Finance Director UKIRE

Do you want to be a valued part of the critical infrastructure that serves communities across Europe and beyond? Are you looking for a position in which you can set direction and help shape our company? If so, then you could be the newest addition to our team as a Finance Director for the UK & IRE. Be part of the movement - and play your part. About the role We are seeking a commercially minded and strategic finance leader to oversee the finance organisation across the UK & Ireland region, supporting both Logistics and Ferry operations. As part of a region generating over £1bn in annual revenue, you will play a pivotal role in shaping financial performance and ensuring the continued strength of our financial governance framework. Alongside strong commercial partnership, the role carries significant responsibility for local statutory compliance, tax governance, and ensuring the integrity of financial controls across all UK & Ireland entities. In this role, you will partner closely with regional management teams to ensure strong financial governance, deliver accurate and timely reporting, and provide insights that support operational and commercial decision‑making. You will play a key role in driving financial performance, improving processes, and supporting continued business growth. DFDS’ UK & Ireland operations centre on stable North Sea and Channel freight services and a solid UK & Ireland logistics business, supported by major warehousing operations. The company is driving network optimisation and rolling out 147 electric trucks in the UK as part of its commitment to greener, more efficient logistics. Operating in a complex, high‑stakes environment, DFDS balances turnaround initiatives, sustainability investments, pricing discipline, and strong financial governance within a robust UK tax and compliance framework. This role places you at the heart of that strategy, ensuring financial precision while supporting transformation across a dynamic and evolving business as well as leading a large, multi-site finance team. You will be responsible for Leading tax planning, compliance, and reporting activities across the region, ensuring timely and accurate submissions and effective management of UK tax obligations. Partnering with regional operational leadership to provide financial insights, support decision-making, and drive performance improvements. Overseeing payroll governance and ensuring compliant, efficient payroll operations across all UK & Ireland sites. Ensuring full statutory compliance across all UK & Ireland legal entities, including annual accounts, audits, and regulatory reporting. Overseeing robust financial governance, internal controls, and risk management frameworks to meet UK regulatory and group standards. Driving continuous improvement initiatives within the finance organisation, enhancing systems, processes, and collaboration with the wider DFDS Group. Leading, developing, and supporting a team of 4–6 direct reports and a wider finance team of 25–30 colleagues across multiple UK & Ireland locations. About you You are an experienced and commercially focused finance leader with a strong background in the logistics sector and a proven ability to operate in complex, multi-site organisations. With at least 10 years of experience in a senior finance leadership role, you bring the confidence and credibility required to support and influence senior stakeholders while driving financial performance across a fast-paced operational environment. ACA or ACCA qualified and holding a relevant financial degree, you combine strong technical expertise with strategic thinking and a hands-on approach to leadership. You have a proven track record of managing and developing finance teams across multiple locations, ensuring high standards of financial governance while fostering a collaborative and high-performing culture. You are comfortable balancing multiple priorities and projects simultaneously, maintaining a clear focus on delivering results while supporting business growth and operational excellence. With strong stakeholder management skills, you are confident engaging with demanding stakeholders, providing clear financial insights, and contributing to informed decision-making at a senior level We think the strongest teams are built on diversity and inclusivity. Contrasting opinions, varied skills and strong characters bring out the best in us all. And we cannot wait for you to join. Working at DFDS Join the movement and grow with us. Now about what we can give you. You’ll be able to access some fantastic benefits such as: Life assurance cover Contributory company pension scheme Holiday Purchase Scheme Free ferry travel for up to 4 guests between Dover and Calais / Newcastle and Amsterdam with no limit on trips Full employee assistance programme including: Proactive financial, emotional, mental, and physical health care support including face to face counselling, fast 24/7 access to a GP, a second medical opinion and legal support for colleagues and their family. Huge range of retail discounts from high street and online retailers Cashback on health care including dental, optical, physiotherapy, prescriptions, specialist consultations and much more. Access to myStrength, our Wellbeing platform, which has plenty of content to support and improve your mental wellness needs. Access to mental health first aid and opportunity to join support webinars with a focus on all areas of positive wellbeing. While you’re with us, we want you to develop. At DFDS, we believe that development happens first and foremost through activities in the workplace. We will also offer training courses that can support you in your role, if needed. Are we a match? Then what are you waiting for? Apply Now. If you think your personality, skills, experience, and desire match this role, we’d love to hear from you. Please send us your CV as soon as possible, as we’re keen to meet potential candidates on an ongoing basis. We look forward to hearing from you. #LI-AT1