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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the finance function and provide strategic financial insights to drive growth.
- Company: Established SME in logistics, transport, and distribution with ambitious growth plans.
- Benefits: Immediate start, hands-on role, and opportunity to make a real impact.
- Other info: On-site role in the North West with a focus on operational improvements.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and shape the financial future of a growing business.
- Qualifications: Proven Finance Director experience in SMEs, especially in logistics or similar sectors.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
Our client is a well-established, owner-managed SME operating within the logistics, transport and distribution sector, with turnover in the region of £1530m. Profitable and operationally robust, the business is at a pivotal stage of its development, with clear growth ambitions and a need to strengthen its financial infrastructure to support the next phase.
This is an urgent, on-site interim appointment, requiring an individual who can start at short notice and quickly embed themselves within the business.
The Opportunity
This is a highly influential, hands-on Finance Director role, working closely with the owners and senior leadership team. The business now requires sharper financial insight, more robust systems and clearer management information to support better decision-making across operations. You will act as a trusted commercial partner to the owners, bringing structure, challenge and clarity, while remaining close to the day-to-day realities of a stock- and asset-intensive logistics environment.
The Role
As Interim Finance Director, you will take full ownership of the finance function and operate as a key voice at board level. Your remit will include:
- Acting as a core member of the leadership team, providing clear financial insight, analysis and constructive challenge
- Reviewing, upgrading and implementing finance and ERP systems, alongside associated processes and controls
- Designing and delivering high-quality management information to support operational and commercial decisions
- Full responsibility for budgeting, forecasting, cashflow and working capital management, with a strong focus on stock
- Leading and developing the existing finance team
- Supporting operational improvements, contract profitability analysis and short- to medium-term strategic planning
About You
You will be a pragmatic, commercially minded finance leader who is comfortable operating in an owner-managed SME and being highly visible on-site. You are likely to bring:
- Proven experience at Finance Director level within an SME (£1530m turnover)
- A strong background in transport, logistics, distribution or similar operational environments
- Deep experience managing stock, working capital and cashflow
- Hands-on involvement in finance system and ERP implementation or improvement
- The confidence and credibility to influence owners and senior stakeholders
- Availability to start at short notice and commit to five days per week on site in the North West
Summary
This is an excellent interim opportunity for a Finance Director who thrives in hands-on environments, enjoys improving systems and insight, and wants to make a tangible impact in a growing logistics-led SME.
Interim Finance Director - SME - Immediate Start in Manchester employer: Pratap Partnership Ltd
Contact Detail:
Pratap Partnership Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Interim Finance Director - SME - Immediate Start in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the logistics and finance sectors. Let them know you're on the lookout for an interim role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities that aren't advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Be ready to showcase your skills! Prepare a quick pitch about your experience in finance leadership, especially in SMEs. Highlight your hands-on approach and how you've improved financial systems in the past. This will help you stand out when you meet potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay flexible and open-minded! Since this is an urgent role, be prepared to discuss your availability and how quickly you can start. Show that you're ready to jump in and make an impact right away.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of resources to help you land that perfect interim Finance Director role. Plus, it’s a great way to get noticed by employers looking for someone just like you!
We think you need these skills to ace Interim Finance Director - SME - Immediate Start in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Interim Finance Director. Highlight your experience in finance leadership within SMEs, especially in logistics or similar sectors. We want to see how your skills align with the needs of the business!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this hands-on role. Share specific examples of how you've improved financial systems and provided valuable insights in previous positions. Let us know why you’re excited about this opportunity!
Showcase Your Availability: Since this is an urgent appointment, make sure to clearly state your availability to start. We need someone who can hit the ground running, so don’t be shy about mentioning your readiness to commit to five days a week on-site.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss any important updates. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Pratap Partnership Ltd
✨Know Your Numbers
As an Interim Finance Director, you’ll need to demonstrate a solid grasp of financial metrics. Brush up on key figures related to cash flow, working capital, and stock management. Be ready to discuss how you've improved these areas in past roles.
✨Understand the Business
Familiarise yourself with the logistics and transport sector before the interview. Research the company’s operations, challenges, and growth ambitions. This will help you tailor your insights and show that you’re genuinely interested in their success.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
You’ll be leading a finance team and working closely with senior stakeholders. Prepare examples of how you’ve successfully led teams in the past, particularly in high-pressure environments. Highlight your ability to influence and challenge constructively.
✨Be Ready for Quick Integration
Since this is an urgent role, emphasise your ability to hit the ground running. Share experiences where you quickly adapted to new environments or implemented changes effectively. This will reassure them that you can embed yourself swiftly within their business.