Designation - Finance Manager : Commercial & Business Partnering
We are looking for a commercially focused Finance Manager to act as a key business partner across our logistics operations, including warehousing, transportation, open yard, freight, and customs.
This role goes beyond traditional finance. The focus is on driving performance, improving margins, and supporting decision-making across the business. The position holder will work closely with the CEO and operational teams to translate financial data into clear actions that improve profitability and efficiency.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Commercial Finance & Business Partnering
- Act as a finance partner to operations, commercial, and senior leadership teams
- Support pricing decisions, contract structuring, and commercial negotiations
- Analyse customer and product profitability and drive actions to improve margins
- Build financial models for new opportunities, tenders, and investments
- Challenge assumptions and provide clear financial guidance on business decisions
Performance Management & Analysis
- Lead monthly performance reviews across business units (warehousing, transport, freight, open yard)
- Provide clear insight into revenue, gross margin, and cost drivers
- Develop and track KPIs linked to utilisation, efficiency, and profitability
- Deliver practical recommendations to improve financial and operational performance
Budgeting, Forecasting & Planning
- Lead the annual budgeting process and rolling forecasts
- Develop scenario planning models (volume, pricing, cost changes)
- Monitor performance against budget and drive corrective actions
- Support strategic planning and long-term business growth initiatives
Cost Control & Operational Finance
- Work closely with operations teams to understand cost drivers across the business
- Identify and implement cost-saving and efficiency opportunities
- Improve visibility of cost allocations and ensure alignment with operational reality
- Support initiatives to optimise warehouse utilisation and transport efficiency
Cash Flow & Working Capital
- Monitor cash flow, working capital, and liquidity
- Support strong credit control and collections performance
- Work with stakeholders to improve cash conversion and reduce exposure
Financial Reporting & Controls
- Oversee monthly reporting and ensure accuracy of financial data
- Maintain appropriate financial controls and governance
- Support audit and compliance requirements where required
Team Leadership
- Lead and develop the finance team
- Set clear expectations and build a performance-driven culture
- Improve capability within the team, particularly in commercial and analytical skills
Stakeholder Engagement
- Work directly with the CEO and senior leadership team
- Partner closely with operations, transport, and commercial teams
- Act as a bridge between finance and the wider business
Note: This does not exclude any specific duties, if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position. The position holder is expected to be flexible to take up such responsibilities as and when needed.
Job Specific Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Strong commercial mindset with a focus on profitability and performance.
- Ability to translate financial data into clear, actionable insight.
- Confident working with senior stakeholders and willing to challenge decisions.
- Strong financial modelling and analytical capability.
- Hands-on, practical approach with a willingness to engage in day-to-day operations.
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
- Logistics or supply chain experience in the GCC, with familiarity with UAE VAT and customs, preferred.
Qualification & Experience:
Qualification:
- CIMA / ACCA (with strong commercial experience) preferred.
- MBA or equivalent is a plus. (Note: CA / audit-only backgrounds without commercial experience are unlikely to be suitable.)
Experience & Knowledge:
- 6–10 years experience in finance, with strong exposure to commercial finance or management accounting.
- Proven experience in business partnering and influencing decision-making at senior level.
- Experience in logistics, supply chain, or a related operational environment is preferred.
- Strong commercial instincts with the ability to link financial analysis to operational decisions.
Driving License: Will be advantage
