Finance Director

Our client is a global leader in the development and manufacture of inorganic speciality chemicals and advanced materials that form critical inputs to products across a range of industries including healthcare, electronics, automotive, construction products, energy and consumer goods. The business works with leading global synthesisers and manufacturers, leveraging market-leading in-house R&D capabilities and deep experience in formulating chemicals to fit the required application. Key product segments include flame retardants, thermal stabilisers, absorbents and catalysts. Today the business is £60M of turnover with attractive profitability, is growing strongly and is highly cash-generative.

Following investment by a highly regarded PE fund with a longstanding track record of top decile returns, there is a need to recruit a high calibre PE FD for the business as it embarks on its next stage of organic and inorganic international growth. The business is a carve-out from a large PLC and, whilst it has historically operated standalone commercially and operationally, there is the requirement to build standalone Finance, HR and IT functions. The business has historically lacked senior finance leadership and there is much value the right individual can deliver.

The requirement to recruit a commercial, driven FD who will bring strategic thinking with a hands-on approach to build and scale the business through to exit is paramount.

As a business partner to the MD, you will be responsible for all financial matters relating to the business and leading the finance department including recruitment, development and retention of the appropriate resource within the finance team. The ability to input into strategy and optimisation projects as well as deliver transparency and visibility of business performance through commercial analysis, budget setting, financial controls, cost control, forecasting and monitoring KPIs is of high importance. You will lead on the management of the carve-out and play a full part in M&A, integrations, business planning and commercial input on capital expenditure, sales and marketing initiatives, as well as developing robust financial models to allow the business to operate at its optimum efficiency through a period of substantial growth. You will join the board of the company alongside the PE fund and existing management team with a pivotal role in development and ownership of the board pack. External relationships both banking and PE fund related will be managed in a ‘no surprises’ environment.

We are looking for a highly ambitious, energetic, qualified accountant with experience of operating as a standalone FD/CFO or strong number 2 in a £5m+ EBITDA PE backed or leveraged industrial manufacturing business, or as the FD of a division within a large corporate as long as you have had both P&L and Balance Sheet responsibility. You will have a demonstrable track record in the development and application of KPIs with excellent financial and management reporting skills. A strong operational understanding, you must be highly analytical in nature coupled with an informal and dynamic style, and a self-starting drive to get things done. You will have the desire and ability to add value whilst also challenging colleagues in an effective and appropriate way to facilitate good decision making. A real team player who can work effectively at all levels within the business with strong leadership and people development skills. You will be someone who likes to work at pace and not afraid to roll their sleeves up where required. The ideal candidate will have a track record in PE backed businesses and have carve-out experience.

There is an attractive equity incentive package on offer which presents significant financial upside should the business plan and a successful exit be delivered. The ability to be able to work in the office 5 days a week will be preferred, although there might be some flexibility for the ideal candidate.