Finance Director - Cold Chain Logistics (M&A Experience)

Our long-term retained MNC client provides high quality storage capacity and ancillary logistics solutions to support the movement of temperature-sensitive and perishable goods throughout the supply chain. With a growing footprint across the GCC cold chain sector they support a diverse portfolio of clients across FMCG & Retail marketplace. They seek an experienced cold chain industry Finance Director with M&A experience to lead its regional finance operations based in Dubai.

This role will play a critical part in shaping financial strategy, optimising performance, and enabling sustainable growth across the UAE and wider GCC. Reporting to the CEO, the Finance Director will serve as a key business partner to the executive team, overseeing financial governance, investment planning, and commercial decision-making in a fast-paced and evolving logistics environment.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Strategy & M&A Leadership

• Drive financial planning, forecasting, and multi-year budgeting aligned with business objectives
• Advise executive leadership on capital allocation, funding, and growth strategies
• Lead financial risk management, treasury operations, and cash flow planning
• Advanced financial modeling & valuation: build/acutely interpret LBO, DCF, accretion/dilution models to price deals and assess returns.
• Due diligence & risk assessment: identify financial, tax, legal, and operational risks and translate findings into deal terms and protections.
• Integration leadership & stakeholder management: plan and drive post‑merger integration (synergies, systems, people) while aligning executives, legal, tax, and external advisors.

Commercial & Operational Finance

• Oversee pricing models, margin analysis, and contract profitability across logistics operations
• Support commercial bids with financial insights, scenario modelling, and investment cases
• Partner with operations to identify cost-saving initiatives and productivity improvements

Financial Control & Compliance

• Ensure robust financial controls, audits, and compliance with IFRS and UAE regulations
• Lead the preparation of timely and accurate financial reports for internal and external stakeholders
• Manage statutory reporting, tax planning, and relationships with external auditors

Team Leadership & Systems

• Lead and develop a high-performing finance team across multiple business units
• Drive finance process automation, ERP optimisation, and data integrity improvements
• Foster a performance-driven culture aligned with organisational values

Qualifications & Experience

• Minimum 12 years experience in finance leadership roles, with at least 5 in logistics or supply chain
• Proven experience within contract logistics, 3PL, or freight forwarding environments
• Strong understanding of GCC financial regulations, tax laws, and commercial frameworks
• Prior exposure to complex cost modelling, contract evaluation, and operational finance
• CPA, ACCA, or CA qualified; MBA preferred
• Based in or willing to relocate to Dubai; fluent in English (Arabic is a plus)