Finance Director

Job purpose:

dnata UK Airport Operations is seeking a strategic and collaborative Finance Director to lead our UK Finance function. This Key role partners with the UK (exco and wider UK business) and HQ / corporate functions to shape and deliver on all strategic and tactical matters related to finance, including budget management, cost benefit analysis and calculations, forecasting, cash management and the development of new projects to align with our values and business goals.

As Finance Director you will report directly to the Managing Director UK and may be required to serve as company secretary. You will oversee the day-to-day finance functions covering finance, treasury, invoicing, internal control, audit, taxes and insurance whilst ensuring appropriate controls and governance is in place. You will be responsible for the delivery of timely and accurate management accounting and reporting as well as delivering financial information at local and group level.

What we do: dnata is one of the world's largest air and travel services providers; offering ground handling, cargo, travel and catering & retail services at over 130 airports in more than 30 countries across six continents. At dnata, we are by your side for the entire travel experience.

dnata within the UK offers passenger, ramp, Cargo and transport handling solutions to a number of the world's most prestigious airlines. dnata handles 13 million passengers, almost 25,000 turns and over 650,000 tonnes of cargo annually, at six of the UK's major Airports.

Our more than 2,800 employees each receive training of the highest standard and wear the dnata uniform with pride. We deliver the promises you make to your customers through the provision of flexible solutions for passenger, and ramp handling that keep your customers moving.

Job Requirements: 

• Represent the company to the Board of Directors and serve as Company Secretary
• Lead financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and long-term business strategy
• Drive business performance through insightful financial analysis and reporting
• Manage capital expenditure and strategic investments, advising executive leadership and the Board

• Oversee rolling forecasts, proactively identifying risks and implementing mitigation strategies
• Manage working capital, including cash flow forecasting and funding requirements.
• Ensure accurate billing and receivables through strong financial customer relationship management
• Implement and maintain local governance frameworks and internal controls in line with dnata policies
• Lead regular risk assessments and ensure mitigation strategies are reviewed and actioned

• Build and maintain relationships with dnata and Emirates Group functions (Treasury, Audit, Commercial, Finance)

• Manage external banking relationships to secure competitive financing solutions
• Oversee supplier contract approvals and ensure compliance with financial policies
• Partner with commercial teams to develop customer proposals and negotiation strategies

• Lead and develop the UK finance team (around 20 headcount) with a focus on succession planning and talent management

• Promote dnata's Vision, Mission, and Values across all finance functions
• Actively contribute to the global “One dnata” finance community, driving process improvements

• Conduct regular station visits to enhance operational understanding and lead efficiency initiatives
• Identify and implement technologies and policies that support effective business management

What We're Looking For:

• 10+ years of progressively responsible finance experience for a major company or division of a large corporation
• A recognised professional accounting qualification to the standard of Chartered Accountant /CPA
• Demonstrated experience of navigating complex global matrix structures
• Fully conversant and up-to-date with all aspects of financial UK law incl. tax and best practice
• Strong commercial awareness and financial impact awareness.
• You demonstrate strong leadership, negotiation and communication skills and act as a team player as well as business partner with internal and external stakeholders
• You have the ability to exercise a sound decision-making, a proactive initiative-taking and the promotion of change
• Fluent in English and has the legal right to live and work in UK
• Advanced in the use of MS Office applications and financial systems

You'll have the edge if you have:

• In depth industry knowledge of both Ground Handling and Cargo operations