Description

A leading London-based UK Train Operating Company (TOC) has retained our services to recruit an Interim Finance Director for a fixed-term contract until February 2026. As part of the executive team, this role will be responsible for leading and developing a highly skilled team across Finance, IT, Business Assurance, Concession Management, Business Intelligence, and Procurement.

Our client is seeking an experienced, commercially focused Finance Director with a proven track record at this level. While rail industry experience is not essential, candidates should have a strong background in managing large-scale service contracts and client agreements. Experience working in a unionised environment is desirable.

This role is based in London and is available on a fixed-term contract inside IR35.

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Key Responsibilities

• Responsible for financial management of the company including the development of strategic goals and delivery of profit and loss targets.
• Develop the Company’s strategic plan including financial targets.
• Prepare the Company’s annual budget, including internal reviews and consolidation.
• Present the Company’s financial results to the Executive Management Group and the Company Board, recommending appropriate remedial action where appropriate. Seek opportunities to maximise company profitability and cash through contract negotiation and other means as appropriate.
• Provide financial appraisals for contract and tender submission, investment and capital expenditure opportunities. Support internal and external teams as required during the due diligence process. Provide financial information and analytical reports to support strategic business decisions.
• Develop and deliver a Procurement strategy that maximises efficiency gains.
• Ensure delivery of and compliance with the Concession Agreement, ensuring that the client delivers the concession agreement whilst maintaining its commercial interests and enhancing the client relationship.
• Deliver a strong compliance framework and strategy that satisfies all statutory and owning group requirements.
• Develop and deliver the business intelligence strategy to ensure it enables the business to meet its strategic outcomes.
• Present financial information to RfL and other regulatory bodies as appropriate.

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Key Skills & Experience

• Educated to degree level (or equivalent experience), preferably with a higher degree in a management discipline or a professional qualification.
• A strong technical background and proven record of success in financial management, ACA/CIMA qualified.
• At least 3 years’ senior-level experience of management of people and resources.
• Strong experience of financial management within public sector contracting or operational focused companies.
• Proven ability to build working relationships with a wide and diverse range of senior stakeholders.
• Able to interpret and apply contractual requirements.
• An understanding of wider leadership principles and techniques.
• Strong political awareness plus an appreciation of the demands of conflicting business and customer interests and need to meet statutory requirements.
• A very high level of commercial awareness and evidenced ability to liaise closely with business operations and commercial teams to ensure business and financial information and activity is congruent and consistent.