We are conducting a confidential search for a hands-on, commercially minded CFO to lead the finance and corporate services agenda for a c.$500m-revenue industrial asset in Lower Saxony.
This is a pivotal, operationally anchored role within a major international group, suited to an ACA/ACCA or Wirtschaftsprüfer with a strong track record in complex manufacturing environments.
The CFO will be the key financial partner to the Site Head/GM and Group leadership—owning financial control, decision support, and value delivery across the plant. You will take full accountability for Finance, Controlling, Procurement and IT, and play a central role in improving productivity, cost competitiveness, and capital discipline.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Governance
- Lead the Finance, Controlling, Procurement & IT teams; set standards, coach leaders, and build high-performance capability.
- Ensure robust financial governance, internal controls, and compliance with local GAAP/IFRS and group policies.
- Partner with site leadership and group HQ to align priorities, manage risk, and support strategic decisions.
Financial Management & Performance
- Ownership of budgeting, forecasting, and performance management (P&L, cash flow, working capital).
- Drive cost transparency and productivity across production and the supply chain; deliver measurable OPEX and COGS improvements.
- Oversee CAPEX planning, evaluation, and post-investment reviews; ensure disciplined capital allocation.
Operations & Supply Chain Finance
- Embed rigorous standard costing, variance analysis, and throughput/efficiency metrics.
- Strengthen S&OP integration, inventory management, and procurement effectiveness (category strategy, supplier performance, terms).
Systems, Data & Reporting
- Enhance reporting/analytics and decision support leveraging HFM/Hyperion, S/4HANA, and Power BI.
- Champion master data quality, process standardisation, and automation; ensure timely, accurate monthly closes and group submissions.
Stakeholder Management
- Primary finance interface for internal and external stakeholders (audit, banks, suppliers, authorities).
- Communicate clearly at plant, regional, and group levels; prepare high-quality board materials.
Candidate Profile
- Professional Qualification: ACA/ACCA or Wirtschaftsprüfer (or equivalent).
- Experience: Significant post-qualification experience in industrial/manufacturing (plant or multi-site).
- Toolset: Practical fluency with HFM/Hyperion, SAP S/4HANA, and Power BI (or close equivalents).
- Track Record: cost reduction, productivity uplift, cash/working-capital improvement; leading multi-disciplinary teams; CAPEX governance.
- Languages: Fluent German and confident English (both essential).
- Style: Pragmatic, detail-driven, hands-on; high integrity and sound judgement.
What’s on Offer
- An influential CFO post with full site remit and direct impact on performance and value creation.
- Competitive compensation incl. performance bonus and LTIP.
- Resources and platform of a global group with exposure to senior leadership.
- Professional growth in a complex manufacturing environment.
- Relocation support to Lower Saxony available for strong candidates.
Work Pattern & Location
- On-site in Lower Saxony, Germany (five days per week).
- Some travel to group locations may be required.
Right to Work
- Candidates should have, or be eligible for, the right to work in Germany.
Confidentiality & How to Apply
This search is being conducted confidentially. Please apply via LinkedIn or contact Angus for a confidential conversation:
- Email: angus@mccannbraham.com
Referrals are very welcome; all approaches will be handled with discretion.
Equal Opportunities
We welcome applications from all qualified candidates. Selection is based solely on skills and experience relevant to the role.
