At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategies and ensure compliance for Thames Freeport's growth and sustainability.
- Company: Join Thames Freeport, a transformative economic initiative in Central London.
- Benefits: Enjoy a hybrid work model, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Be part of a collaborative culture focused on driving change and performance.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on economic growth and innovation while leading a dynamic finance team.
- Qualifications: Must be a qualified accountant with experience in finance and contract management.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
About Thames Freeport
Thames Freeport is a transformational economic initiative, driving investment, innovation, and trade across the region. As we continue to expand our impact, we are seeking a Head of Finance, Contracts and Compliance to play a pivotal leadership role in supporting our growth and long-term success.
Location: Central London (near Fenchurch Street Station)
Working Pattern: Hybrid
Contract: Permanent
The Role
Thames Freeport is seeking a dynamic and experienced finance leader to provide strategic leadership and operational oversight across financial management, contract governance, and compliance activities. In this pivotal role, you will ensure financial stability, robust governance, effective contract management, and value for money in procurement, supporting the Freeport’s ambitions for innovation, economic growth, and sustainability. You will also act as the lead liaison with the Accountable Body, ensuring strong relationships, effective communication, and compliance with all funding and reporting requirements.
Key Responsibilities
- Leadership
- Develop and implement financial strategies aligned with long-term Freeport objectives
- Oversee budget setting, monitoring, and reporting processes
- Establish contract management and compliance frameworks that drive sustainability, innovation, and value
- Lead financial planning, forecasting, and reporting activities
- Provide insight to support data-driven decision-making at leadership level
- Ensure compliance with financial regulations, policies, and best practices
- Oversee accountable body processes and requirements
- Manage the Grant Funding Agreement, ensuring timely and effective funding flow
- Contract Management & Performance
- Lead contract management across the organisation
- Support executives and directors in supplier negotiations to maximise value and reduce risk
- Implement contract strategies aligned to economic and sustainability goals, including PCR compliance
- Advise and support teams to ensure effective third-party performance and delivery
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Build and maintain strong relationships with key partners and funders
- Work closely with site operators, businesses, and external stakeholders
- Act as the primary liaison with the Accountable Body, ensuring effective information flow and collaboration
- Governance & Compliance
- Monitor financial and contractual risks, ensuring appropriate controls are in place
- Deliver transparent reporting to Senior Leadership and the Governing Board
- Drive continuous improvement across finance, contract, and compliance processes
- Ensure full compliance with Accountable Body requirements, including grant and contract obligations
- Team Development
- Lead and develop the Finance and Procurement function
- Foster a high-performance, collaborative team culture
- Mentor and support team development
What You Will Bring
- Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)
- Proven experience in finance, contract management, and compliance within complex environments
- Strong expertise in financial planning, analysis, and reporting
- In-depth knowledge of contract management best practices and value-driven procurement
- Demonstrated leadership capability with the ability to drive change and performance
- Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills
- Track record of managing large budgets and delivering cost-effective outcomes
NOTE: Applicants must have the right to work in the UK.
As key partners within Thames Freeport, DP World are pleased to advertise this role on their behalf. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive a high volume of applications.
Head of Finance, Contracts and Compliance in London employer: Thames Freeport
Thames Freeport is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of Central London, where innovation and sustainability are at the forefront of our mission. We prioritise employee growth through mentorship and development opportunities, fostering a collaborative culture that values strategic leadership and effective stakeholder engagement. Join us to be part of a transformative initiative that not only drives economic growth but also champions a sustainable future.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Finance, Contracts and Compliance in London
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the finance and compliance sectors. Attend industry events, webinars, or even local meetups. The more you engage, the better your chances of landing that Head of Finance role!
✨Showcase Your Expertise
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your experience in financial planning and contract management. Share specific examples of how you've driven change and improved processes in previous roles.
✨Tailor Your Approach
Every conversation is an opportunity! Tailor your discussions to align with Thames Freeport's goals of innovation and sustainability. Show them how your skills can directly contribute to their mission and long-term success.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Finance, Contracts and Compliance in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Head of Finance, Contracts and Compliance role. Highlight your financial management expertise and any relevant contract governance experience to catch our eye!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for Thames Freeport. Share specific examples of how you've driven financial strategies or improved compliance in previous roles.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this role is all about leadership, don’t forget to mention your experience in leading teams and driving change. We want to see how you’ve fostered collaboration and high performance in your past positions.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team at Thames Freeport!
How to prepare for a job interview at Thames Freeport
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Head of Finance, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive decision-making in previous roles. This shows you can align with Thames Freeport's objectives.
✨Understand Contract Management
Familiarise yourself with best practices in contract management and compliance. Be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully managed contracts in the past, particularly in complex environments. This will highlight your expertise and readiness for the role.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
Thames Freeport is looking for a dynamic leader. Think of specific instances where you've led teams or driven change. Be ready to discuss your leadership style and how you foster a collaborative team culture, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Engage Stakeholders Effectively
Strong stakeholder engagement is key for this position. Prepare to talk about how you've built relationships with partners and funders in the past. Highlight your communication skills and how you've ensured effective information flow in previous roles.
