At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead finance through a transformational integration project and develop the local finance team.
- Company: A leading supply chain and logistics provider with a strong reputation for operational excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, flexible location, and exposure to board-level decision-making.
- Other info: Opportunity for significant career influence and development in a fast-growing organisation.
- Why this job: Make a genuine impact on business consolidation and growth in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: 15+ years of finance leadership experience and fluency in German and English.
The predicted salary is between 65250 - 79750 £ per year.
AtkinsClarke are supporting a leading supply chain and logistics organisation with the appointment of an Interim Finance Director to manage a critical phase of operational consolidation and integration. This is a high-impact contract role, offering the opportunity to lead finance through a transformational period, completing a major integration project, providing stability to the local finance team and positioning the business for future growth. You will work closely with senior operational and finance leadership to drive delivery, embed governance and establish the finance function as a trusted partner within the German operations.
Our client is a well-established, large-scale supply chain and logistics provider operating across multiple jurisdictions. The organisation manages complex operations for blue-chip customers and has built a strong reputation for reliability, operational excellence and continuous improvement. Following recent acquisition activity and integration initiatives, the business is now consolidating its German operations and preparing for further strategic expansion. Finance plays a central role in this - providing integration leadership, operational insight and governance as the business evolves.
Reporting to senior divisional leadership, you will lead the completion of a significant integration project whilst managing and developing the local finance team in Germany. This is a hands-on leadership role combining integration delivery, team leadership and strategic finance support. You will be expected to operate with considerable autonomy, navigate complex operational and stakeholder relationships, and drive tangible progress within a challenging but rewarding environment.
Key responsibilities include:
- Leading completion of an ongoing integration programme, including process harmonisation, systems alignment and financial consolidation
- Managing and developing a small local finance team through a period of substantial change
- Driving operational finance delivery and providing decision support to operational leadership
- Establishing financial governance, controls and reporting aligned with group standards
- Identifying and implementing efficiency opportunities and cost optimisation initiatives
- Preparing the business for potential future growth and expansion activity
- Building relationships across operational, procurement and central functions
- Liaising closely with group finance and senior leadership on progress, risk and strategic priorities
We are seeking a senior interim finance leader who combines strong technical capability with exceptional project management, stakeholder engagement and leadership skills. You will ideally demonstrate:
- 15+ years' finance leadership experience, including substantial senior-level exposure
- Proven experience leading integration, consolidation or transformation programmes
- Demonstrated ability to lead, motivate and develop teams through change and uncertainty
- Excellent stakeholder management and cross-cultural communication skills
- Fluency in German and English (ideal for on-the-ground leadership and local team engagement)
- Willingness to travel frequently to Germany with regular on-site presence during the early phase of the contract
- Self-sufficient, pragmatic approach to problem-solving and delivery
- Strong commercial awareness and business acumen
- Background in logistics, supply chain, manufacturing or similar operationally intensive environments would be advantageous
Offer:
- A senior interim contract opportunity within a dynamic, fast-growing organisation: £600–750 per day (Outside IR35)
- 6-month initial contract
- Based in UK with frequent travel to Germany with flexibility on location as the role progresses
- Exposure to board-level strategic decision-making
- Opportunity to influence the future direction of a major operational centre
- Support from group finance and senior leadership
- Genuine impact on business consolidation and growth
To apply for this position, please click on the apply now button and your CV will be sent directly to the responsible recruiter. We will respond to successful applicants within 7 days, however, please feel free to get in touch if you would like any further information about your application. At AtkinsClarke, we embrace inclusivity and welcome applicants of all backgrounds, experiences, and abilities.
Interim Finance Director in Derby employer: Atkins Clarke
Atkins Clarke is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that values collaboration and innovation within the education sector. Employees benefit from flexible hybrid working arrangements, professional development opportunities, and a commitment to fostering leadership skills, making it an ideal environment for those looking to make a meaningful impact in financial governance. Located in the West Midlands, the company provides a supportive atmosphere where strategic thinkers can thrive and contribute to the success of the Multi-Academy Trust.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Interim Finance Director in Derby
✨Tap into Consulting Networks
Get active in local management consulting networks and organisations. Attend meetups, workshops, or webinars specific to consulting where you can connect with professionals who may know of temporary roles opening up at places like Atkins Clarke. Don’t underestimate word-of-mouth – it’s massive in our field!
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✨Check for Temporary Roles on Niche Job Boards
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✨Leverage University and Alumni Resources
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We think you need these skills to ace Interim Finance Director in Derby
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:In management consulting, employers love to see your problem-solving abilities right from the get-go. Be sure to highlight any relevant analytical projects you've worked on, particularly those that show how you tackled complex problems. If you’ve done any case studies or analysis during your studies, throw those in your CV!
Tailor Your Experience for the Role:Since this is a temporary position, your application should reflect your adaptability and relevant experience quite clearly. Focus on showcasing experiences that demonstrate your ability to hit the ground running, like previous projects, internships, or freelance gigs in consulting or project management.
Craft a Targeted Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to sparkle! Use it to explain why you're interested in this temporary role at Atkins Clarke and how your skills suit the specific project needs. Remember to mention how you can provide immediate value based on your past experiences.
Include Certifications or Relevant Training:If you've got any certifications like PMP, Six Sigma, or even coursework that’s super relevant, make sure to list those in your application. Management consulting can be competitive, and these extra qualifications can help you stand out in the recruitment process.
How to prepare for a job interview at Atkins Clarke
✨Prepare for Case Studies
In management consulting, case study interviews are a big deal. Expect to tackle real-world business problems on the spot. We should practise structuring our thoughts, developing hypotheses, and presenting our solutions clearly, as this is what firms like Atkins Clarke will want to see.
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
You’ll need to demonstrate strong analytical skills and logical reasoning. Brush up on frameworks like SWOT or Porter's Five Forces, as these can come in handy. Think of instances from your experience where you tackled a complex issue—this could set you apart when speaking to Atkins Clarke.
✨Highlight Your Adaptability
Since this is a temporary role, it's crucial we showcase our ability to hit the ground running. Have examples ready that illustrate how we've adapted quickly in past positions or projects. This shows that we can contribute effectively from day one at Atkins Clarke.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Cultural Fit
Temporary roles often come with a focus on team dynamics. Prepare to discuss how we align with the values and culture at Atkins Clarke. We want to highlight our teamwork experiences and how we can mesh with their consulting teams, making it clear that we're not just looking to fill a spot but to add value.
