Job Description
Our client has recently completed a major acquisition and is seeking an experienced, results-driven Group Financial Director to lead its financial and IT operations. The role will be pivotal as the Group aim to complete two to three further acquisitions and drive rapid growth in their portfolio over a five-year period. The ideal candidate will bring strategic insight, a deep understanding of financial performance metrics, systems integration and the ability to drive EBITDA above 15%. This role requires a sharp focus on identifying and managing gross margin fluctuations and cash conversion, while ensuring effective financial governance, systems and operational efficiency and hands-on attention to detail.
Key Responsibilities:
Strategic Financial and Systems Leadership:
* Collaborate in the development and implementation of financial and systems strategies to support growth.
* Provide financial insights and recommendations to the executive team, ensuring alignment with the group’s growth objectives.
Acquisitions and Portfolio Growth:
* Collaborate with advisors and assist in financial due diligence for potential acquisitions, assessing risks, opportunities and alignment with strategic goals.
* Collaborate with operational leaders and advisors to optimize financial and systems performance for scalability in portfolio companies.
* Manage integration of acquired businesses and their systems into the group, delivering economies of scale, operational savings and efficiencies.
Gross Margin and Profitability Analysis:
* Monitor gross margin fluctuations across the manufacturing and product portfolio, identifying underlying drivers and recommending and monitoring corrective actions.
* Ensure pricing, cost structures, and operational efficiencies support sustained profitability.
EBITDA and Cash Flow Optimization:
* Implement strategies to achieve an EBITDA-to-cash conversion rate over 75%, with EBITDA in excess of 15%.
* Drive and manage cash flow and working capital cycle improvements through operational excellence, cost and stock control, and effective working capital management.
Budgeting and Forecasting:
* Lead the preparation of budgets and forecasts for both corporate and portfolio levels.
* Develop scenario analyses to evaluate the financial impact of growth initiatives.
Financial Reporting, Systems and Compliance:
* Deliver timely, insightful and accurate preparation of financial reporting, ensuring compliance, financial policies and procedures are in place, and adhere to regulations and standards.
* Report on and assist in the improvement of group, company, departmental and product performance against targets.
* Manage the group audit and tax procedures.
* Drive robust treasury, FX, cash flow management and forecasting.
* Head IT and Systems development across the group, driving management efficiencies through unified development and AI adoption.
* Provide detailed performance metrics and KPIs to the board, investors and other stakeholders.
Risk Management:
* Identify financial risks within acquisitions and group operations, implementing mitigation strategies.
* Maintain robust internal controls to safeguard company assets and ensure financial integrity.
Team Leadership and Development:
* Mentor, manage and develop finance teams into an efficient, cohesive group function.
* Build, maintain and appraise the group financial skills matrix and lead a high-performing finance team to support the company’s growth trajectory.
* Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement within the team.
Qualifications and Experience:
* Qualified Chartered or Certified accountant.
* 8+ years’ experience in senior financial leadership, with a strong understanding and hands-on experience in product and project based manufacturing businesses.
* Demonstrable experience in managing scale-up and integrating portfolio companies, optimizing financial performance and systems integration.
* Strong systems knowledge, with significant experience of leading ERP systems and MI tools. Specific, hands-on experience with Sage X3 would be a distinct advantage.
* Demonstrable experience and understanding of gross margin analysis and cash conversion dynamics.
* Proven ability to achieve an EBITDA-to-cash conversion rate of 75% or higher and EBITDA growth.
* Exceptional analytical, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.
* Proficiency in financial modelling, forecasting, and reporting tools.
* Excellent communication skills with the ability to present complex financial data clearly.
* Track record of leading and mentoring high-performing teams.
As Group Financial Director, you will play a critical role in shaping the financial and systems foundation, driving the growth of the Group's investments. Our client offers a challenging and rewarding environment, competitive remuneration, and the opportunity to leave a lasting impact.