Location: North East England (onsite 4 days per week)
Ownership: Private Equity backed
SMC0805
Company Overview
Following investment from a leading private equity sponsor, this services business is entering a focused phase of value optimisation and exit preparation. Operating at £50m+ revenue with a strong regional presence and an established, scalable service model, the business is now prioritising margin enhancement, operational rigour, and financial predictability to maximise value ahead of a planned exit over the next few years.
This is a pivotal executive appointment, offering the opportunity to play a central role in professionalising the finance function, strengthening governance and reporting, and leading the business through a successful private equity exit.
Role Summary
The CFO will act as a strategic partner to the CEO and PE investors, owning the financial agenda and leading all aspects of value creation. You will bring rigour, insight, and pace to decision‑making, ensuring the business is operationally and financially prepared for exit.
This role requires a hands‑on, commercially focused leader who is comfortable operating in a people‑intensive environment and can balance strategic leadership with operational execution.
Key Responsibilities
Define and execute a clear financial and value‑creation strategy aligned to the PE investment thesis and exit plan.
Partner closely with the CEO and Board, providing commercial insight on growth initiatives, workforce productivity, and margin expansion.
Lead all investor relations, including PE board reporting, lender engagement, and exit preparation.
Ensure robust financial controls, governance, and reporting in line with PE standards.
Lead budgeting, forecasting, and cashflow management with a strong focus on working capital optimisation.
Support M&A activity where relevant, including diligence, integration, and synergy delivery.
Prepare the business for exit, including data room readiness, quality of earnings, and advisor management.
Build, develop, and lead a high‑calibre finance team with a strong culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
Candidate Profile
Proven CFO or Finance Director experience within people‑based services
Clear track record working in PE‑backed environments, ideally through to a successful exit.
Strong commercial mindset with the ability to challenge operational leaders and influence at board level.
Experience leading M&A, refinancing, and exit processes.
Comfortable being onsite in the North East at least four days per week.
Qualified accountant: ACA, ACCA, CIMA (or equivalent).
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