Director of Finance

Penna; Luton; On-site; GBP 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Luton Rising is seeking an exceptional Director of Finance to lead the finance, aviation, risk and audit functions, reporting to the Managing Director. The role shapes funding strategies, governance and financial resilience to support growth and maximise value for Luton Borough Council and the community.

The successful candidate will join the Executive Leadership Team, influence at board level, and drive transformation while delivering broader social and economic impact.

Qualifications

• Is a qualified accountant and member of a CCAB professional body.
• Has a strong track record in senior financial leadership and organisational transformation.
• Brings commercial acumen and strategic insight.
• Can influence at Board level and build strong stakeholder relationships.
• Has experience leading teams through growth and change.
• Combines financial excellence with a commitment to delivering wider social and economic impact.

Responsibilities

• Lead Finance, Aviation, Risk and Audit functions across the organisation.
• Provide strategic financial, commercial and governance leadership.
• Drive financial resilience, sustainable growth and value for the shareholder.
• Shape investment decisions, funding and treasury strategy, and commercial partnerships.
• Oversee airport concession performance, risk management and future infrastructure development.

Skills

CCAB member

Qualified accountant

Senior financial leadership

Strategic business partner

Stakeholder engagement

Job description

Luton Rising is a unique organisation with a commercial focus and a public purpose. As the owner of London Luton Airport and other strategic assets, we're driving growth, investment and economic opportunity for Luton and its communities. With significant expansion ambitions ahead, we're looking for an exceptional finance leader to help shape our future.

As Director of Finance, you will be a key member of the Executive Leadership Team, providing strategic financial, commercial and governance leadership across the organisation. Reporting to the Managing Director, you will lead our Finance, Aviation, Risk and Audit functions, ensuring financial resilience, supporting sustainable growth and maximising value for our shareholder, Luton Borough Council.

You will play a pivotal role in major investment decisions, funding and treasury strategy, commercial partnerships, airport concession performance, risk management and future infrastructure development.

We're looking for someone who:

• Is a qualified accountant and member of a CCAB professional body
• Has a strong track record in senior financial leadership and organisational transformation
• Brings commercial acumen and strategic insight
• Can influence at Board level and build strong stakeholder relationships
• Has experience leading teams through growth and change
• Combines financial excellence with a commitment to delivering wider social and economic impact.

This is a rare opportunity to lead finance at the heart of one of the UK's most ambitious growth and regeneration organisations.