Finance Director - PE-Backed Lift Engineering Services in Dartford
Finance Director - PE-Backed Lift Engineering Services

Finance Director - PE-Backed Lift Engineering Services in Dartford

Dartford Full-Time 72000 - 108000 ÂŁ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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Liftec Express

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead finance function and drive strategic growth in a dynamic engineering services environment.
  • Company: Liftec Express, a respected name in lift and escalator services, backed by R Capital.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, annual bonus, extensive benefits, and 25 days holiday plus bank holidays.
  • Why this job: Make a direct impact on performance improvement and value creation in a high-growth business.
  • Qualifications: Qualified accountant with 10+ years of experience in PE-backed or turnaround environments.
  • Other info: Join a fast-paced SME and shape finance and operational excellence.

The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 ÂŁ per year.

Strategic Finance Leadership. Private Equity Environment. Operational Impact. Are you a commercially sharp Finance Director ready to play a pivotal role in a high-performing, Private Equity-backed engineering services business? Liftec Express – a leading independent provider of lift and escalator maintenance, repair and modernisation services across the UK – is entering an exciting phase of performance acceleration and value creation. We are now seeking a high-calibre Finance Director to partner with the Managing Director and PE stakeholders to drive financial excellence, operational performance, and strategic growth.

This is a hands-on, high-impact leadership role within a fast-paced SME environment where your contribution will directly influence business performance and long‑term value.

The Role at a Glance:

  • Qualified Finance Director
  • Dartford, Hybrid
  • Competitive Base Salary + 15% Annual Bonus Paid Quarterly Plus Extensive Benefits Package inc Car Allowance
  • Core hours 40 per week: 08:00-17:00, with one hour for lunch

Company: Pioneer of the British lift industry. Formally part of global brand Otis - Private Equity-backed by R Capital since 2025. A Leasing independent service provider, specialising in the supply, installation, maintenance, repair and modernisation of all types of lift equipment.

Culture: Safety, Ethics & Quality Focused

Your Background:

  • Proven experience as a Finance Director, Head of Finance, or senior finance leader in a PE‑backed or turnaround business
  • Qualified accountant - ACA, ACCA or CIMA
  • Team Leadership

Liftec Express is a well‑established, highly respected name in the UK lift and escalator services sector. Previously part of OTIS, the world's leading manufacturer and service provider of elevators, escalators, and moving walkways - the business is now owned by R‑Capital and with greater agility as a standalone company is gearing for rapid growth. The business delivers maintenance, repair and modernisation solutions across commercial, residential and public‑sector environments – including prestigious and high‑profile sites.

As a Private Equity‑backed organisation, Liftec is focused on operational excellence, cash optimisation, and sustainable growth. The business combines technical engineering capability with strong service delivery and long‑standing client relationships. This is a rare opportunity to join at senior leadership level during a significant value‑creation phase.

Ready for your next adventure?

Reporting directly to the Managing Director, the Finance Director will lead the entire finance function and act as a strategic partner to both the MD and Private Equity owners. You will provide strong financial leadership and insight, ensuring rigorous controls and governance while strengthening working capital performance and supporting Liftec Express’ growth and transformation strategy. With full ownership of FP&A, financial control, reporting, compliance, audit and tax, you will deliver accurate monthly management accounts and drive budgeting, forecasting and long‑term planning. You will help shape business strategy, performance targets and value creation initiatives, maintaining a sharp focus on cash flow, cost control and profitability. The role also includes preparing board and investor reporting, managing relationships with PE stakeholders and external advisors, and leading and developing the finance team to support continued business growth.

About You:

  • You are a commercially astute, execution‑focused finance leader who thrives in a performance‑driven environment.
  • A qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA or CIMA) with ideally a Master’s degree in Finance or Accounting, you bring 10+ years’ relevant experience, including proven success as a Finance Director, Head of Finance or senior finance leader.
  • You have operated within PE‑backed, turnaround or high‑change SME environments, ideally within service, engineering, construction or field‑based operations businesses, and bring strong financial modelling and performance management capability with a clear track record of improving profitability and cash flow.
  • Experience with ERP systems such as JD Edwards and exposure to post‑merger integration would be advantageous.
  • Strategic yet hands‑on, you combine analytical rigour with a strong bias for execution.
  • You are detail‑oriented, solutions‑focused and comfortable operating in a fast‑paced, evolving environment.
  • With strong leadership presence and excellent communication and influencing skills, you build credibility quickly across all levels and lead teams with clarity and impact.
  • Fluent written and spoken English is essential.

