UK Finance Director: Growth, M&A & Commercial Strategy in Leicester

Leicester HQ / Hybrid with UK-wide travel

£120,000–£150,000 + £7,000 car allowance + profit based bonus + PHI + pension

About the Group

A fast-growing, multi-business automotive services group is seeking a highly commercial, hands-on UK Finance Director to lead the finance operations across three distinct but connected organisations. We are seeking someone who has operated as the clear No.1 in finance for a similar sized or larger business, ideally as part of a buy and build strategy. Together, these businesses employ c.360 people with a combined turnover of £90m+, and they are actively acquiring further sites across the UK. This role has been created to bring solid financial leadership, improved business partnering, and strong commercial direction to support the next phase of growth. The overall strategy is to grow the group into a £200m+ turnover business in the next 3 years.

The Role

Reporting directly to the International CFO, with a dotted line to two UK Managing Directors, the UK Finance Director will lead and develop the finance function across all UK entities. This is a hands-on and strategically influential role requiring strong commercial acumen, an operational mindset, and the ability to partner with leaders across a complex, multi-site organisation. The incoming FD will need to rapidly build relationships, understand the three businesses in depth, and spend time on-site across the UK in the first 3 to 4 months.

Key Responsibilities

• Financial Strategy & Leadership
  • Develop and deliver the UK financial strategy aligned to group growth, acquisition plans and long-term objectives.
  • Provide financial insight and challenge to the UK leadership teams, ensuring decisions are commercially robust.
• M&A and Commercial Finance
  • Lead all financial aspects of acquisitions, including modelling, valuation, due diligence, and post-acquisition integration.
  • Assess commercial viability of contracts, pricing, and strategic opportunities.
  • Support the group’s plan to acquire multiple small businesses (approx. £2.5m turnover each) over the next three years.
  • Take ownership of monthly management accounts, annual financial statements, and group reporting.
  • Ensure robust financial controls, risk management, and compliance with UK accounting standards, tax regulations, and corporate governance.
• Cashflow & Liquidity Management
  • Oversee cashflow forecasting, working capital, and banking relationships.
  • Ensure efficient invoicing, debt management, and strong AR discipline to minimise payment delays.
• Operational Finance
  • Lead budgeting, forecasting and financial planning across the group.
  • Drive process improvements and automation initiatives to build scalability and efficiency.
  • Manage and develop a diverse finance team across multiple locations (HQ in Leicester, with teams both office-based and remote).
  • Build a high-performing, engaged finance function capable of supporting rapid growth.
  • Embed a culture of partnership, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• External Relationships
  • Act as the main point of contact for auditors, HMRC, banks, and professional advisers.

Candidate Profile

• Fully qualified accountant (ACA/ACCA/CIMA).
• Extensive post-qualified experience with at least 3 years at senior finance leadership level in industry.
• Strong commercial finance capability, including experience supporting fast-paced, multi-entity businesses.
• Proven track record in acquisitions, due diligence and integration.
• Skilled in cashflow management, forecasting and financial modelling.
• Experience in implementing financial controls and reporting frameworks.
• Demonstrable success leading and developing dispersed teams.
• Strong systems literacy and advanced Excel skills.
• Exposure to systems implementation and finance transformation projects.
• Experience across both SME and corporate environments.

Attributes

• Engaging, visible and proactive business partner.
• Strong communicator able to influence senior stakeholders.
• Resilient, hands-on, and comfortable operating in both structured and developing environments.
• Well organised, able to balance multiple priorities and workstreams.
• Genuine leadership presence with the ability to build trust and credibility quickly.

The Opportunity

This is a pivotal leadership role within a growing, acquisitive group. The successful candidate will have the freedom to shape the UK finance function, influence group strategy, and contribute directly to the growth and transformation of multiple businesses.