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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and governance across the Group's divisions while supporting digital transformation.
- Company: Russell Group is a family-owned transport leader, innovating logistics since 1969 with over 800 employees.
- Benefits: Enjoy a dynamic work environment with opportunities for growth and development in a people-first culture.
- Why this job: Join a pivotal role in a growing company, influencing change and driving sustainable solutions.
- Qualifications: Must have senior finance leadership experience and a professional accounting qualification (CA, ACCA, or CIMA).
- Other info: Contact Jamie Brown at applications@fwbltd.com for more details or to apply.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
About Russell Group
The Russell Group is a leading, family-owned transport and logistics provider, committed to delivering high-value, sustainable solutions across the UK and Europe. Founded in 1969 by Chairman, John Russell, the company began with just 14 vehicles and a vision for innovative logistics. Today it operates a fleet of over 250 vehicles and has more than 800 dedicated employees across 14 depots and 3 UK rail terminals, providing a range of services across domestic and international road & rail transport, bonded warehousing & contract packing, self-storage and container leasing, vehicle maintenance and supply chain services.
As part of the company’s strategic growth, it recently expanded its rail freight capabilities by acquiring the Freightliner Rail Freight Terminal at Coatbridge. This major acquisition strengthened its UK wide distribution network and reinforced its ability to deliver integrated, multi-modal transport solutions to a diverse and high-profile client base, proudly serving some of Europe’s largest organisations and the world’s most recognisable brands including all major distillers, retailers and manufacturers.
The Opportunity
To support continued growth and strategic ambitions, we are seeking a Group Finance Director to provide financial leadership across the Groups three-core operating divisions. This is a pivotal role for a commercially astute finance leader who combines the right blend of character with a strong technical expertise, sound judgement and a hands-on, inclusive leadership style. The Group is currently undergoing a significant digital transformation which revolves around a new ERP platform incorporating group finance, payroll, HRM and integrated line of business systems.
Key Responsibilities
- Providing financial leadership and strategic input across all areas of the business.
- Support in delivering the Group digital transformation programme.
- Support in the identification and execution of growth opportunities, including future M&A activity.
- Ensuring robust financial governance, risk management, and control frameworks are maintained.
- Evaluation of investment opportunities and prioritising initiatives that align with the growth strategy.
- Secure and manage appropriate funding and ensure post-investment evaluation and accountability.
- Lead, mentor, and develop a growing, and capable finance team to support succession planning and long-term talent development.
- Contribute to the group wide strategy, budgeting, and capital planning as part of the Executive Management Team.
- Support the CEO in the development and execution of long-term organisation goals.
Candidate Requirements
We are looking to appoint an experienced and values-driven finance leader with the right balance of character, technical expertise, and commercial insight to thrive in this dynamic, people-first environment. We are seeking someone who brings most of the following experience and attributes:
- Proven senior finance leadership experience, ideally within a logistics, manufacturing, or support services environment of similar scale and complexity to the Russell Group.
- Demonstrable ability to lead a finance function that champions business partnering while maintaining robust centralised finance operations.
- A professional accounting qualification (CA, ACCA, or CIMA) is essential.
- Experience developing and critically assessing complex business cases in a growing, entrepreneurial business.
- A track record of supporting M&A or disposal activities, including involvement in due diligence, would be an advantage.
- Prior experience in a family-owned or privately run business is desirable but not essential.
- A natural inclination to challenge the status quo, with the confidence to influence change and drive continuous improvement.
- A collaborative and empowering leadership style, with strong interpersonal and communication skills.
- A high degree of commercial acumen, with the ability to align financial strategy to operational priorities.
- Passionate about developing people, improving processes, and contributing meaningfully to long-term business growth.
To apply, please send your CV and covering letter to Jamie Brown at applications@fwbltd.com or to discuss the role further please contact him on 0131 539 7087.
Group Finance Director - John G Russell (Transport) Ltd (Russell Group) (Edinburgh) employer: FWB
Contact Detail:
FWB Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Group Finance Director - John G Russell (Transport) Ltd (Russell Group) (Edinburgh)
✨Tip Number 1
Research the Russell Group's recent developments, especially their digital transformation and acquisition of the Freightliner Rail Freight Terminal. Being knowledgeable about these initiatives will help you demonstrate your understanding of their strategic goals during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the logistics and transport sector, particularly those who have experience in finance leadership roles. This can provide you with insights into the industry and potentially valuable connections that could support your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with M&A activities and how you've contributed to financial governance in previous roles. Highlighting specific examples will showcase your capability to handle the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
✨Tip Number 4
Emphasise your leadership style and how it aligns with the company's values. Be ready to share examples of how you've developed teams and fostered a collaborative environment, as this is crucial for the role of Group Finance Director.
We think you need these skills to ace Group Finance Director - John G Russell (Transport) Ltd (Russell Group) (Edinburgh)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in finance leadership, particularly within logistics or manufacturing. Emphasise your professional accounting qualifications and any experience with M&A activities.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for the role and the company. Discuss how your values align with those of the Russell Group and provide specific examples of how you've led finance teams and driven change in previous roles.
Highlight Digital Transformation Experience: Given the company's focus on digital transformation, mention any relevant experience you have with ERP systems or similar projects. Explain how you contributed to successful implementations and the impact on financial governance.
Showcase Leadership Style: Illustrate your collaborative and empowering leadership style in both your CV and cover letter. Provide examples of how you've mentored finance teams and contributed to their development, aligning with the company's people-first approach.
How to prepare for a job interview at FWB
✨Understand the Company Culture
Before your interview, take some time to research Russell Group's values and culture. As a family-owned business, they likely prioritise collaboration and a people-first approach. Show that you align with these values in your responses.
✨Demonstrate Financial Acumen
Be prepared to discuss your experience in financial leadership, particularly in logistics or similar sectors. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully led finance functions and contributed to strategic growth.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Given the emphasis on mentoring and developing a finance team, be ready to share your leadership philosophy. Discuss how you empower your team and foster a collaborative environment, as this aligns with their focus on inclusive leadership.
✨Prepare for Digital Transformation Questions
Since the company is undergoing a digital transformation, be prepared to discuss your experience with ERP systems and how you've supported similar initiatives in the past. This will demonstrate your ability to contribute to their ongoing changes.
