At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and innovate in corporate services, ensuring top-notch client experiences across multiple service lines.
- Company: Dynamic company seeking a hands-on leader to join their Senior Leadership Team.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, leadership development, and opportunities for global impact.
- Why this job: Shape the future of corporate services while driving growth and collaboration.
- Qualifications: Qualified Accountant with 10+ years in finance and proven leadership experience.
- Other info: Join a forward-thinking team focused on operational excellence and client success.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
Opportunity: The Director of Corporate Services is a hands-on senior leader and a core member of the company's Senior Leadership Team. The Director ensures that all client portfolios across Corporate Services operate predictably, accurately, and with a fanatical level of client experience. This role is essential in scaling their international delivery model and supporting clients who utilise multiple service lines across Corporate Services, HR, Payroll, Tax, and Payments.
Role: Global Client Delivery & Technical Oversight
- Act as senior advisory and finance lead for enterprise and complex international clients, including fractional FD-level engagements.
- Provide high-level technical reviews, multi-country insight, and judgement-based guidance to support client decision-making.
- Support clients who take services across multiple divisions, working closely with the SLT and senior HR leaders to ensure a unified, cross-division delivery model.
- Maintain full visibility of global workstreams, delivery schedules, and client risks across all jurisdictions.
- Lead structured strategic reviews for enterprise and high-value clients, identifying improvements, efficiencies, and advisory opportunities.
- Directly manage escalations, ensuring swift, high-quality resolutions that strengthen trust.
- Oversee ICTs and supplier networks, ensuring all outputs meet their standards for time, accuracy, quality, and client experience.
- Support onboarding and solution design for new global clients, ensuring robust multi-country operating models are created and embedded.
Leadership, Growth & Collaboration
- Lead, coach, and develop Lead Client Accountants, strengthening technical depth, advisory capability, and delivery ownership.
- Support the progression of Accounts Administrators, building future capability within the service line.
- Take full P&L accountability for Corporate Services-driving revenue, margin, utilisation, and commercial efficiency.
- Drive consultancy and advisory revenue through proactive insight, risk identification, and strategic recommendations that create measurable value for clients.
- Work directly with the CEO to design, refine, and launch new services and product enhancements aligned to client needs and global market trends.
- Collaborate with Global Account Managers to create the strongest possible service infrastructure-ensuring governance, meeting cadence, communication, and service review structures are consistently applied.
- Work cross-functionally across HR, Payroll, Tax, Finance, CX, and Transformation to deliver a cohesive service experience for multi-service clients.
- Contribute to SLT-level business planning, strategic decisions, and company-wide improvement initiatives.
TARGET OPERATING MODEL, WORKFLOW & DATA OWNERSHIP
- Co-own the Corporate Services Target Operating Model (TOM) with the Director of Service & Solutions, ensuring consistent separation of administrative, delivery, and advisory work.
- Design and embed workflow structures, delivery schedules, KPIs, and operational dashboards that provide real-time visibility of performance to internal teams and clients.
- Ensure that Lead Client Accountants operate predictable, transparent workflows with clear accountability, deadlines, and escalation paths.
- Champion automation, AI, Xero, XPM, Asana, and their workflow engine to eliminate low-value tasks and maximise advisory capacity.
- Partner with the Transformation Director to evaluate, deploy, and scale technology solutions that improve accuracy, speed, and operational consistency.
EXPERIENCE & BACKGROUND
- Qualified Accountant (ACA / ACCA / CIMA or equivalent).
- Deep, proven experience operating across multi-entity, multi-country client environments is essential.
- 10+ years in accounting, finance, outsourcing, or professional services.
- Demonstrable experience managing remote/global teams and supplier networks.
- Strong commercial capability with P&L ownership and advisory revenue growth.
- Proven track record delivering consultancy work, senior advisory engagements, and strategic client reviews.
- Expertise in Xero, XPM, cloud platforms, and workflow tools.
- Experience designing or leading operational transformation and workflow standardisation.
Director of Corporate Services in Manchester employer: Four Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Four Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Corporate Services in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals on LinkedIn or at events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company inside out. Understand their services, values, and recent news. We want to show them that you’re not just another candidate, but someone who genuinely cares about their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You need to be able to articulate your experience and how it aligns with the role of Director of Corporate Services. We suggest rehearsing with a friend or in front of a mirror until you feel confident.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. We believe it shows your enthusiasm and professionalism, which is exactly what they’re looking for.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Corporate Services in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in corporate services, especially in multi-country environments. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Director of Corporate Services, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Leadership Skills: As a senior leader, it’s crucial to demonstrate your leadership style and how you’ve developed teams in the past. Share specific examples of how you've led, coached, and supported others to achieve their goals. We love seeing candidates who can inspire and drive growth!
Highlight Client Experience: Since this role is all about ensuring a fantastic client experience, make sure to include examples of how you've managed client relationships and resolved escalations effectively. We’re looking for someone who can build trust and deliver high-quality service consistently.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Four Recruitment
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the specifics of corporate services, especially around HR, Payroll, Tax, and Payments. Brush up on your knowledge of multi-country client environments and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with the role's requirements.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
As a senior leader, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to lead and develop teams. Prepare examples of how you've coached others, managed remote teams, or driven revenue growth through effective leadership. This will show that you can take charge and inspire those around you.
✨Be Client-Centric
This role is all about ensuring a fantastic client experience. Think of specific instances where you’ve gone above and beyond for clients, resolved escalations swiftly, or identified opportunities for improvement. Highlighting these experiences will showcase your commitment to client satisfaction.
✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions
You’ll need to contribute to SLT-level business planning and strategic decisions. Familiarise yourself with current market trends and be ready to discuss how you would design and launch new services. This shows you’re not just reactive but also proactive in driving the company forward.