At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial management and drive performance in a fast-paced infrastructure environment.
- Company: Rapidly growing, private equity-backed infrastructure group in the UK.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus potential, and strong career development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team and make a real impact on significant projects.
- Why this job: Shape the financial direction of a growing division with direct access to leadership.
- Qualifications: Strong contract accounting skills and experience in fast-paced environments.
The predicted salary is between 69750 - 85250 £ per year.
- Project Finance Director, PE backed Infrastructure, London (with UK travel)
- Salary c£100k + bonus
An exceptional opportunity has arisen to join a rapidly growing, private equity-backed infrastructure group operating across the UK's critical transport and power sectors.
The business is entering an ambitious phase of development, with a clear strategy to exceed £1bn in revenue through a combination of strong organic growth and continued acquisition activity.
This is a highly visible divisional finance leadership role within a commercially focused and acquisitive environment.
Reporting directly to the CFO, the successful candidate will partner closely with divisional Managing Directors and senior commercial and operational leaders to drive performance, strengthen financial control and support the integration of newly acquired businesses.
This is not a traditional, desk-based finance position.
It requires a hands‑on, resilient and commercially credible finance leader who is comfortable operating in a fast‑paced, operationally intensive environment.
The successful candidate will provide robust challenge, translate financial information into meaningful commercial insight and influence decision-making across the division.
4 days a week in their central London office
Key responsibilities
- Lead the financial management of a major division operating across a large-scale, contract-led environment.
- Take ownership of contract accounting, including WIP management and Cost Value Reconciliation (CVR).
- Partner with divisional MDs and commercial leaders to support strategic and operational decision-making.
- Drive the budgeting, forecasting, cash-flow management and performance-reporting processes.
- Provide clear commercial insight and constructive challenge to senior stakeholders.
- Support the financial and operational integration of newly acquired businesses.
- Strengthen financial controls, reporting processes and governance across the division.
- Identify commercial risks and opportunities across contracts and projects.
- Lead, develop and motivate a small team of qualified finance professionals.
- Build effective relationships across finance, commercial and operational functions.
- Key requirements
- Strong technical understanding of contract accounting, WIP and CVR.
- Experience working within a fast-paced and operationally complex business.
- A commercially astute approach, with the ability to interpret performance and influence senior decision-makers.
- A resilient and credible leadership style, with the confidence to challenge constructively.
- Strong business-partnering skills across finance, commercial and operational teams.
- The ability to balance strategic leadership with a willingness to remain hands‑on.
- Experience leading and developing finance teams.
- Previous exposure to a private equity-backed, acquisitive or high-growth environment would be advantageous.
Why apply?
- Join a rapidly scaling, private equity-backed infrastructure platform with an ambitious growth strategy.
- Gain exposure to significant acquisition, integration and transformation activity.
- Take on a highly visible role with direct access to the CFO and divisional leadership.
- Play a meaningful part in shaping the commercial and financial direction of a growing division.
- Benefit from strong long-term career development potential as the group continues to expand.
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Project Finance Manager employer: Cedar
Cedar is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration in the field of major rail infrastructure projects. With a strong focus on employee growth, we provide ample opportunities for career progression alongside competitive benefits such as private medical insurance. Join us in a vibrant location where your expertise in M&E construction will be valued and rewarded.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Finance Manager
✨Tip Number 1: Tap Into Professional Networks
The finance world loves a good connection, so jump into industry-specific groups on platforms like LinkedIn where you can find discussions on financial controlling. Engaging in these communities can expose you to hidden job leads that aren't openly advertised!
✨Tip Number 2: Attend Finance Events and Conferences
Make it a mission to attend finance-related events and conferences, even virtual ones! This is a golden opportunity to network face-to-face with people from companies like Cedar. You never know who might be your next boss or a crucial contact!
✨Tip Number 3: Showcase Your Expertise
Consider writing articles or sharing insights related to financial controlling or industry trends. Publish these on platforms like LinkedIn to establish yourself as a knowledgeable player in the field. This not only increases your visibility but also catches the attention of recruiters from Cedar.
✨Tip Number 4: Apply Directly on Company Websites
Since you're going for a full-time gig, don't forget to keep an eye on the careers page of companies you're interested in, like Cedar. Many companies prefer candidates who apply through their website as it shows genuine interest and makes your application stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Project Finance Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers Game:In financial controlling, detail is everything! Make sure your CV showcases your proficiency with numbers—highlight any relevant experience in budgeting, forecasting, or working with financial software. Quantifying your past achievements will make you stand out, so don’t be shy about flaunting those impressive percentages or cost savings you've implemented.
Tailored Cover Letter is Key:Your cover letter is a chance to shine, especially for a full-time role. Use it to express your genuine interest in Cedar and the specific impact you hope to make in financial controlling. Mention any relevant qualifications or experiences that align with the company’s goals, and don’t forget to show that you're ready for a long-term commitment!
Certifications Matter:List relevant certifications such as ACCA or CIMA on your CV. These qualifications not only showcase your dedication to the field but also your technical competence in financial principles. If you have any ongoing training or courses, make sure to mention those as well to demonstrate your commitment to continual learning in financial controlling.
Don’t Overlook Soft Skills:While numbers are crucial, so are those soft skills! Financial controllers need strong communication and analytical reasoning abilities. We recommend embedding examples of these skills in your CV and cover letter, like how you’ve successfully delivered financial reports to stakeholders or collaborated with teams to improve processes. Let’s show Cedar how you can be a team player!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cedar
✨Brush Up on Technical Skills
Make sure you're comfortable with key financial concepts, especially around forecasting, budgeting, and variance analysis. Sometimes, interviewers may throw in technical questions or case studies, so practicing these types of scenarios will help you shine!
✨Showcase Your Financial Acumen
If you've had experience with specific financial software like SAP or Oracle, make it known! Be ready to discuss how you used these tools to improve processes or reporting, as this hands-on knowledge can really set you apart in a full-time role with Cedar.
✨Know Your Numbers
In full-time interviews, especially in financial controlling, be prepared for numerical reasoning tests or questions. Brush up on your mental maths and understand how to interpret and analyse financial statements on the spot, as this may come up during the assessment.
✨Connect with Company Goals
Familiarise yourself with Cedar's financial objectives and any recent developments. During the interview, try to weave your understanding of their business model and challenges into your answers—this shows your genuine interest and alignment with their goals!
