Financial Director

Blair West is supporting a high-performing, founder-led business in the North East with the appointment of its first Finance Director. Reporting directly to the Founder, the successful candidate will initially develop the existing finance function. In the medium term, with incoming private equity investment, the FD will play a central role in a buy-and-build strategy, driving growth through M&A and the development of new service lines. The opportunity:

• Develop and build out the finance function as the Group's first senior finance hire.
• Own the monthly management accounts and board pack, raising the quality and depth of reporting.
• Lead cash flow management.
• Lead budgeting and forecasting, and take oversight of payroll.
• Sit on the leadership team that evaluates M&A and investment opportunities and shapes Group strategy.
• Run financial due diligence on acquisition targets and lead their integration.
• Act as the main finance point of contact for the incoming investor and Board members.
• Develop new finance and operational systems, including building AI capability.
• Work with department managers on cost control, resourcing and commercial insight.
• Redesign processes so the business can scale efficiently. You'll be the ideal candidate for this position if you've:
• Senior finance leadership experience in an owner-managed, multi-site or PE-backed business.
• A track record of producing board-level reporting and establishing robust financial controls.
• Experience of building or significantly developing a finance function, ideally from a low base
• A hands-on approach and low ego.
• Strong systems and process improvement experience, including implementing new finance systems.
• Exposure to M&A, due diligence, investment appraisal or post-acquisition integration (desirable rather than essential).
• Experience of working alongside private equity investors (an advantage).
• The commercial confidence to challenge and support a founder, and to partner effectively with non-finance stakeholders.
• A collaborative, values-led leadership style suited to a people-focused, quality-driven business. The benefits included with this opportunity:
• Potential equity involvement for the right candidate.
• Hybrid working across the North East. Our commitment