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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Build financial and operational systems from scratch for a consumer health & beauty startup.
- Company: Founder-led early-stage business focused on China cross-border e-commerce.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, equity opportunities, and the chance to shape a growing company.
- Why this job: Be a key player in launching innovative products and expanding into new markets.
- Qualifications: Experience in finance and operations within early-stage consumer goods or e-commerce.
- Other info: Remote-first role with international travel and significant career growth potential.
The predicted salary is between 100000 - 120000 £ per year.
Consumer | E-commerce | China Cross-Border
Location: UK-based (remote-first) with international travel
Engagement: Interim (6–9 months) with a clear path to permanent
Start: Immediate / short notice
Compensation: £100,000–£120,000 pro-rated + meaningful equity on conversion
The Opportunity
A founder-led, early-stage consumer health & beauty business is preparing for China-first cross-border e-commerce (CBEC) launch ahead of a planned 2026 investment round. The business has secured:
- Established CBEC platform access (e.g. Tmall Global, Douyin)
- Supply-chain and logistics partners
- A cornerstone European supplier
It is now seeking an Interim COFO to personally build the financial and operational backbone from zero and prepare the organisation for scale. This is a hands-on builder role, not an advisory or optimisation mandate.
Role Focus (Phase 1)
- Build core financial controls, reporting, forecasting and cash governance
- Implement ERP and operating cadence from first principles
- Establish SKU-level unit economics and margin visibility
- Oversee China CBEC operations via third-party platforms
- Embed operational discipline across finance, ops and commercial teams
- Prepare the business for investor diligence and fundraising
Longer-term, the role will support planning for domestic China and ASEAN expansion, but Phase 1 is deliberately focused on CBEC execution and infrastructure build.
Who This Will Suit
You are likely to be an interim or fractional CFO / COO / COFO who has:
- Built finance and operations from scratch in early-stage or pre-revenue businesses
- Experience in consumer goods, beauty, personal care, FMCG or CPG
- Strong exposure to e-commerce, DTC or marketplace models
- Practical understanding of China cross-border operations
- Comfort working in founder-led, ambiguous environments
This suits a true builder, not a delegator or advisor. You are commercially grounded, culturally fluent, and prepared to be deeply hands-on in the first six months.
Interested? If you are immediately available and motivated by building something meaningful with long-term upside, we’d welcome a confidential conversation. Please apply or message directly to discuss further.
Interim Chief Operating & Financial Officer (COFO) in London employer: MA Executive Search
Contact Detail:
MA Executive Search Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Interim Chief Operating & Financial Officer (COFO) in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the consumer goods and e-commerce sectors. Let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities, especially in roles like Interim COFO. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a great position!
✨Tip Number 2
Get ready for those interviews! Research the company thoroughly, especially their approach to China cross-border e-commerce. Prepare to discuss how your hands-on experience can help build their financial and operational backbone from scratch.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your builder mentality! In your conversations, emphasise your ability to create financial controls and operational structures from the ground up. This is what they’re looking for, so make sure it shines through in every interaction.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search. Let’s get you that Interim COFO role!
We think you need these skills to ace Interim Chief Operating & Financial Officer (COFO) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Interim COFO. Highlight your experience in building financial and operational frameworks from scratch, especially in early-stage businesses. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this hands-on builder role. Share specific examples of your past successes in consumer goods or e-commerce that demonstrate your ability to thrive in ambiguous environments.
Showcase Your E-commerce Experience: Since we're focused on China cross-border e-commerce, make sure to highlight any relevant experience you have in this area. Whether it's working with platforms like Tmall Global or Douyin, we want to know how you've navigated these waters before!
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. Plus, it shows us you're keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at MA Executive Search
✨Know Your Numbers
As an Interim COFO, you'll need to demonstrate a solid grasp of financial controls and reporting. Brush up on key financial metrics relevant to e-commerce and consumer goods, especially around SKU-level economics. Be ready to discuss how you've built financial frameworks from scratch in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Builder Mentality
This role is all about building from the ground up, so highlight your hands-on experience in early-stage businesses. Prepare examples of how you've implemented operational processes or systems in ambiguous environments. They want to see that you're not just a delegator but a true builder.
✨Understand the China Market
Since this position involves cross-border e-commerce in China, do your homework on the market dynamics and platforms like Tmall Global and Douyin. Be prepared to discuss your insights on navigating the complexities of Chinese consumer behaviour and logistics.
✨Cultural Fluency is Key
In a founder-led environment, cultural fit is crucial. Be ready to talk about your experiences working in diverse teams and how you adapt to different cultural contexts. Show them that you can communicate effectively across various departments and with international partners.
