Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial oversight for major projects, ensuring effective planning and governance.
- Company: Join Thurrock Council, a forward-thinking council on a transformation journey.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, career growth, and the chance to impact local communities.
- Why this job: Be part of a groundbreaking initiative driving investment and sustainable growth in the UK.
- Qualifications: Qualified finance professional with experience in capital programmes and strong analytical skills.
- Other info: Opportunity to influence senior leaders and contribute to a nationally significant economic programme.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
1 week ago Be among the first 25 applicants
Get AI-powered advice on this job and more exclusive features.
This range is provided by Thurrock Council. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.
Base pay range
Direct message the job poster from Thurrock Council
Finance Lead – Capital Projects & Freeport
Job title – Finance Lead, FreePort and Capital Projects
Directorate – Corporate Finance
Responsible to – Strategic Finance Manager
Help shape the financial future of one of the most ambitious councils in the country. Thurrock Council is on a transformation journey—rebuilding their finance function to be Best in Class . They are looking for a forward-thinking, commercially aware Finance Lead to take the reins on their most high-profile capital programmes, including the groundbreaking Thurrock Freeport project.
Thames Freeport is a dynamic economic zone in the Thames Estuary, backed by Government to drive investment, innovation, and regeneration in the region. Partnering with major ports and local councils, it offers a unique opportunity to be part of the UK’s journey to Net Zero and inclusive economic growth.
With over £4.5bn in planned investment, Thames Freeport will create thousands of high-quality jobs, support skills development, and foster innovation. Be part of a transformative initiative that connects local communities to new sustainable growth and global trade.
The Role
This is a career-defining role for a finance professional who thrives on strategic influence, complex challenges, and delivering real impact.
Reporting to the Head of Financial Strategy and Planning, you’ll lead the financial oversight of capital and major projects, ensuring sound governance, effective planning, and value for money across all areas.
You’ll work closely with senior leaders, Cabinet, partners and stakeholders—providing robust financial advice, developing business cases, managing grant and funding streams, and ensuring compliance with government guidance. The Freeport initiative in particular is a unique opportunity to be part of a nationally significant economic programme.
What you’ll be doing
- Lead financial support and business partnering for capital and major projects, with a focus on Freeport funding, governance, and monitoring.
- Manage relationships across departments and external bodies to ensure strong financial controls and informed decision-making.
- Review and sign off HM Treasury compliant business cases, advise on funding agreements, and prepare clear, insightful reports for internal and external stakeholders.
- Monitor expenditure, retained business rates, and grant-funded investments to ensure compliance and effective financial risk management.
- Champion best practice, continuous improvement, and high performance across the finance team.
What you’ll bring
We’re seeking a qualified finance professional (CCAB/CIMA) with:
- Experience in managing or supporting capital programmes, ideally in the public sector.
- Understanding and experience in investment appraisals, Business rates and treasury.
- Strong financial planning, business partnering, and analytical skills.
- Confidence to influence, advise and engage at senior levels, including with Members.
- A values-led approach with a commitment to collaboration, accountability, and delivering results.
If you would like to have a confidential conversation about this opportunity, please reach out to our recruitment partners at MLC Partners. To apply, please submit your CV and a personal statement in Word format, outlining your motivation for applying and demonstrating how your skills and experience align with the specific requirements of the role.
For an informal discussion, you are welcome to contact Thomas Porter directly at 07951795790 or via email at .
Seniority level
-
Seniority level
Mid-Senior level
Employment type
-
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
-
Job function
Finance
-
Industries
Government Administration
Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Thurrock Council by 2x
Get notified about new Finance Specialist jobs in Thurrock, England, United Kingdom .
Finance Business Partner Capital & Lease Accounting
Grays, England, United Kingdom 2 weeks ago
Grays, England, United Kingdom 4 weeks ago
Grays, England, United Kingdom 1 month ago
Transport Office Administrator / Administrator
Thurrock, England, United Kingdom 2 weeks ago
We’re unlocking community knowledge in a new way. Experts add insights directly into each article, started with the help of AI.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Finance Lead employer: Thurrock Council
Contact Detail:
Thurrock Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Lead
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific financial frameworks and regulations that govern capital projects in the public sector. Understanding HM Treasury guidelines and how they apply to business cases will give you a significant edge during discussions with stakeholders.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals who have experience in managing capital programmes, especially within local councils. Engaging with these individuals can provide insights into best practices and may even lead to valuable referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your previous experiences in financial planning and business partnering. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've influenced decision-making at senior levels, as this role requires strong engagement with leaders and stakeholders.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on the latest trends in sustainable finance and economic growth initiatives, particularly those related to Freeport projects. Demonstrating your knowledge in these areas during interviews will show your commitment to the role and its objectives.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in managing capital programmes, particularly in the public sector. Use specific examples that demonstrate your financial planning and analytical skills.
Craft a Compelling Personal Statement: In your personal statement, clearly outline your motivation for applying to the Finance Lead position. Emphasise how your qualifications (CCAB/CIMA) and experience align with the role's requirements, especially regarding governance and funding management.
Showcase Your Strategic Influence: Highlight instances where you've successfully influenced senior stakeholders or contributed to strategic decision-making. This is crucial for a role that requires strong business partnering and advisory skills.
Proofread and Format: Before submitting your application, ensure that your documents are well-formatted and free of errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is essential for a finance role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Thurrock Council
✨Understand the Role and Responsibilities
Make sure you thoroughly understand the job description and the specific responsibilities of the Finance Lead position. Familiarise yourself with the key projects, especially the Freeport initiative, and be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with these responsibilities.
✨Showcase Your Financial Expertise
Be ready to demonstrate your qualifications and experience in managing capital programmes. Highlight your knowledge of investment appraisals, business rates, and treasury management, as these are crucial for the role.
✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions
Since this role involves influencing senior leaders and stakeholders, prepare to discuss your approach to strategic financial planning and how you've successfully navigated complex financial challenges in the past.
✨Emphasise Collaboration and Values
Thurrock Council values collaboration and accountability. Be prepared to share examples of how you've worked effectively in teams and contributed to a positive organisational culture, demonstrating your commitment to delivering results.
