Chief Financial Officer (CFO) |
Private Equity-Backed E-Commerce Business
Location |
Hampshire / Dorset / Devon (Hybrid Working Available)
Salary |
£150,000 – £180,000 + Bonus + Equity
A high-growth, private equity-backed e-commerce business with revenues of c.£50m is seeking to appoint a commercially astute and strategically minded Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to support its next phase of growth and value realisation.
With a clearly defined exit strategy targeting a trade sale or secondary buyout within 18 months, the CFO will play a pivotal role in preparing the business for a successful transaction, while ensuring robust financial leadership and operational performance.
The Company
Operating in a high-volume, consumer-focused sector, the business has built a scalable digital-first model with strong recurring revenues and an impressive growth trajectory. Backed by a well-regarded mid-market private equity firm, it is now focused on margin optimisation, international expansion, and potential strategic acquisitions ahead of a planned exit.
The Role
Reporting to the CEO and working closely with the Board and investors, the CFO will lead all aspects of the finance function (currently a team of 7), and act as a key strategic partner in driving growth and value creation.
Key Responsibilities:
* Lead, develop, and strengthen the finance team, ensuring high standards of financial control, reporting, and insight
* Partner with the CEO and Board to shape and execute the strategic plan
* Oversee budgeting, forecasting, working capital management, and cash flow forecasting
* Implement and refine financial and operational KPIs to support decision-making
* Drive performance improvement, operational efficiency, and margin enhancement
* Lead the financial workstreams of the exit process, including vendor due diligence, financial modelling, and investor relations
* Manage relationships with external stakeholders including private equity investors, banks, auditors, and advisors
* Ensure the finance function scales effectively in line with growth and increasing complexity
Candidate Profile:
* A qualified accountant (ACA/ACCA/CIMA) with a successful track record in senior finance roles
* Experience in a private equity-backed business is essential
* Demonstrable involvement in a full exit process (trade sale or secondary buyout)
* Commercially strong with the ability to operate as a true business partner to the CEO and senior leadership team
* Background in e-commerce, consumer, or tech-enabled businesses is advantageous
* Energetic, hands-on, and comfortable in a dynamic, entrepreneurial environment
* Based in, or willing to relocate to, Hampshire, Dorset or Devon (hybrid working available)