Benefits:

  • Access to Discounts Platform
  • Holiday – 25 days per year plus bank holidays – holiday year - January to December
  • Wellness (Day 1) - Employee Assistance Programme
  • Death in Service (Day 1) 3 x Salary - Canada Life
  • Sickness Scheme - Discretionary
  • Family Policies - Industry‑leading enhanced maternity and paternity provision subject to service
  • Incentive Scheme (depending on role - non‑contractual)

Why Join Liftec Express?

  • Senior leadership influence within a PE‑backed growth business
  • Direct impact on value creation and performance improvement
  • Strategic partnership role with the Managing Director
  • Opportunity to shape finance, governance and operational excellence
  • Dynamic, engineering‑led services environment

If you are an ambitious, commercially driven Finance Director looking for a high‑impact leadership opportunity within a respected engineering services business, we would love to hear from you. Apply now to explore this exceptional opportunity in confidence.

Finance Director - PE-Backed Lift Engineering Services in Dartford employer: Liftec Express

Liftec Express is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and fast-paced work environment where Finance Directors can make a significant impact on the company's growth and operational excellence. With a strong focus on employee well-being, including a competitive salary, generous holiday allowance, and comprehensive benefits, Liftec fosters a culture of safety, ethics, and quality. This role not only provides the opportunity for strategic influence but also supports personal and professional development within a respected name in the lift engineering sector.
Liftec Express

Contact Detail:

Liftec Express Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Finance Director - PE-Backed Lift Engineering Services in Dartford

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals on LinkedIn or at finance events. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their financial goals and challenges, especially in a PE-backed environment. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're the perfect fit for Liftec Express.

✨Tip Number 3

Practice your pitch! Be ready to articulate your experience and how it aligns with the role of Finance Director. Highlight your strategic thinking and operational impact to impress the hiring team.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining Liftec Express and contributing to our exciting growth phase.

We think you need these skills to ace Finance Director - PE-Backed Lift Engineering Services in Dartford

Strategic Finance Leadership
Financial Excellence
Operational Performance
Team Leadership
Qualified Accountant (ACA, ACCA or CIMA)
Financial Modelling
Performance Management
Budgeting and Forecasting
Cash Flow Management
Cost Control
Profitability Improvement
Communication Skills
Stakeholder Management
ERP Systems (e.g., JD Edwards)
Post-Merger Integration

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Finance Director role. Highlight your experience in PE-backed environments and any relevant achievements that showcase your strategic finance leadership skills.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell your story. Explain why you're the perfect fit for Liftec Express, focusing on your operational impact and how you can drive financial excellence in a fast-paced SME environment.

Showcase Your Leadership Style: In your application, emphasise your team leadership experience. We want to see how you've led finance teams to success and how you plan to develop our finance function at Liftec Express.

Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity to join our dynamic team.

How to prepare for a job interview at Liftec Express

✨Know Your Numbers

As a Finance Director, you’ll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics relevant to the lift engineering sector and be ready to discuss how you've improved profitability and cash flow in previous roles.

✨Understand the PE Landscape

Familiarise yourself with the private equity environment, especially how it impacts operational performance and strategic growth. Be prepared to discuss how you can partner effectively with PE stakeholders to drive value creation.

✨Showcase Leadership Skills

This role requires strong leadership presence. Think of examples where you've led finance teams through change or transformation. Highlight your ability to influence and communicate effectively across all levels of an organisation.

✨Prepare for Scenario Questions

Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills in a fast-paced SME environment. Prepare to discuss specific challenges you've faced and how you navigated them, particularly in finance functions like FP&A and compliance.

Finance Director - PE-Backed Lift Engineering Services in Dartford
Liftec Express
Location: Dartford
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