Job Title: Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
Location: Northeast U.S. (Hybrid – 4 days onsite preferred)
Company Type: Private Equity-Backed Lower Middle Market Manufacturer & Value-Added Distributor
Position Overview
We are seeking a highly capable and results-driven Chief Financial Officer to serve as a key member of the executive leadership team for a private equity-backed manufacturer and value-added distributor. This individual will partner closely with the CEO and sponsor to drive value creation, operational performance, and ultimately a successful exit.
The ideal candidate brings a strong foundation in manufacturing finance and cost accounting, coupled with proven experience leading a business through a private equity lifecycle—including transaction readiness and exit. This role requires a hands-on leader who can operate strategically while building and optimizing the financial infrastructure necessary to scale.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Value Creation
- Partner with the CEO and private equity sponsor to define and execute the company’s value creation plan
- Drive financial strategy aligned with growth, margin expansion, and cash flow optimization
- Serve as a key advisor on commercial strategy, M&A opportunities, and capital allocation decisions
Financial Operations & Infrastructure
- Oversee all aspects of finance including FP&A, accounting, cost accounting, treasury, tax, and compliance
- Build, enhance, and scale financial processes, controls, and reporting capabilities to support growth
- Ensure timely, accurate, and insightful financial reporting to management, board, and investors
Manufacturing Finance & Cost Accounting
- Lead and optimize cost accounting processes, including standard costing, variance analysis, inventory management, and absorption costing
- Partner with operations to improve plant-level performance, throughput, and cost efficiency
- Develop deep visibility into product-level profitability, pricing, and margin drivers
- Implement KPI frameworks across manufacturing and distribution operations
Commercial & Operational Finance
- Support pricing strategy, customer profitability analysis, and sales performance tracking
- Partner with commercial leadership to evaluate channel performance and optimize product mix
- Drive working capital improvements across inventory, receivables, and payables
Private Equity & Exit Readiness
- Lead all lender, board, and investor reporting, ensuring alignment with sponsor expectations
- Drive audit readiness, quality of earnings preparation, and data room organization for transaction processes
- Play a central role in refinancing, recapitalization, or exit processes (sale or IPO)
- Ensure the business is operating with public-company caliber financial discipline
Team Leadership & Development
- Build, lead, and develop a high-performing finance organization
- Establish a culture of accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement
- Partner cross-functionally to elevate financial acumen across the business
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field (CPA and/or MBA strongly preferred)
- 12–20+ years of progressive financial leadership experience, including prior CFO or divisional CFO experience
- Strong experience in manufacturing and/or value-added distribution environments
- Deep expertise in cost accounting, inventory management, and operational finance
- Prior experience in a private equity-backed company required
- Demonstrated experience leading or playing a key role in a successful transaction/exit strongly preferred
- Proven ability to build and scale financial infrastructure in a growing business
- Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills
Key Attributes
- Hands-on, roll-up-your-sleeves leader with a builder mentality
- Commercially minded with strong operational instincts
- Data-driven decision-maker with a focus on value creation
- High integrity and accountability, with the ability to operate under pressure
- Comfortable navigating ambiguity and driving change in a dynamic environment
Why This Role
- Opportunity to play a critical leadership role in driving a successful private equity investment and exit
- High visibility with executive leadership and sponsor group
- Ability to shape financial strategy, infrastructure, and team in a growing platform
- Exposure to both manufacturing and distribution complexity in a dynamic business model
Compensation
Highly competitive base salary + performance bonus + meaningful equity participation aligned with exit outcomes
This is an ideal opportunity for a seasoned finance leader with strong manufacturing expertise and private equity experience who is motivated to drive tangible value creation and participate meaningfully in a successful exit.
