Interim Finance Director

This interim Finance Director engagement sits at the heart of a fast-growing, entrepreneurially run commodities trading group that operates with substantial capital flows through its platform. The business is backed by an institutional asset management investor and is targeting significant growth over the near term. The incoming FD will take ownership of the finance function and work closely with the CEO, Board and investment partner to strengthen controls, governance and reporting.

The role requires a commercially sharp, hands-on senior finance leader who has operated in high-growth SME or entrepreneurial environments, ideally with exposure to commodities, manufacturing, FMCG, distribution or other operationally intensive sectors. The successful candidate will bring credibility at Board level while being comfortable rolling up their sleeves across cash management, forecasting, risk and team capability building.

• Provide immediate senior financial leadership to the CEO, Board and shareholders, including clear reporting and insight.
• Assess the existing finance function, identify gaps and strengthen controls, governance and risk frameworks.
• Maintain rigorous oversight of cash, liquidity, working capital and balance sheet management.
• Improve the quality and timeliness of financial and management reporting, forecasting and scenario planning.
• Partner with commercial and operational teams to improve performance, profitability and capital efficiency.
• Build team capability within the finance function and support the CEO and Board on strategic decision-making.

• Significant CFO or Finance Director experience within an SME, entrepreneurial or high-growth business.
• Demonstrated track record delivering interim or transformation assignments successfully.
• Background in commodities, manufacturing, FMCG, distribution, logistics or a similarly operationally intensive sector.
• Strong expertise in financial controls, governance frameworks, cash management and working capital optimisation.
• Experience providing financial leadership to CEOs, Boards and sophisticated institutional investors.
• Hands-on approach with the confidence and credibility to operate effectively in a fast-moving entrepreneurial environment.

Baker Charles is a specialist executive search and interim management firm focused on placing senior finance, commercial and operational leaders. The firm partners with high-growth businesses and institutional-backed groups to identify and deploy experienced executives on both permanent and interim mandates.