terminals, providing a range of services across domestic and international road & rail transport, bonded warehousing & contract packing, self-storage and container leasing, vehicle maintenance and supply chain services.

As part of the company’s strategic growth, it recently expanded its rail freight capabilities by acquiring the Freightliner Rail Freight Terminal at Coatbridge. This major acquisition strengthened its UK wide distribution network and reinforced its ability to deliver integrated, multi-modal transport solutions to a diverse and high-profile client base, proudly serving some of Europe’s largest organisations and the world’s most recognisable brands including all major distillers, retailers and manufacturers.

To support continued growth and strategic ambitions, we are seeking a Group Finance Director to provide financial leadership across the Groups three-core operating divisions. This is a pivotal role for a commercially astute finance leader who combines the right blend of character with a strong technical expertise, sound judgement and a hands-on, inclusive leadership style. The Group is currently undergoing a significant digital transformation which revolves around a new ERP platform incorporating group finance, payroll, HRM and integrated line of business systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Providing financial leadership and strategic input across all areas of the business.
• Support in delivering the Group digital transformation programme.
• Support in the identification and execution of growth opportunities, including future M&A activity.
• Ensuring robust financial governance, risk management, and control frameworks are maintained.
• Evaluation of investment opportunities and prioritising initiatives that align with the growth strategy.
• Secure and manage appropriate funding and ensure post-investment evaluation and accountability.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a growing, and capable finance team to support succession planning and long-term talent development.
• Contribute to the group wide strategy, budgeting, and capital planning as part of the Executive Management Team.
• Support the CEO in the development and execution of long-term organisation goals.

Candidate Requirements

• Proven senior finance leadership experience, ideally within a logistics, manufacturing, or support services environment of similar scale and complexity to the Russell Group.
• Demonstrable ability to lead a finance function that champions business partnering while maintaining robust centralised finance operations.
• A professional accounting qualification (CA, ACCA, or CIMA) is essential.
• Experience developing and critically assessing complex business cases in a growing, entrepreneurial business.
• A track record of supporting M&A or disposal activities, including involvement in due diligence, would be an advantage.
• Prior experience in a family-owned or privately run business is desirable but not essential.
• A natural inclination to challenge the status quo, with the confidence to influence change and drive continuous improvement.
• A collaborative and empowering leadership style, with strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• A high degree of commercial acumen, with the ability to align financial strategy to operational priorities.
• Passionate about developing people, improving processes, and contributing meaningfully to long-term business growth.

To apply, please send your CV and covering letter to Jamie Brown at applications@fwbltd.com or to discuss the role further please contact him on 0131 539 7087.