Finance Director - Freight Forwarding in Manchester

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Finance Director to join our senior management team at our Manchester office. This is a hands-on role responsible for managing the full finance function of the freight forwarding business for this area.

The role combines strategic oversight with day-to-day financial operations, ensuring tight control of cash flow, profitability per shipment, and strong financial discipline across the business. You will work closely with operational and commercial teams, providing clear financial insight while remaining closely involved in the detail.

This position is well suited to a commercially minded finance leader who thrives in a fast-paced, operational environment and enjoys balancing strategic influence with hands-on delivery.

Note: This role is based in our Manchester office and is onsite, with limited travel across the UK and Ireland.

• Lead the full finance function, delivering monthly management accounts, year-end reporting, and robust balance sheet control.
• Oversee day-to-day finance operations including AP/AR, bank reconciliations, payroll, and monthly close/cut-offs.
• Ensure full compliance with IFRS, VAT, PAYE, corporation tax, and statutory reporting requirements.
• Actively manage cash flow and working capital, including credit control, DSO reduction, and supplier payments.
• Maintain sufficient liquidity to support freight prepayments and operational needs.
• Monitor and analyse profitability by shipment, customer, and department, providing clear commercial insights.
• Partner closely with Operations and Sales to ensure full cost recovery and margin protection.
• Drive cost control and efficiency improvements across overheads and operations, in line with head office controls.
• Lead budgeting and forecasting (REF), including system uploads and presentations to senior management.
• Own and improve finance systems (Sage/ERP), manage external auditors, and lead the finance team or function.

• Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, or CIMA).
• Senior finance experience in both an SME (hands-on role) and corporate environment would be beneficial.
• Background in freight forwarding, logistics, or similar service-based industry.
• Strong cash flow and working capital management experience.
• Strong data modelling and analysis.
• Ability to operate both strategically and operationally.

DP World offers exciting and challenging roles within a growing international organization. We strive to hire and develop the right people, locally and globally, stimulating personal growth and self-development within an informal atmosphere. We offer a market competitive compensation package.

About DP World: Trade is the lifeblood of the global economy, creating opportunities and improving the quality of life for people around the world. DP World exists to make the world’s trade flow better, changing what’s possible for the customers and communities we serve globally.

With a dedicated, diverse and professional team of more than 120,000 employees spanning 75 countries on six continents, DP World is pushing trade further and faster towards a seamless supply chain that’s fit for the future.

We’re rapidly transforming and integrating our businesses -- Ports and Terminals, Marine Services, Logistics and Technology – and uniting our global infrastructure with local expertise to create stronger, more efficient end-to-end supply chain solutions that can change the way the world trades.

What's more, we're reshaping the future by investing in innovation. From intelligent delivery systems to automated warehouse stacking, we’re at the cutting edge of disruptive technology, pushing the sector towards better ways to trade, minimising disruptions from the factory floor to the customer’s door.

WE MAKE TRADE FLOW To Change What's Possible For Everyone.