At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and drive value creation for a PE-backed technical services platform.
- Company: Dynamic, multi-site engineering firm with strong market presence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, opportunity to shape business strategy, and work with top-tier investors.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity for career growth in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial setting.
- Why this job: Join at a pivotal moment and make a significant impact on the company's exit journey.
- Qualifications: Proven CFO experience in PE-backed environments and strong operational mindset.
The predicted salary is between 120000 - 150000 € per year.
We are partnering with a private equity-backed, multi-site technical services and engineering platform entering a critical phase of its investment journey. The business has established a strong market position, operates within a highly regulated and resilient sector, and is now entering the final stage of value creation ahead of a targeted exit process over the next 18 months. Following a period of strategic investment and operational improvement, the business is now implementing a transformation programme focused on professionalisation, scalability and enhanced financial visibility. The strategy mirrors a proven PE playbook: strengthening reporting disciplines, improving operational leverage, driving data-led decision making and creating a platform capable of supporting both organic growth and targeted acquisitions. The incoming CFO will play a central role in shaping and delivering this next phase.
Reporting directly to the CEO and working closely with the Board and Private Equity sponsors, the CFO will lead the business through its final stage of value creation and exit preparation. Key responsibilities include:
- Lead the business through an anticipated exit process within c.18 months
- Build a best-in‑class finance function and reporting infrastructure
- Drive improved visibility across financial and operational KPIs
- Develop dynamic forecasting and scenario modelling capability
- Support and challenge commercial decisions using data-driven insight
- Create institutional-quality reporting for investors and the Board
- Lead banking relationships, debt structures and funding discussions
- Support M&A activity and integration where relevant
- Drive working capital optimisation and cash discipline
- Partner with operational leadership to improve efficiency across the platform
- Prepare the business for financial and commercial diligence
We are looking for a commercially minded CFO with experience operating in PE-backed businesses and a track record of delivering value creation programmes. Likely characteristics:
- Experience leading an exit process or significant transaction event
- Technical services, engineering, infrastructure, industrial or multi-site experience highly desirable
- Strong operational mindset rather than purely financial stewardship
- Experience implementing KPI frameworks and dynamic financial modelling
- Comfortable operating in founder-led and entrepreneurial environments
- Ability to engage effectively with investors, boards and management teams
- Prior M&A and buy-and-build exposure advantageous
A proven track record of delivering a successful exit within a Private Equity-backed environment is essential for this role. Candidates without prior PE exit experience are unlikely to be considered, given the specific demands and pace of the mandate. This role requires an energetic and credible finance leader capable of balancing strategic thinking with hands‑on execution. The successful candidate will be equally comfortable operating in the boardroom and on the ground within the business. This is a rare opportunity to join at a pivotal point in the investment lifecycle and play a central role in shaping and delivering a successful exit outcome.
Chief Financial Officer in Manchester employer: Savant Recruitment Experts
As a Chief Financial Officer at our private equity-backed technical services platform in the North West, you will be part of a dynamic and transformative environment that prioritises professional growth and operational excellence. We foster a collaborative work culture that values innovation and data-driven decision-making, providing you with the opportunity to lead significant financial initiatives while working closely with the Board and investors. Join us to make a meaningful impact during this critical phase of value creation and enjoy the benefits of a supportive team dedicated to your success.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Financial Officer in Manchester
✨Network Like a Pro
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✨Ace the Informational Interview
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✨Showcase Your Value
When you get that interview, focus on how you can add value to the company. Use specific examples from your past experiences that align with their needs. Remember, they want to see how you can help them achieve their goals!
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We think you need these skills to ace Chief Financial Officer in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the CFO role. Highlight your experience in PE-backed businesses and any successful exit processes you've led. 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 explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've driven value creation and improved financial visibility in previous roles.
Showcase Your Operational Mindset:We’re looking for someone who thinks beyond just numbers. In your application, emphasise your operational mindset and how you’ve implemented KPI frameworks or dynamic financial modelling in past positions.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Savant Recruitment Experts
✨Know Your Numbers
As a CFO, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive decision-making in previous roles. Be prepared to share specific examples of how you've improved financial visibility and reporting.
✨Understand the PE Landscape
Familiarise yourself with private equity dynamics, especially in relation to exit strategies. Research the firm’s portfolio and understand their investment thesis. This will help you articulate how your experience aligns with their goals and how you can contribute to a successful exit process.
✨Showcase Your Operational Mindset
This role requires more than just financial stewardship; it demands an operational mindset. Prepare to discuss how you've driven efficiency and scalability in past roles. Think about specific initiatives you've led that improved operational leverage and how they contributed to value creation.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
You'll be working closely with the Board and investors, so it's crucial to demonstrate your ability to engage effectively with various stakeholders. Prepare to discuss how you've built relationships in previous roles and how you plan to communicate complex financial information clearly and concisely.
