Divisional Finance Director Permanent NEW

Divisional Finance Director – Rail Infrastructure, PE-backed Group, London (with UK travel)

Salary £90-£100k + bonus

This is an opportunity to lead finance for the rail infrastructure division of a fast-growing, private equity-backed group delivering critical work across the UK’s transport and power networks.

The group has a clear ambition to grow beyond £1bn in revenue through organic growth and further acquisitions. As Divisional Finance Director for Rail, you will play a key part in delivering that plan.

Reporting directly to the CFO, you will be the senior finance partner to the divisional Managing Director and leadership team, in a role with genuine visibility across the group. You will help shape commercial decisions, strengthen financial control and support the integration of acquired businesses.

The role suits a hands-on, confident and analytical finance leader who enjoys being close to the operation. Rail work is project and contract-based, and contracts can be complex. You will bring clarity to the numbers, challenge constructively and give both the business and your team confidence in finance.

Based in London, with time at other UK business locations as necessary

Why this role

• A divisional FD position with a direct reporting line to the CFO.
• A seat at the table in a PE-backed group with a clear growth and acquisition strategy.
• Real breadth: complex contracts, bids and tenders, integrations and team leadership.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the finance function for the rail division in a project and contract-based environment.
• Oversee contract accounting and WIP, and influence the Cost Value Reconciliation (CVR) process.
• Own cash-flow forecasting, and lead budgeting, forecasting and performance reporting for the division.
• Prepare the monthly management accounts and reporting packs.
• Manage the balance sheet and provide financial input into rail bids and tenders.
• Get to grips with complex and challenging contracts, identifying commercial risks and opportunities early.
• Act as a trusted business partner to the divisional MD and commercial and operational leaders.
• Provide clear insight and constructive challenge to senior stakeholders, including Business Unit FDs.
• Support the financial and operational integration of newly acquired businesses.
• Strengthen financial controls, reporting and governance across the division.
• Lead and develop a small team of qualified finance professionals, bringing confidence and support.

Key requirements

• Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA or CIMA).
• Solid technical grounding in contract accounting, WIP and CVR, gained in a project or contract-based environment.
• Rail or wider infrastructure experience would be an advantage.
• A track record in fast-paced, operationally complex businesses.
• Strong commercial judgement, with the ability to turn performance data into decisions.
• A confident, analytical and resilient style, with the credibility to challenge at Business Unit FD level.
• Strong business-partnering skills across finance, commercial and operational teams.
• Comfortable combining strategic leadership with a hands-on approach.
• Experience of leading and developing finance teams.
• Exposure to private equity-backed, acquisitive or high-growth businesses would be an advantage.