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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and governance across the Group's operations.
- Company: Join a family-owned transport leader with over 800 employees and a commitment to sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy a dynamic work environment with opportunities for growth and development.
- Why this job: Be part of a digital transformation and influence major business decisions in a people-first culture.
- Qualifications: Must have senior finance leadership experience and a professional accounting qualification.
- Other info: Contact Jamie Brown for more details or to apply with your CV and cover letter.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
About 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.
The Opportunity
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
We are looking to appoint an experienced and values-driven finance leader with the right balance of character, technical expertise, and commercial insight to thrive in this dynamic, people-first environment. We are seeking someone who brings most of the following experience and attributes:
- 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.
Group Finance Director - John G Russell (Transport) Ltd (Russell Group) employer: FWB
Contact Detail:
FWB Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Group Finance Director - John G Russell (Transport) Ltd (Russell Group)
✨Tip Number 1
Research the Russell Group's recent acquisitions and digital transformation initiatives. Understanding their strategic goals will help you demonstrate how your financial leadership can align with their vision during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the logistics and transport sector, especially those with experience in family-owned businesses. This can provide insights into the company culture and expectations, which you can leverage in your conversations.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've led finance teams through digital transformations or M&A activities. Highlighting your hands-on experience will showcase your capability to support the Group's growth ambitions.
✨Tip Number 4
Familiarise yourself with the key financial metrics and challenges faced by logistics companies. Being able to speak knowledgeably about these issues will position you as a strong candidate who understands the industry's landscape.
We think you need these skills to ace Group Finance Director - John G Russell (Transport) Ltd (Russell Group)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your senior finance leadership experience, particularly in logistics or manufacturing. Emphasise your professional accounting qualifications and any relevant M&A experience.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for developing people and improving processes. Mention how your collaborative leadership style aligns with the values of the Russell Group and how you can contribute to their digital transformation.
Showcase Relevant Achievements: Include specific examples of how you've led finance functions that support business partnering while maintaining robust operations. Highlight any successful initiatives you've driven that align with growth strategies.
Proofread and Format: Before submitting your application, ensure that both your CV and cover letter are free from errors. Use a clean, professional format that makes it easy for the hiring team to read and understand your qualifications.
How to prepare for a job interview at FWB
✨Understand the Company Culture
Before your interview, take some time to research Russell Group's values and culture. As a family-owned business, they likely prioritise collaboration and a people-first approach. Show that you align with these values in your responses.
✨Demonstrate Financial Acumen
Be prepared to discuss your financial leadership experience in detail. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully led finance functions, particularly in logistics or similar industries, and how you've contributed to strategic growth.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
The role requires a collaborative and empowering leadership style. Be ready to share examples of how you've mentored teams and fostered a positive work environment, as well as how you’ve driven continuous improvement in previous roles.
✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions
Given the focus on digital transformation and M&A activities, prepare to discuss your experience with these topics. Think about how you've evaluated investment opportunities and contributed to strategic planning in your past roles.
