At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and drive growth in a high-growth manufacturing group.
- Company: Join an ambitious private equity-backed manufacturing group in Warrington.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, dynamic work environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative culture focused on accountability and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Be a key player in shaping the future of a thriving business.
- Qualifications: Proven CFO experience in high-growth environments, ideally with private equity exposure.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Sowena Group has been exclusively retained by an acquisitive international private equity–backed manufacturing group in Warrington to appoint a new Chief Financial Officer.
This is a pivotal CFO appointment within a high-growth, private equity-backed business generating £20m+ EBITDA and executing an ambitious buy-and-build strategy ahead of a planned exit.
Reporting to the CEO, Board and Private Equity investors, you will lead a sophisticated finance function spanning FP&A, Operational Finance, Financial Control and Technical Finance, while partnering the Executive Team to drive growth, value creation and strategic decision-making.
The role combines commercial leadership with financial rigour, taking ownership of performance, forecasting, cash generation, governance, investor relations, debt management and M&A activity.
You will play a central role in acquisition execution and integration, strengthening the financial platform and ensuring the business is exit-ready.
This opportunity requires an accomplished CFO with a proven track record ideally within a private equity-backed environment, leading strong finance teams, delivering transformational growth and operating at Board and investor level.
Key Responsibilities
- Act as a trusted strategic partner to the CEO, Executive Team, and PE shareholders.
- Shape and deliver the Group’s long-term financial strategy, aligned to growth, value creation, and exit planning.
- Build, mentor, and inspire a high-performing finance team capable of scaling with the business. Foster a culture of accountability, pace, and continuous improvement.
- Provide commercial insight to support decision-making on pricing, investment, capital allocation, and organic growth initiatives.
- Lead scenario planning, forecasting, and financial modelling to support strategic
- Lead the financial aspects of acquisitions, including due diligence, valuation, deal structuring, and funding.
- Drive systems, reporting, and process integration across newly acquired businesses.
- Ensure robust financial control, reporting, and compliance across a multi-entity, complex group structure.
- Produce timely, insightful management accounts, board packs, and PE-level reporting.
- Strengthen governance frameworks while maintaining pace and agility.
- Candidate Profile
- Proven CFO or Finance Director experience in a high-growth business, ideally within a multi-entity or group structure, within manufacturing, logistics or similar environment.
- Strong track record in acquisition-led growth.
- Experience of working with Private Equity / investors would be highly desirable, supporting value creation and exit readiness.
- Highly commercially minded, able to translate numbers into action.
- Deep technical finance expertise (financial control, reporting, tax, treasury).
- Comfortable operating in complexity, ambiguity, and fast-changing environments.
- A doer, who is pragmatic, decisive, and execution-focused.
- Naturally collaborative, with the gravitas to challenge and influence senior stakeholders.
- Engaging communicator who can inspire trust and confidence across the organisation.
If you are a commercial and forward-thinking finance professional with experience in scaling a business to an exit, please click apply or contact Gemma Quaye or Perran Cooke for more information.
Locations
Chief Financial Officer in Cheshire, Warrington employer: Sowena Group
Sowena Group is an exceptional employer located in Preston, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation. Employees benefit from comprehensive professional development opportunities, competitive remuneration, and a supportive environment that values work-life balance. Joining our team means being part of a fast-paced, growth-oriented organisation where your contributions directly impact the success of one of our largest divisions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Financial Officer in Cheshire, Warrington
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Sowena Group. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Financial Officer in Cheshire, Warrington
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Sowena Group.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Sowena Group's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sowena Group
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Sowena Group.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Sowena Group will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Sowena Group employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
