For a few current and prospective mid-market portfolio companies (producing industry / app. €200-400Mio. revenue) in Western-/ Central Europe we are looking for a Chief Financial Officer (m/f/d).

The CFO will have responsibility for leading and managing the company’s financial function. He/she will be a strategic advisor and business partner to the top management team on financial and business issues. As CFO, this person will manage the company’s balance sheet, capital structure, and overall reporting and control processes as well as will be responsible for cash management, control, audit, financial planning and analysis, tax, treasury, accounting. As a key figure within a carve-out the CFO will build up a best-in-class finance organization and implement efficient strategies, processes and structures with a strong strategic and business focus. In conjunction with the CEO, the CFO will be expected to develop and manage the implementation of a pragmatic strategic plan that will continue to improve short-term results as well as position the company for profitable long-term global growth and shareholder value creation. The CFO will be expected to perform his/her duties in a manner that balances strategic thinking with hands-on and engaged operational and functional leadership.

Responsibilities

• Setting Strategy: Work in partnership with the CEO, the senior management team and the investors to drive the growth and performance of the business to achieve maximum value creation. Contribute to the strategic direction of the overall business through the creation and delivery of effective business plans.

• Treasury/Cash Management: Develop financial models to forecast the Company’s cash/liquidity position. (13-week cash flows). Enable corporate strategy through global capital and cash management, treasury operations, and risk management. Manage relationships with banks and credit institutions across the global footprint.

• Financial Reporting & Control: Ensure the accuracy, integrity and timeliness of financial reporting and ensure compliance with any relevant reporting standards. Maintain appropriate internal financial controls and risk management processes across all operations.

• Budgeting & Forecasting: Oversee the budget process, collecting the inputs, and comparing the company’s actual performance against the budgeted targets. Ensure a strong control on costs and cash, whilst continuing to enable the growth of the business including the development of a rolling liquidity plan. Develop a robust forecasting system.

• Financial Analysis & Performance Management: Understand the company’s business model and translate the operational metrics into key performance indicators. Challenge the business plans and ongoing financial performance, and interpreting information quickly to ensure that action is agreed and carried out effectively.

• Growth acceleration: Support the potential identification, assessment, and execution of investment opportunities, including strategic partnerships, acquisitions and divestments. Manage the financial integration of merged or acquired entities and build best-in-class scalable Performance Management systems and processes.

• Financial Relationships & External Relationships: Establish and maintain strong relationships with the investors, providing accurate and relevant analysis which special focus on Free Cashflow, Net Working Capital and EBITDA. Develop banking reporting to present compliance with formal debt agreements (covenants).

• Organization Leadership: Recruit, assess, develop, and lead talent in finance as well as across the business to build a world-class organization and deliver business results. Ensure there is a comprehensive and effective succession and talent management strategy within the finance organization.

Qualifications required

CFO Leadership: Finance executive with more than 15 years of experience in a producing industry and a proven track record in finance, accounting, controlling and M&A processes, including post-merger integration and financing. Proven experience as CFO in a mid-sized company with min. €200Mio. revenue.

Industrial and International Background: Experience in the industrial manufacturing sector within a global organization. Ideally track record in cross-culture and cross-country working.

Private Equity Experience: Experience in a Private Equity environment with a proven track record of successful sponsor interactions. Carve-Out experience is considered a plus.

Educational Background: Excellent academic background, successfully completed Master’s or Ph.D. degree in Business Administration or Economics. Fluent in English, German is a plus.

Further capabilities:

• Commercially minded and technically highly qualified CFO with excellent analytical skills.
• Combining strategic vision and strategic thinking with excellence in operational execution.
• Strong business acumen.
• Strong drive for performance – sets and executes stretch targets.
• Demonstrates a sense of urgency and instills this in others – values speed of action.
• Commitment to quality and compliance.
• Capability to influence different stakeholders by demonstrating competence and confidence, being a good listener, using fact-based persuasion, dedication and persistence as appropriate to the audience.
• Ability to develop valuable collaborations and build strong relations within a complex environment.
• Ability to develop team members and generate high performance results.
• Fostering teamwork and collaboration with the broader team; excellent communication skills, positive can-do attitude.
• High energy level; ability to drive an organization and to create passion and inspiration.

Please apply online including all relevant application documents and stating your earliest possible starting date and salary expectation.