Role Overview
We are seeking a highly experienced Interim CFO to lead a carve-out in an asset-heavy environment. This role is critical in setting up and professionalising the finance back office, ensuring robust governance and operational excellence. The successful candidate will operate as an integral member of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT), combining strategic vision with tactical execution. The position requires a unique blend of private equity agility and corporate discipline to deliver transformation and sustainable value creation. Comfortable rolling up their sleeves and engaging deeply with operational and financial detail while maintaining a strategic perspective.
Key Responsibilities
- Carve-Out Leadership: Manage financial separation and establish standalone finance operations with strong compliance and efficiency.
- Finance Back Office Setup: Design and implement scalable finance processes, systems, and controls to support growth and operational integrity.
- Professionalisation: Elevate the finance function to best-in-class standards, embedding governance, reporting, and performance frameworks.
- Strategic & Tactical Execution: Drive long-term financial strategy while managing day-to-day priorities in a dynamic environment.
- Asset-Heavy Expertise: Optimise capital allocation, asset utilisation, and cost structures to maximise returns.
- SLT Collaboration: Act as a trusted advisor to the CEO and leadership team, influencing decisions and driving performance.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Build strong relationships internally and externally, demonstrating credibility and gravitas.
- Private Equity & Corporate Blend: Navigate the demands of PE-backed expectations while maintaining corporate governance and operational rigor.
Key Requirements
- Proven experience as CFO or senior finance leader in asset-heavy sectors (e.g., manufacturing, infrastructure, logistics).
- Track record of leading carve-outs and establishing standalone finance functions.
- Strong capability in finance transformation and process harmonisation.
- High emotional intelligence with ability to manage complex stakeholder dynamics.
- Ability to operate at both strategic and tactical levels in fast-paced environments.
- Experience in private equity-backed businesses combined with corporate governance expertise.
- Exceptional communication and influencing skills with board-level presence.
Personal Attributes
- Resilient and adaptable with a delivery-focused mindset.
- Collaborative yet challenging approach to achieve optimal outcomes.
- Commercially astute with strong problem-solving skills.
- Gravitas and credibility to lead through change and uncertainty.