Interim Finance Director – Germany
UK base with regular travel to Germany | 6-Month Contract | £600-£750 per day (Outside IR35)
OVERVIEW
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.
This role suits a self-sufficient, commercially astute finance leader with strong project management capability, the confidence to lead across cultures and languages and the ability to thrive in a fluid, fast-moving environment.
COMPANY
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.
OPPORTUNITY
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
PERSON
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.
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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.
