Chief Financial Officer in Derby

Robert Half has been exclusively appointed to recruit a Chief Financial Officer for a private equity-backed business in the East Midlands. This is a newly created CFO appointment due to a divestment. The business now requires a senior finance leader who can take full ownership of the finance function, support the leadership team and help drive the next cycle of growth. The organisation operates in a highly operational sector and has been acquisitive in recent years. The next CFO will need to bring structure, pace and commercial discipline, while supporting further M&A, acquisition integration and value creation.

Due to the confidential nature of the mandate, full company information will only be shared following completion of an NDA.

The Role

This is a hands-on and strategic CFO role, working closely with the CEO, private equity stakeholders and the senior leadership team. You will take ownership of the finance function and play a key role in shaping the next stage of the business. This will include improving reporting, strengthening controls, integrating acquisitions, supporting future transactions and providing the commercial insight needed to drive growth. The business needs someone who is comfortable operating at board level, but equally willing to get close to the detail. This is not a purely corporate CFO role. It requires someone who understands operational businesses, can work with site leaders and can turn financial data into clear commercial action.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the finance function and provide clear financial leadership across the group
• Partner with the CEO, board and private equity stakeholders on strategy, performance and growth
• Take ownership of financial reporting, controls, cash management, budgeting and forecasting
• Support the business through its next phase following divestment, creating the right finance structure for future growth
• Lead integration of previous and future acquisitions, ensuring finance, systems, controls and reporting are aligned
• Support further M&A activity, including financial due diligence, commercial analysis, integration planning and post-deal delivery
• Improve management information, KPI reporting and operational performance insight
• Drive value creation across the business, identifying opportunities to improve margin, working capital, cash and operational efficiency
• Build, lead and develop a high-performing finance team
• Work closely with operational leaders across multiple sites
• Support international activity and travel where required

The Candidate

We are looking for an experienced CFO, Finance Director or senior finance leader who has operated in a fast-paced, operational environment. You will need to be commercially strong, hands-on and capable of influencing at board level. The successful candidate will have a track record of improving finance functions, supporting growth and bringing discipline to businesses going through change. Prior private equity experience would be highly desirable, but it is not essential. More important is the ability to operate with pace, clarity and ownership in a demanding environment.

We are particularly interested in candidates with:

• A proven background as a CFO, Finance Director or senior finance leader
• Experience in an operational sector such as manufacturing, engineering, automotive, aerospace, industrials or similar
• Prior experience integrating acquisitions
• Exposure to M&A, deal support, financial due diligence or post-acquisition integration
• Strong commercial finance, cash, working capital and performance improvement experience
• The ability to work closely with operational teams, not just corporate stakeholders
• Experience building or improving finance functions following change, carve-out, divestment or rapid growth
• A hands-on leadership style with the credibility to operate at board level
• Strong communication skills and the ability to challenge constructively
• ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent qualification
• Private equity experience would be advantageous, but candidates without PE experience will still be considered where they can demonstrate the right pace, commercial judgement and ownership

Location

The role is based in the East Midlands and will require regular on-site presence. Priority will be given to candidates already based in the East Midlands or those within a realistic commuting distance. The business will need a visible CFO who can spend time with the leadership team and operational sites. There will also be international travel as part of the role.

Interim Interest

Although this is a permanent search, Robert Half is also open to speaking with senior interim CFOs or Finance Directors, as interim cover may be required during the search process.

Why Apply?

This is a rare opportunity to join a private equity-backed business at a genuinely important point in its journey. The business has already been acquisitive and now needs a CFO who can help professionalise, integrate and scale the organisation through the next stage of growth. For the right person, this is a high-impact CFO mandate with real influence over strategy, operations, M&A and value creation.

How to Apply

This is an exclusive Robert Half search. Due to the confidential nature of the appointment, candidates will be required to sign an NDA before full company details can be disclosed. To express interest, please apply now or contact Daniel Greene at Robert Half directly for a confidential discussion.