At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and operational performance for a PE-backed healthcare services business.
- Company: Dynamic healthcare services platform focused on value creation and exit readiness.
- Benefits: Competitive day rate of £1,250-£1,500 and hybrid working options.
- Other info: 6-12 month contract with significant career growth opportunities in a complex environment.
- Why this job: Join at Board level to drive impactful financial leadership and strategic initiatives.
- Qualifications: Proven Interim CFO experience in PE-backed businesses with strong operational improvement skills.
Cedar is partnered with a PE-backed healthcare services business to appoint an Interim Chief Financial Officer. This is a 6-12 month contract offering £1,250-£1,500 per day, based in the Luton area with hybrid working (3-4 days per week in the office).
The role sits at Board level and focuses on value creation, operational performance, exit readiness and financial leadership across an investor-backed services platform, working closely with the CEO, Board and private equity sponsor.
The organisation is a PE-backed healthcare services platform operating within a regulated, operationally intensive environment. Following a period of transformation and financial stabilisation, the business is now focused on EBITDA improvement, operational leverage, enhanced reporting quality and preparation for a future transaction process. Finance plays a central role in supporting both operational performance and strategic decision-making.
The Interim CFO will lead the business through the next phase of value creation and exit preparation, ensuring a commercially focused and investor-ready finance function. Key responsibilities include:
- Leading financial and operational exit readiness, including preparation for future diligence processes
- Partnering with the CEO and PE sponsor on value creation, strategic planning and performance improvement initiatives
- Owning forecasting, budgeting, cashflow management and long-range planning
- Enhancing KPI reporting and management information across margins, cash and operational performance
- Driving EBITDA improvement, working capital optimisation and cost discipline
- Strengthening controls, governance, reporting quality and balance sheet ownership
- Managing lender, investor and external advisor relationships
- Leading the finance function whilst improving collaboration across finance, IT and procurement
Your Profile:
- Proven Interim CFO with experience in PE-backed or investor-led businesses
- Track record supporting PE exits, refinancing processes or transaction events
- Strong experience driving value creation, cash optimisation and operational improvement
- Deep technical grounding across reporting, controls and governance
- Commercially credible with Boards, investors, lenders and advisors
- Hands-on and comfortable operating in complex, service-led environments
The day rate for this Interim CFO role is £1,250-£1,500 per day. The role is based in the Luton area with hybrid working (3-4 days per week in the office). This is a 6-12 month assignment supporting a significant value creation and exit preparation programme within a PE-backed business.
CFO in Luton employer: Cedar Recruitment
Cedar offers an exceptional opportunity for the Interim Chief Financial Officer role, providing a dynamic work environment within a PE-backed healthcare services platform in Luton. With a focus on value creation and operational performance, employees benefit from a collaborative culture that encourages strategic thinking and professional growth, alongside competitive compensation and flexible hybrid working arrangements. This role not only allows for significant impact at the Board level but also positions you at the forefront of transformative financial leadership in a thriving sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land CFO in Luton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance and healthcare sectors. Let them know you're on the lookout for an Interim CFO role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities that aren't advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by brushing up on your financial leadership skills. Be ready to discuss your experience with value creation and operational performance. We want to see you shine when it comes to demonstrating how you've driven EBITDA improvement in past roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to leverage our website! Check out the latest job postings and apply directly through us. It’s a great way to ensure your application gets noticed by the right people.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on industry trends and challenges in the PE-backed healthcare space. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also show potential employers that you're genuinely interested and engaged in the sector.
We think you need these skills to ace CFO in Luton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Interim CFO. Highlight your experience in PE-backed businesses and any relevant achievements in value creation and operational performance. We want to see how you can bring your unique skills to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention specific experiences that align with the job description, especially around financial leadership and exit readiness. Let us know what excites you about this opportunity!
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your past roles, focus on quantifiable achievements. Did you drive EBITDA improvement or enhance reporting quality? We love numbers, so share those metrics that demonstrate your impact in previous positions!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cedar Recruitment
✨Know Your Numbers
As a CFO, you’ll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics relevant to the role, such as EBITDA, cash flow management, and forecasting techniques. Be ready to discuss how you've driven value creation in previous roles.
✨Understand the PE Landscape
Familiarise yourself with private equity dynamics and how they influence business strategy. Be prepared to talk about your experience with PE exits and how you’ve navigated refinancing processes. This will show that you understand the unique challenges and opportunities in a PE-backed environment.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
The role involves working closely with the CEO and Board, so it’s crucial to convey your leadership style. Share examples of how you’ve led finance teams through transformation and operational improvement. Highlight your ability to foster collaboration across departments like IT and procurement.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills in complex environments. Think about past challenges you’ve faced in financial leadership and how you overcame them. This will help you illustrate your hands-on approach and strategic thinking.
