At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and elevate finance function for a fast-growing manufacturing business.
- Company: Dynamic advanced manufacturing firm in the Life Sciences sector.
- Benefits: Flexible working days, competitive salary, and opportunity to shape financial operations.
- Other info: Join a fast-paced environment with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Be a key player in preparing for a private equity transaction and drive impactful change.
- Qualifications: Experienced CFO with a background in manufacturing and strong financial leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 € per year.
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.
Role Summary
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.
Key Responsibilities
- 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.
- Build and embed KPIs covering revenue mix, gross margin, utilisation, working capital, inventory management, and operational efficiency.
- Lead financial readiness for a private equity transaction, working closely with corporate finance, tax, legal, and financial due diligence advisors.
- Own budgeting, forecasting, historical analysis, EBITDA normalisation, cashflow modelling, and balance sheet preparedness.
- Act as a key management representative throughout diligence and management presentations.
- Introduce PE-grade board reporting, governance, and structured investor communications.
- Professionalise the finance function through systems implementation (ERP/MRP as relevant), strengthened financial controls, cashflow discipline, and development of a PE-ready finance team.
Candidate Profile
- 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.
Fractional Chief Financial Officer in City of London employer: Finatal
Join a dynamic and fast-growing advanced manufacturing business in the Life Sciences sector, where you will play a pivotal role as a Fractional CFO. Our London/Kent location offers a collaborative work culture that values innovation and professional growth, providing you with the opportunity to elevate financial practices while working closely with a passionate leadership team. With a focus on employee development and a commitment to excellence, we ensure that our team members are equipped with the tools and support needed to thrive in a rewarding environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Fractional Chief Financial Officer in City of London
✨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 job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Showcase Your Expertise
When you get the chance to chat with someone from the company, make sure to highlight your experience and how it aligns with their needs. Share specific examples of how you've elevated financial functions or supported PE transactions in the past. This will help you stand out as the ideal candidate!
✨Prepare for Interviews
Do your homework before any interview! Understand the company's financial landscape, their challenges, and how you can help them achieve their goals. Prepare questions that show you're genuinely interested in their operations and how you can contribute to their success.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Let’s get you that Fractional CFO role!
We think you need these skills to ace Fractional Chief Financial Officer 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 role. Share specific examples of how you've elevated financial functions in past roles, especially in complex environments like Life Sciences.
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 not only manage numbers but also provide commercial insight and drive decision-making.
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 role, such as EBITDA, cash flow modelling, and KPIs. Be ready to discuss how you've used these metrics to drive decision-making in previous roles.
✨Understand the Business Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the Life Sciences sector and the specific challenges faced by complex manufacturing businesses. Research recent trends, regulatory requirements, and the competitive landscape. This knowledge will help you engage in meaningful conversations about the company's strategic direction.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
The role requires a hands-on approach combined with strategic leadership. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led finance teams through transitions or improvements. Highlight your ability to partner with non-financial stakeholders and how you've fostered collaboration in past roles.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-world scenarios. Think about challenges you've faced in previous positions, particularly around financial readiness for transactions or implementing new systems. Be ready to outline your thought process and the outcomes of your actions.
