At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and elevate finance function for a fast-growing Life Sciences manufacturer.
- Company: Dynamic advanced manufacturing business with strong growth in the Life Sciences sector.
- Benefits: Flexible working days, competitive salary, and opportunity to shape financial strategy.
- Other info: Join a fast-paced environment with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact in a pivotal role preparing for private equity transactions.
- Qualifications: Experienced CFO with a background in advanced manufacturing and PE processes.
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.
Project 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. Located in London/Kent, we offer a collaborative work culture that values innovation and professional growth, providing you with the opportunity to lead significant financial transformations while working closely with a passionate leadership team. With a focus on employee development and a commitment to achieving PE-grade standards, this role promises a rewarding experience in a thriving environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Project CFO 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 about the role, make sure to highlight your experience in financial reporting and systems implementation. Share specific examples of how you've elevated finance functions in previous roles, especially in fast-paced environments like manufacturing or life sciences.
✨Prepare for the Interview
Do your homework on the company and its financial landscape. Be ready to discuss how you would approach their specific challenges, like preparing for a private equity transaction. Tailor your answers to show that you understand their needs and can bring value right from day one.
✨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, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team and making an impact in the finance function.
We think you need these skills to ace Project 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 role. Share specific examples of how you've elevated financial reporting or implemented robust systems in past roles. We love a good story!
Showcase Your Hands-On Experience:We’re looking for someone who can roll up their sleeves and get involved. Make sure to highlight any hands-on transaction experience you have, especially in preparing for private equity transactions. Let us know how you’ve made an impact!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who follow instructions!
How to prepare for a job interview at Finatal
✨Know Your Numbers
As a potential Fractional CFO, you need to be on top of the financial metrics that matter. Brush up on key performance indicators relevant to the Life Sciences sector and be ready to discuss how you've improved financial reporting and controls in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Mindset
This role requires a blend of strategic leadership and operational delivery. Prepare examples of how you've partnered with CEOs or senior leadership teams to develop financial strategies that align with growth objectives. Be specific about your contributions to margin optimisation and capacity utilisation.
✨Demonstrate Hands-On Experience
The interviewers will want to hear about your practical experience in leading finance function professionalisation and systems implementation. Share concrete examples of how you've upgraded reporting processes or implemented ERP/MRP systems in fast-scaling environments.
✨Prepare for Transaction Discussions
Since this role involves leading financial readiness for private equity transactions, be prepared to discuss your hands-on experience with sell-side PE processes and financial due diligence. Highlight any successful outcomes from past transactions to showcase your capability.
