Privatal
Privatal is a Pan-European specialist headhunting firm placing interim and permanent talent across CFO/finance, value creation & strategy, and transformation into private equity-backed portfolio companies and funds. Unlike generalist firms, each Privatal consultant combines deep private equity expertise with a dedicated functional focus—enabling exceptional speed and quality in delivery.
The Opportunity
Privatal is currently retained by a private equity fund in the search for their new Group CFO in the production sector, where we are seeking a CFO/Geschäftsführer to partner closely with the CEO in driving a full-scale transformation of the business. This is a high-impact leadership role with full responsibility for building a best-in-class finance function and preparing the company for a more institutional, performance-driven operating model after private equity entry.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the transformation of the finance function from a traditional family-owned setup to a PE-ready structure
- Build and professionalise finance capabilities across reporting, controlling, treasury, and performance management
- Establish robust financial reporting, KPI frameworks, and decision-support systems across a multi-site European footprint
- Drive working capital optimisation, cash flow management, and banking relationships
- Act as a key strategic partner to the CEO and investor
- Lead and integrate M&A activities, including post-merger integration and synergy realisation
- Implement scalable systems, processes, and governance structures to support growth ambitions
- Develop a high-performing finance team across all locations
Ideal CFO Profile
- Proven CFO or senior finance leader with strong transformation experience, ideally transitioning businesses from family ownership to private equity environments
- Solid track record in building finance functions and driving operational and financial excellence
- Experience in industrial and/or manufacturing environments, ideally within decentralised, multi-site organisations with a European footprint
- Strong exposure to M&A, including integration and value creation
- Prior experience working with private equity investors, ideally as Group CFO
- Hands-on, pragmatic leader with the ability to operate both strategically and operationally
- Strong communication skills and credibility with stakeholders across all levels
- Fluent in German and English
- Strong cultural fit with the German Mittelstand environment
Only successful candidates will be contacted based on the investors set of requirements.
Responsible for the search:
Julian Hove
Partner, CFO Practice
