At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and drive commercial growth for essential public services.
- Company: Norwich City Services Ltd, a local authority trading company with a strong community focus.
- Benefits: Direct influence on strategy, close collaboration with leadership, and opportunity to make a lasting impact.
- Why this job: Shape the future of public services while balancing financial control and commercial ambition.
- Qualifications: Professionally qualified accountant with executive-level financial leadership experience.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team committed to delivering quality services and enhancing community trust.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Thank you for your interest in joining Norwich City Services Ltd. We are proud of what we deliver: clean streets, safe homes, maintained parks, and essential services that people rely on every day. Now we are stepping into our next phase, strengthening our financial resilience, sharpening our commercial edge, and preparing for growth across a changing local government landscape. This appointment is central to that ambition.
About NCSL: NCSL delivers environmental and building maintenance services. We are a Local Authority Trading Company wholly owned by Norwich City Council, operating with commercial discipline and public purpose. We exist to deliver quality services, protect public value, and create long-term financial sustainability for our shareholder.
This is a senior executive role with real influence and accountability.
The Role: As Executive Director of Finance and Commercial Services, reporting to the Managing Director, you will sit at the heart of strategy and delivery. You will:
- Lead the financial strategy of the company, ensuring long-term sustainability and resilience.
- Own planning, budgeting, forecasting, cash flow, balance sheet management, and performance reporting.
- Drive margin discipline and contract profitability across all service lines.
- Lead commercial strategy including pricing, bid governance, procurement, and contract management.
- Maintain a trusted and transparent relationship with our shareholder, Norwich City Council.
- Strengthen governance, internal controls, audit readiness, and risk management frameworks.
- Provide timely and high-quality insight to the Board and Executive team to support informed decision-making.
- Lead and develop high-performing finance and commercial teams.
- Improve financial systems, reporting capability, and performance intelligence.
- Support organisational transformation and commercial growth beyond our core contracts.
This is not a back-office finance role. It is a strategic leadership position balancing control and ambition, financial rigour and commercial growth, public accountability and entrepreneurial thinking.
The Strategic Context: We are operating in a period of change. Local Government Reorganisation, financial pressures across the public sector, and rising service expectations demand stronger commercial thinking and sharper financial discipline. Our objectives are clear:
- Deliver sustainable services with consistent margin performance.
- Strengthen cash resilience and balance sheet health.
- Grow our commercial portfolio responsibly.
- Protect and enhance long-term shareholder value.
You will play a leading role in delivering against these priorities.
About You: You will be a professionally qualified accountant (CCAB, CIMA, ACCA, ICAEW). More importantly, you will be a leader who combines technical excellence with strategic judgement. You will bring:
- A strong track record of financial leadership at executive level.
- Experience managing profit and loss, cash flow, and balance sheet performance.
- Proven ability to operate confidently at Board level.
- Commercial acumen with experience in pricing, contracts, and procurement.
- Ability to initiate and deliver change.
- Deep understanding of governance, risk, and regulatory compliance.
- Experience working in or alongside the public sector.
- Knowledge of public procurement regulations.
- The ability to balance financial control with commercial ambition.
- A visible, values-led leadership style.
You will be comfortable in a delivery-focused environment where accountability matters and performance is transparent. You will understand that we are local people serving local communities. Public trust is not optional.
Why Join Us: This is a rare opportunity to shape the financial and commercial direction of a growing local authority trading company with strong foundations and clear ambition. You will have:
- Direct influence over strategy and growth.
- A close working relationship with the Managing Director, Board, and Shareholder.
- The opportunity to strengthen commercial performance at scale.
- A platform to leave a lasting legacy.
If you are ready to combine commercial discipline with public purpose, we would welcome a conversation. Please view our website for a full recruitment pack and details on how to apply.
Director of Finance and Commercial Services employer: NACBA
Contact Detail:
NACBA Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Finance and Commercial Services
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance and commercial sectors. Attend industry events or webinars where you can meet potential employers or colleagues. Remember, sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company inside out. Understand their financial strategies, recent projects, and challenges they face. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you’re genuinely interested in contributing to their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You need to be able to clearly articulate your experience and how it aligns with the role of Director of Finance and Commercial Services. Keep it concise and impactful – you want to leave a lasting impression.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and the company there.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Finance and Commercial Services
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in financial leadership and commercial strategy. We want to see how your skills align with our mission at Norwich City Services Ltd.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific examples of how you’ve driven financial performance and led teams. We love seeing quantifiable results that demonstrate your impact!
Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through in your application. We’re looking for a values-led leader, so don’t hesitate to share your leadership style and how it aligns with our commitment to public service.
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of success, make sure to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and keep track of all the amazing candidates like you!
How to prepare for a job interview at NACBA
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Director of Finance and Commercial Services, you’ll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics relevant to the role, such as cash flow management and balance sheet performance. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully managed these in previous roles.
✨Understand the Public Sector Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the current challenges facing local government and public sector organisations. This will show that you’re not just a finance expert but also understand the broader context in which Norwich City Services Ltd operates. Bring examples of how you've navigated similar environments.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
This role requires a visible, values-led leadership style. Prepare to share specific examples of how you've led teams through change and fostered a culture of accountability and performance. Highlight your ability to balance financial control with commercial ambition.
✨Prepare Insightful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street. Prepare thoughtful questions about the company's strategic goals, challenges, and how the finance team can contribute to its success. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.