Finance & Operations DirectorIntroduction

Join a thriving SME in central Birmingham as our Finance & Operations Director in this senior leadership role. Operating on a hybrid basis with just two days per week in the Birmingham office, this position offers the perfect balance of flexibility and collaboration for candidates within commuting distance of the West Midlands.

This pivotal role sits at the heart of our leadership team, driving operational excellence while overseeing our finance, HR, IT and procurement functions. You'll shape strategic direction, lead transformation change, and play a crucial role in our continued growth story. For the right finance professional, this represents a unique opportunity to make your mark in a dynamic, forward-thinking organisation.

• Serve as a strategic advisor to the CEO and the board on operational matters, helping to shape strategy and support delivery of a change programme
• Build strategic partnerships with key stakeholders and represent the company as needed
• Support strategic investment decisions, cost control initiatives, and growth strategies
• Oversee financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and reporting processes
• Monitor cash flow to ensure financial health
• Collaborate with Head of Finance on compliance, risk and auditing functions
• Establish, maintain, and regularly review internal controls to safeguard assets and ensure integrity of financial reporting
• Develop risk mitigation strategies, including insurance, hedging, contingency planning, and crisis response
• Advise the Board and Audit & Risk Committees on emerging risks, compliance obligations, and governance best practices
• Develop contingency plans and operational risk management strategies

Procurement & Operations

• Oversee procurement strategy, supplier negotiations, and contract management
• Drive efficiencies and sustainability in procurement practices
• Streamline core operational processes to maximise efficiency and scalability
• Coordinate cross-functional teams to foster agile decision-making and continuous improvement
• Define workforce strategies including talent acquisition, development, and retention
• Lead initiatives in data governance, analytics, and automation as necessary

Essential Qualifications & Experience

• Chartered Accountant qualification with at least 7 years' post-qualified experience (ACA Preferred)
• Strong SME B2B contract-led experience
• Proven experience as a financial number one
• Significant operational experience and involvement

Skills & Attributes

• Strategic thinking with the ability to shape and support organisational strategy
• Strong leadership capabilities with experience managing cross-functional teams
• Excellent stakeholder management and relationship-building skills
• Expertise in financial planning, risk management, and operational efficiency
• Experience in procurement strategy and contract management
• Knowledge of data governance, analytics, and automation
• Strong communication skills with the ability to represent the company externally

Please note: Due to high interest typically received in roles of this nature, only relevant applications will be contacted. If you don't hear back within 7 days of applying for the position, it is likely to have been unsuccessful.

At Gleeson Recruitment Group, we embrace inclusivity and welcome applicants of all backgrounds, experiences, and abilities. We are proud to be a disability confident employer.By applying you will be registered as a candidate with Gleeson Recruitment Limited. Our Privacy Policy is available on our website and explains how we will use your data.