At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and reporting for a fast-growing Life Sciences manufacturing business.
- Company: Dynamic advanced manufacturing firm with strong growth and PE transaction potential.
- Benefits: Flexible fractional role, competitive compensation, and opportunity to shape finance function.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team focused on professionalising finance in a fast-paced environment.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact in a pivotal role preparing for private equity investment.
- Qualifications: Experienced CFO with a background in advanced manufacturing and PE transactions.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 € per year.
Fractional CFO (2/3 days a week)
Location: London / Kent
Industry: Complex Manufacturing business in the Life Science sector
A fast-growing advanced manufacturing business serving the Life Sciences sector, with EBITDA of sub-£10m, is preparing for a near-term private equity transaction. The business benefits from strong commercial momentum, long-term customer relationships, and a differentiated manufacturing capability; however, the finance function requires significant professionalisation to meet PE-grade standards.
The shareholders are seeking an experienced Fractional CFO to work closely with the CEO, senior leadership team, and external advisors to elevate financial reporting, implement robust systems and controls, and support transaction preparation and execution.
The Fractional CFO will take ownership of the end-to-end finance agenda, acting as a strategic partner to the CEO and a key interface with prospective private equity investors, advisors, and the board. This is a hands-on role combining strategic leadership with operational delivery, focused on introducing financial rigour, transparency, and decision-making insight within a historically founder-led environment. The CFO will play a critical role in producing PE-quality financial information, upgrading systems and processes, and ensuring full readiness for diligence and post-transaction ownership.
- Partner with the CEO to develop and deliver a clear financial strategy aligned to growth, margin optimisation, capacity utilisation, and exit objectives.
- Provide commercial insight across manufacturing operations, including product profitability, pricing strategy, cost of goods, yield, and overhead absorption.
- Support decision-making around capital investment, automation, tooling, and scaling production capacity in a regulated Life Sciences environment.
- Lead financial readiness for a private equity transaction, working closely with corporate finance, tax, legal, and financial due diligence advisors.
- Professionalise the finance function through systems implementation (ERP/MRP as relevant), strengthened financial controls, cashflow discipline, and development of a PE-ready finance team.
Experienced CFO / FD / Fractional CFO with a strong track record supporting PE-backed or PE-bound businesses. Background in advanced manufacturing, engineered products, Life Sciences supply chain, or regulated industrial environments strongly preferred. Proven experience leading finance function professionalisation, systems implementation, and reporting upgrades in growing SMEs. Hands-on transaction experience, including sell-side PE processes and financial due diligence. Strong commercial and operational mindset, with the ability to partner founders, engineers, and non-finance stakeholders. Comfortable operating in imperfect, fast-scaling environments and building structure at pace. ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent professionally qualified.
Commercial CFO in City of London employer: Finatal
Join a dynamic and fast-growing advanced manufacturing business in the Life Sciences sector, where your expertise as a Fractional CFO will be pivotal in shaping financial strategies and driving operational excellence. With a strong emphasis on professional development, a collaborative work culture, and the opportunity to engage directly with senior leadership and private equity stakeholders, this role offers a unique chance to make a significant impact in a thriving environment. Located in London/Kent, you will benefit from a vibrant business community and access to a network of industry leaders, ensuring both personal and professional growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial CFO in City of London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join relevant groups on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a great opportunity.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their financial challenges and think about how your experience as a Fractional CFO can help them. Tailor your answers to show you’re not just a fit for the role, but for their specific needs.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Do mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your pitch. Focus on articulating your strategic vision and operational insights clearly, especially how you can elevate their finance function and support their growth objectives.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got some fantastic opportunities that might just be the perfect fit for you. Plus, applying directly shows your enthusiasm and commitment to joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial CFO in City of London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Fractional CFO. Highlight your experience in advanced manufacturing and any previous work with PE-backed businesses. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
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 hands-on role. Share specific examples of how you've elevated financial reporting or implemented robust systems in the past.
Showcase Your Strategic Mindset:In your application, emphasise your ability to partner with CEOs and lead financial strategies. We’re looking for someone who can provide commercial insight and support decision-making, so make sure to highlight relevant experiences.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Finatal
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Fractional CFO, you’ll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics relevant to the manufacturing and life sciences sectors. Be ready to discuss how you've improved financial reporting and controls in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Mindset
Prepare examples of how you've partnered with CEOs and senior leadership teams to develop financial strategies. Highlight your experience in aligning financial goals with business growth and operational efficiency, especially in fast-paced environments.
✨Understand the PE Landscape
Familiarise yourself with private equity processes and what investors look for in a CFO. Be prepared to discuss your hands-on experience with transaction readiness and how you’ve supported businesses through due diligence and post-transaction integration.
✨Demonstrate Your Hands-On Approach
This role requires a blend of strategic leadership and operational delivery. Share specific instances where you’ve implemented systems or processes that professionalised finance functions, particularly in SMEs. Show them you can roll up your sleeves and get things done!
