Finance Director in Middlesbrough

FINANCE DIRECTOR / CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER Potential progression to Managing Director North Yorkshire/ Teesside with a national remit £120,000–£140,000 plus bonus, car allowance and benefits A successful, profitable and independently owned technical services and distribution group is looking to appoint a Finance Director or Chief Financial Officer to support its next phase of growth. For the right individual, this appointment offers a credible route to Managing Director. The owners are open to appointing an ambitious finance leader who can broaden their responsibilities over time and develop into an “MD in waiting”. Progression would depend on performance, leadership capability and the evolving needs of the business. The group generates turnover in excess of £30m and employs over 100 people across several locations and operating businesses. Its activities combine specialist product distribution, technical services and professional training, creating a differentiated proposition for customers across the UK. Having grown both organically and through acquisition, the business now requires a commercially strong finance leader who can improve financial visibility, strengthen accountability and work alongside the owners and Managing Director to shape future strategy. The appointment is open at Finance Director or CFO level, with the final title reflecting the successful candidate’s experience and the agreed scope of responsibility. This is a broad board-level opportunity with influence beyond finance. Alongside leadership of the group finance function, you will play an active role in commercial decision-making, operational improvement, acquisitions and longer-term planning. For someone with the ambition and capability to move into general management, it offers the opportunity to build a detailed understanding of the group and demonstrate readiness for wider business leadership. Key responsibilities will include: * Leading the group finance function and maintaining strong financial control * Providing clear, timely and commercially relevant management information * Supporting the board in developing and executing group strategy * Improving budgeting, forecasting and divisional performance reporting * Developing greater visibility of revenue, margin, cost and profitability across the group * Establishing clear financial accountability across different businesses and locations * Managing cash flow, working capital, stock, banking and funding relationships * Evaluating capital expenditure and investment decisions * Leading financial due diligence, acquisition modelling and deal support * Managing the financial integration of acquired businesses * Developing scalable systems, processes and financial controls * Providing commercial challenge and support to divisional and functional leaders * Working across the business to identify operational improvements and support their delivery * Managing relationships with auditors, banks, advisers and other external partners * Supporting the owners with governance, risk management and longer-term succession planning The person You will be a qualified accountant with experience as a CFO, Finance Director or senior divisional finance leader within a growing privately owned, entrepreneurial or acquisitive business. You should have operated within an organisation of comparable or greater scale and be comfortable balancing strategic responsibilities with a detailed understanding of operational and financial performance. We will also consider a strong divisional finance leader ready for their first group-wide FD appointment. Experience within distribution, technical services, engineering, manufacturing, training or a multi-site business would be particularly useful. Exposure to acquisitions, integration, working-capital management and systems development will be important. Beyond technical finance capability, we are looking for commercial curiosity, sound judgement and the ability to become a trusted partner to the owners and Managing Director. You should be confident challenging decisions and pragmatic enough to work effectively within a fast-moving, owner-led culture. For candidates interested in the potential MD pathway, you will also need to demonstrate the appetite and ability to lead beyond finance: engaging people, understanding customers, improving operations and taking accountability for overall business performance. The opportunity This role will appeal to an established FD or CFO seeking greater influence within an entrepreneurial group, as well as an ambitious finance leader looking for a longer-term route into an MD position. You will have direct access to the owners, a meaningful voice in the group’s development and the opportunity to help shape its next stage of growth. The role will be based around Teesside and will require a regular presence at the group’s head office, together with travel across the wider UK operation. This is a confidential appointment. Further information will be shared with appropriate candidates following an initial discussion