Chief Financial Officer - PE Backed Technical Services Platform
Location: North West, UK
Package: £200 -£250 base + bonus + equity participation
Exit Horizon: c.18 months
The Opportunity
We are partnering with a private equity-backed, multi-site technical services and engineering platform entering a critical phase of its investment journey. The business has established a strong market position, operates within a highly regulated and resilient sector, and is now entering the final stage of value creation ahead of a targeted exit process over the next 18 months.
Following a period of strategic investment and operational improvement, the business is now implementing a transformation programme focused on professionalisation, scalability and enhanced financial visibility. The strategy mirrors a proven PE playbook: strengthening reporting disciplines, improving operational leverage, driving data-led decision making and creating a platform capable of supporting both organic growth and targeted acquisitions.
The incoming CFO will play a central role in shaping and delivering this next phase.
The Role
Reporting directly to the CEO and working closely with the Board and Private Equity sponsors, the CFO will lead the business through its final stage of value creation and exit preparation.
Key responsibilities include:
• Lead the business through an anticipated exit process within c.18 months
• Build a best-in-class finance function and reporting infrastructure
• Drive improved visibility across financial and operational KPIs
• Develop dynamic forecasting and scenario modelling capability
• Support and challenge commercial decisions using data-driven insight
• Create institutional-quality reporting for investors and the Board
• Lead banking relationships, debt structures and funding discussions
• Support M&A activity and integration where relevant
• Drive working capital optimisation and cash discipline
• Partner with operational leadership to improve efficiency across the platform
• Prepare the business for financial and commercial diligence
Candidate Profile
We are looking for a commercially minded CFO with experience operating in PE-backed businesses and a track record of delivering value creation programmes.
Likely characteristics:
• Prior PE-backed CFO experience
• Experience leading an exit process or significant transaction event
• Technical services, engineering, infrastructure, industrial or multi-site experience highly desirable
• Strong operational mindset rather than purely financial stewardship
• Experience implementing KPI frameworks and dynamic financial modelling
• Comfortable operating in founder-led and entrepreneurial environments
• Ability to engage effectively with investors, boards and management teams
• Prior M&A and buy-and-build exposure advantageous
The Individual
A proven track record of delivering a successful exit within a Private Equity-backed environment is essential for this role. Candidates without prior PE exit experience are unlikely to be considered, given the specific demands and pace of the mandate.
This role requires an energetic and credible finance leader capable of balancing strategic thinking with hands-on execution. The successful candidate will be equally comfortable operating in the boardroom and on the ground within the business.
This is a rare opportunity to join at a pivotal point in the investment lifecycle and play a central role in shaping and delivering a successful exit outcome.
