About the Role
We are seeking an experienced and forward‑thinking Finance Director to serve as the strategic financial partner to the Business Unit Managing Director, direct reporting line will be to the Group CFO. This is a pivotal leadership role responsible for shaping business strategy, guiding commercial decision‑making, and driving long‑term financial performance.
As Finance Director, you will bring insight, challenge, and strategic foresight to the leadership team, ensuring decisions are financially robust, risk‑aware, and aligned with enterprise goals.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
Partner closely with the Business Unit Managing Director to influence and shape business strategy through commercial insight and robust financial analysis.
Lead the financial planning, forecasting, and long‑range strategic planning processes, ensuring alignment with business objectives and growth ambitions.
Provide forward‑looking financial perspective on market trends, competitive dynamics, and business risks and opportunities.
Business Partnering
Act as the primary financial adviser to the leadership team, challenging assumptions and guiding decision‑making across commercial, operational, and strategic initiatives.
Translate complex financial information into clear insights that drive action and improve business outcomes.
Support evaluation of new business opportunities, strategic partnerships, and investment cases, ensuring sound financial assessment and value creation.
Performance Management
Lead the financial review cadence for the Business Unit, ensuring strong performance management, early identification of issues, and proactive course‑correction.
Own delivery of financial commitments, including revenue growth, profitability, cash flow, and return on investment.
Drive continuous improvement in forecasting accuracy, cost discipline, and operational efficiency.
Governance, Risk & Controls
Ensure strong financial governance, compliance, risk management, and alignment with corporate financial policies.
Provide oversight of financial controls, ensuring transparency and integrity in financial reporting.
Support delivery of audit requirements and statutory obligations.
Leadership & Team Development
Lead, develop, and inspire a high‑performing finance team, fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, and business partnership.
Build capability across FP&A, commercial finance, and operational finance to support the strategic needs of the Business Unit.
Qualifications & Experience
Proven track record as Finance Director, Senior Finance Business Partner, or equivalent senior leadership role in a complex organisation.
Strong commercial acumen and demonstrable experience influencing strategic decisions.
Extensive experience in financial planning, analysis, and strategic modelling.
A background in manufacturing, engineering, industrial products, or similar sectors (preferred but not essential).
Systems experience, familiar with ERP’s, ideally some level of systems implementation experience.
Professional accounting qualification (e.g., ACA, ACCA, CIMA) or equivalent.
Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to influence and challenge at Executive level.
What We’re Looking For
We are looking for a Finance Director who is:
Strategic – can look beyond the numbers and shape the future direction of the business.
Commercial – understands what drives value and can influence business outcomes.
Collaborative – builds strong relationships and is a trusted adviser to senior leaders.
Insight‑led – provides meaningful analysis, not just reporting.
Forward‑thinking – anticipates risks, identifies opportunities, and drives change.
Why Join Us?
This is a high‑impact, senior leadership role with the opportunity to shape the trajectory of a major business unit. You will work closely with an ambitious leadership team, influence critical decisions, and play a central role in driving growth and long‑term value creation.
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Additional InformationWhat could you accomplish in a place that puts People First?
At Wabtec, it’s not just about a job - it’s about the impact you make. When our people come together, we’re Expanding the Possible by continuously improving what we do and how we do it - for our clients and each other.
If you’re ready to revolutionize how the world moves for future generations, Wabtec is the place for you.
Who are we?
Wabtec is a leading global provider of equipment, systems, digital solutions, and value-added services for the freight and transit rail sectors. Drawing on more than 150 years of experience, we are leading the way in safety, efficiency, reliability, innovation, and productivity. Whether it’s freight, transit, ports, logistics, mining, industrial, or marine, our expertise, technologies, and people together – are accelerating the future of transportation. With roots that date back to George Westinghouse, Thomas Edison, and Louis Faiveley, Wabtec has always built technologies and implemented solutions for a variety of sectors that are critical to meeting the needs of customers and governments alike.
Our global team of about 30,000 employees worldwide delivers performance that moves the world forward. We’re lifelong learners, obsessed with better. Learn more at www.WabtecCorp.com.
Culture powers us and the possibilities.
We believe the best ideas come from a mix of experiences and backgrounds. At Wabtec, we strive every day to create a place where everyone belongs. We’re building a culture where leadership, inclusion and your unique perspective fuel progress.
We’re proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome talent of all backgrounds, experiences, and identities, including race, gender, age, disability, veteran status and more.
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