Finance Lead

Thurrock Council; Thurrock; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A progressive local government in Thurrock is seeking a Finance Lead for Capital Projects & Freeport. The successful candidate will oversee financial operations for high-profile projects, including the Thames Freeport initiative, working closely with senior leaders and stakeholders. Requirements include a CCAB/CIMA qualification and experience in managing capital programmes. This role offers a unique opportunity to influence economic growth and sustainable development.

Qualifications

• Qualified finance professional preferably with CCAB/CIMA.
• Experience in the public sector is ideal.
• Strong analytical and business planning skills required.

Responsibilities

• Lead financial support for capital projects, focusing on Freeport.
• Manage relationships with stakeholders ensuring strong financial controls.
• Review business cases and prepare insightful reports.

Skills

Experience in managing capital programmes

Understanding in investment appraisals

Strong financial planning

Analytical skills

Confidence to influence and advise

Education

CCAB/CIMA qualification

Job description

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Finance Lead – Capital Projects & Freeport

Job title – Finance Lead, FreePort and Capital Projects

Directorate – Corporate Finance

Responsible to – Strategic Finance Manager

Help shape the financial future of one of the most ambitious councils in the country. Thurrock Council is on a transformation journey—rebuilding their finance function to be Best in Class. They are looking for a forward-thinking, commercially aware Finance Lead to take the reins on their most high-profile capital programmes, including the groundbreaking Thurrock Freeport project.

Thames Freeport is a dynamic economic zone in the Thames Estuary, backed by Government to drive investment, innovation, and regeneration in the region. Partnering with major ports and local councils, it offers a unique opportunity to be part of the UK’s journey to Net Zero and inclusive economic growth.

With over £4.5bn in planned investment, Thames Freeport will create thousands of high-quality jobs, support skills development, and foster innovation. Be part of a transformative initiative that connects local communities to new sustainable growth and global trade.

The Role

This is a career-defining role for a finance professional who thrives on strategic influence, complex challenges, and delivering real impact.

Reporting to the Head of Financial Strategy and Planning, you’ll lead the financial oversight of capital and major projects, ensuring sound governance, effective planning, and value for money across all areas.

You’ll work closely with senior leaders, Cabinet, partners and stakeholders—providing robust financial advice, developing business cases, managing grant and funding streams, and ensuring compliance with government guidance. The Freeport initiative in particular is a unique opportunity to be part of a nationally significant economic programme.

What you’ll be doing

• Lead financial support and business partnering for capital and major projects, with a focus on Freeport funding, governance, and monitoring.
• Manage relationships across departments and external bodies to ensure strong financial controls and informed decision-making.
• Review and sign off HM Treasury compliant business cases, advise on funding agreements, and prepare clear, insightful reports for internal and external stakeholders.
• Monitor expenditure, retained business rates, and grant-funded investments to ensure compliance and effective financial risk management.
• Champion best practice, continuous improvement, and high performance across the finance team.

What you’ll bring

We’re seeking a qualified finance professional (CCAB/CIMA) with:

• Experience in managing or supporting capital programmes, ideally in the public sector.
• Understanding and experience in investment appraisals, Business rates and treasury.
• Strong financial planning, business partnering, and analytical skills.
• Confidence to influence, advise and engage at senior levels, including with Members.
• A values-led approach with a commitment to collaboration, accountability, and delivering results.

If you would like to have a confidential conversation about this opportunity, please reach out to our recruitment partners at MLC Partners. To apply, please submit your CV and a personal statement in Word format, outlining your motivation for applying and demonstrating how your skills and experience align with the specific requirements of the role.

For an informal discussion, you are welcome to contact Thomas Porter directly at 07951795790 or via email at [e-mail].

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Finance

• Industries

  Government Administration

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