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Finance Director

Oxford Permanent View Job Description
Michael Page are proud to be working on an exclusive retained basis with HydraB. A fast-growing group of green tech businesses predominately focused on Hydrogen and transport decarbonisation. This is a business-critical role in the next stage of it's journey. You will take ownership of the finance function by driving commercial information for strategic decision-making, improving processes and controls and on-boarding any acquisitions via M&A.
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  • Fast-paced ambitious Energy Transition business
  • Inspirational Finance Director role in a fast growing company

About Our Client

HydraB is the holding company innovating power-as-a-service solutions at the forefront of energy transition. Their companies are accelerating the transition to Net Zero, delivering a seamless ecosystem across the value chain. The group holding company principally exists of three "Road to Zero" companies, including Ryze Power, Hygen and Wrightbus. 

HydraB was founded by Jo Bamford to act as his investment holding company for net zero businesses. In addition, Jo founded HYCAP, a net zero private equity fund in 2021, bringing in other LP investors.

Wrightbus, the most established business within the HydraB/ HYCAP group, is a Northern Irish based bus manufacturer founded in 1946, which is now one of the fastest growing large manufacturing companies in Europe. It has been owned by the HydraB holding company since 2019. It is the only British manufacturer that makes both single and double deck battery and fuel cell electric buses.

The business is creating more green economy UK jobs across the UK-centric supply chain for its zero-emission buses.

Hygen is a leading developer, producer and asset owner of low-carbon hydrogen production facilities in the UK and Europe, focusing on the decarbonisation of mobility, hard-to-electrify industries and power.The third business, Ryze, distributes net zero fuel solutions to fleet users and owns one of the UK's largest fleet of hydrogen tube trailers. 

Job Description

As the inspirational Finance Director reporting directly to the COO/CFO, this role will support a portfolio of businesses within the Group. As portfolio business scale up and grow you will be instrumental, providing commercial insights and future-proofing the finance function by improving processes and controls. As a leader you will be comfortable in a fast-paced entrepreneurial business environment where change and growth are the only constants.

Commercial:

  • Act as a Finance Business Partner, providing support and challenge to the finance leads in each group business.
  • Co-ordinate the preparation and review of the business forecasts, budgets and 5 Year plans to ensure they are robust, balanced and aligned to strategy before they are presented to the Board.
  • Review business investment proposals, evaluating opportunities and risk to help inform Board level strategic decision making.
  • Oversee the preparation of ad-hoc reports to support business projects and initiatives as required.
  • As part of SMT attend regular meetings with key stakeholders in the business.



Financial processes and controls:

  • Review the monthly management reporting, KPI and Board packs used to track and measure business performance for presentation to the COO/CFO.
  • Maintain a view of cash flow across the group and manage working capital to ensure sustainability, identifying mid to long term financing requirements.
  • Review the month and year-end management accounts for accuracy and consistency.
  • Build relationships with banking and other funding partners.
  • Focus on maintaining accounting policies and procedures across the group, including transfer pricing and intercompany policies.
  • Develop and oversee the implementation of the company's financial systems, controls and procedures while spearheading new initiatives to improve these.
  • Manage and develop the Financial Accounting team ensuring all financial transactions are properly recorded and reported within a timely month, and year end close.
  • Be the key point of contact for audit liaison, working closely with the Finance Manager.
  • Work with the businesses and legal to ensure appropriate levels of insurance are in place and maintained across the group.

The Successful Applicant

As a senior finance professional with a positive and aspirational nature, you should have the following qualities:

  • Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA), with both commercial and good technical knowledge and a minimum 5 years' experience at a senior level.
  • Commercial mindset and excellent analytical skills, with solid critical thinking and judgement to support strategic decision-making.
  • Results-oriented with a desire to drive strategic and commercial outcomes.
  • Strong planning and organisational skills, plus excellent attention to detail.
  • Strong collaboration and communication skills.
  • Demonstrable leadership skills.
  • Commutable distance to the office location in Oxford.

What's on Offer

A great opportunity to join a multi-business organisation within the first stages of scale-up.

  • A competitive base salary depending on experience.
  • A comprehensive benefits package, including an excellent bonus scheme, PMI, Life assurance and pension scheme.
  • A supportive and inclusive company culture.
  • The opportunity to lead a critical department in a thriving business.



If you are looking for a rewarding and challenging role as a Finance Director in a fast growing company, we encourage you to apply today.

Contact
Richard Hailey
Quote job ref
JN-052024-6412879
Phone number
+44 779 080 3655

Job summary

Job function
Accounting
Subsector
Financial Director / CFO
Sector
Business Services
Location
Oxford
Contract type
Permanent
Consultant name
Richard Hailey
Consultant phone
+44 779 080 3655
Job reference
JN-052024-6412879