Finance Director (#1 in Finance) in Manchester

Robert Walters have been engaged in the search for a dynamic finance leader to join a fast-growing lower mid-market global technology business in Manchester. The organisation is established and profitable, whilst currently embarking on an exciting phase of growth and organisational development.

There is an opportunity for both seasoned finance number ones and high-calibre first-time FDs to step into the role and succeed. The business is open to individuals who have already operated at CFO/FD level, as well as strong Finance Directors, Financial Controllers or senior finance leaders ready to take their next step.

Reporting to the Managing Director, you will have a broad remit across finance and commercial performance, acting as a trusted adviser to the Executive Team and providing the financial and commercial challenge required to drive strategy. Key priorities will include:

• Shaping and delivering the Group's financial and commercial strategy.
• Supporting the Group's international operations and continued development across the UK and overseas markets.
• Driving cash generation, working capital, treasury and financial discipline.
• Partnering with operational and delivery leadership to improve project profitability, utilisation, margins and commercial performance.
• Providing senior commercial input into pricing, proposals, negotiations and contractual arrangements.
• Strengthening commercial governance, risk management and financial controls as the organisation continues to grow.
• Oversight of statutory reporting, audit, tax, regulatory compliance and corporate governance (led by a competent and trustworthy Financial Controller).
• Leading supplier, procurement and strategic partner management.
• Providing insight into investment decisions, growth opportunities and organisational scaling.
• Leading, developing and evolving the Finance and wider commercial/corporate support functions.
• Driving improvements in systems, processes, reporting and the use of technology across the finance function.
• Leading financial planning, budgeting, forecasting and performance management.

The search is focused on identifying an exceptional, commercially minded strategic finance leader with the confidence and credibility to operate as a genuine Executive Team adviser. The ideal candidate is likely to have developed their career within technology, professional services, consulting, or another project-based environment, with a strong understanding of project economics and the drivers of profitable growth.

You will bring:

• Proven senior finance leadership experience within a growing SME or mid-market organisation.
• A strong understanding of project accounting, margins, utilisation and professional services economics.
• Demonstrable commercial acumen and experience influencing operational and Executive-level decision making.
• The ability to balance governance, financial discipline and risk management with growth and entrepreneurial thinking.
• Experience leading and developing high-performing finance teams.
• A track record of implementing meaningful systems, process or organisational change.
• The confidence and interpersonal credibility to challenge, influence and advise senior stakeholders.
• A pragmatic, collaborative and hands-on leadership style.

For the right individual, this represents the opportunity to join an organisation with an established reputation, strong underlying foundations and an exciting technology proposition, while having significant influence over its next chapter. You will operate alongside an experienced Executive Team, working across finance, commercial strategy and operations and helping to build the infrastructure, capability and culture required to support further growth.

Ultimately, you'll have the responsibility for driving 10% annual revenue and EBITDA growth in a privately owned business that is deliberately not seeking external investment, allowing you to operate with genuine autonomy and influence over strategic decision-making.