Finance Director

Overview

The Ocean Cleanup is seeking a Finance Director to lead scaling, improve financial processes, and drive strategic decision-making through data and insight. The mission is to develop technology to rid the world’s oceans of plastic. This is a full-time role based in Rotterdam, Netherlands.

Posted: 17 September 2025

Starting date: As soon as possible

Location: Rotterdam, Netherlands

The Assignment

As Finance Director you will lead the finance team and be responsible for strengthening financial operations, managing risk, and enabling data-driven decisions. You will lead initiatives in business process improvement, digital transformation, FP&A development, and financial controls, corporate risk management, while supporting the organization’s scale-up journey—including international expansion, commercial partnerships, and navigating complex financial structures. This role requires a proven finance leader who is hands-on, thrives in ambiguity, and can navigate maturing processes and complex stakeholder environments with a strong sense of ownership and integrity.

The Financial Director reports to the CFO, who carries broad responsibilities to lead the internal organization as well as our enabling functions (Finance, People & Organization, Legal, Data & IT, Supply Chain and Quality, Health and Safety).

Responsibilities

• Partner with the CFO to shape and execute financial strategy, while leading core financial processes including financial planning, forecasting, and budgeting with a focus on impact and sustainability.
• Support the organization’s global growth by developing scalable financial processes, ensuring compliance with international regulations, leading financial integration of new entities, and managing risks related to international expansion.
• Mature the FP&A function by implementing scalable forecasting, scenario planning, and performance tracking tools, establishing KPIs and dashboards, and aligning financial plans with operational goals to support strategic growth.
• Oversee global tax strategy, compliance, audits, and internal controls to ensure transparency, accountability, and risk mitigation.
• Design and implement governance frameworks to support financial integrity across all processes and entities.
• Serve as a strategic partner to commercial, operational, and program teams by offering financial insights for pricing, negotiations, and partnerships, while leading financial aspects of contracts and building cross-departmental collaboration to align planning with business goals.

Professional Qualifications

• Higher degree or qualifications (RC or equivalent is a plus).
• Proven experience in a senior finance leadership role (10+ years), ideally with experience scaling an organization.
• Strong track record in FP&A, team leadership, risk management, tax strategy, financial controls, and digital transformation.
• Experience managing international finance operations, including multi-entity structures, global compliance, and cross-border transactions.
• Exceptional stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence and communicate across levels.
• Expertise in financial reporting, impact analysis, and decision support.
• Experience in international finance, grant management, or non-profit sector is a plus.
• Knowledge of Dutch GAAP, IFRS, US GAAP.

Personal Qualities

• Strong Work Ethic & Commitment – Demonstrates reliability, accountability, and dedication to the mission.
• Comfortable operating in ambiguity and driving clarity in evolving contexts.
• Hands-on approach with a strategic mindset and operational rigor.
• Able to say “no” when needed, while maintaining positive relationships and a service-oriented mindset.
• Empathetic & Collaborative – Builds trust across teams and fosters a culture of transparency and accountability.
• Demonstrates high ethical standards and a commitment to responsible financial management.

Additional Details

• Starting date: As soon as possible
• Location: Rotterdam, The Netherlands
• Pre-employment check is part of the recruitment process.
• The Ocean Cleanup is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes diverse applicants, including requests for accommodations.