Blair West are working with a leading midmarket investor to identify an experienced FD to join an existing portfolio business and help guide that business through to exit. The investor is seeking an ambitious, entrepreneurial, high-calibre and experienced FD to form part of the senior management team of “the Business”, a designer and manufacturer of capital equipment. The Business’ manufactures a small range of products that are sold to a variety of sectors across the globe.

The Company has 30+ employees and Turnover of c£10m. 95% of its revenues are generated from export sales. The Business has been in the portfolio of the current investor for 5 years. The original investment case was derailed by several challenges covering management, quality, sales and market conditions. The business today has been re-platformed for growth. A new management team have resolved quality issues, moved to a new modern facility, implemented a modular-based manufacturing line with significant efficient gains, built a sales function under a new CCO and renegotiated the Business’ debt. The sales pipeline is as strong as it has ever been and the Management team, and investor, are focused upon capitalizing upon the opportunities it presents to deliver an exit within 18 months.

The opportunity:

• Be a senior leader in the business, acting as a supportive and critical partner to the CEO and other members of the Board.
• Work effectively and closely with the Executive Chairman.
• Build and direct all aspects of the finance function, ensuring it runs smoothly and efficiently.
• Contribute to increasing overall profitability and provide advice on financial implications of business activities.
• Work closely with other company functions, including sales, marketing and manufacturing.
• Setting annual budgets and KPIs in collaboration with the Board. Monitoring and reporting on leveraged finance commitments and covenants.
• Develop financial systems to ensure that they continue to be fit-for-purpose for a private equity-owned company.
• Develop and oversee the production of accurate monthly and annual accounts in a timely and efficient manner and highlight the key points when reporting these to the Board.
• Oversee management of financial budgets, forecasts and cash. Highlight trends in actual and/or projected revenues, margins and costs and suggest actions to address any material adverse movements early enough for the company to respond effectively.
• Develop and regularly update high-level, multi-year forecasts for key business metrics, to be used in financial planning.
• Involvement in commercial considerations including sales and marketing, distribution channels, customer and supplier agreements, credit arrangements and pricing structures.
• Appropriately manage the FX needs of the Business.
• Ensure the Business adheres to the required corporate, accounting, environmental and regulatory body standards.
• Represent the Business positively and professionally with external parties and develop a good working relationship with the private equity investors and other stakeholders.
• Maintain good relationships with the company’s debt providers and ensure that all the requirements set out in the relevant debt agreements are met.
• Be comfortable conversing and building relationships with customers and suppliers.

You’ll be the ideal candidate for this position if you have:

• Can demonstrate a strong passion and commitment to the Business and its strategic objectives.
• Excellent analytical toolset and strong commercial acumen.
• A ‘roll your sleeves up’ approach.
• An Investor mindset with a strategic focus on creating long term growth/value.
• Entrepreneurial drive and business curiosity.
• The ability to partner with and challenge others on the Board, as well as influence and put new ideas across.
• High EQ, diplomacy and tact.
• A strong presence, persuasive skills and intellectual insight.
• Proactive leadership skills with an open-minded approach and out-of-the-box thinking.Professionally qualified accountant.
• Private equity experience – able to demonstrate a successful investment cycle.
• Prior experience of building and running finance functions and operating more widely within an organization.
• Hands-on experience with multiple stakeholders, e.g. banks.
• Experience in industrials and manufacturing sectors – Lean manufacturing experience would be preferable.
• A track record of working with multiple functions across a business in a strong, constructive manner to achieve profitable growth.
• Experience of managing procurement and supply chains.
• Experience of different routes to international markets – both through direct and distribution channels.
• Experience of delivering external presentations and managing stakeholders.
• Experience of dealing with customers, suppliers and other external parties effectively.
• Previous experience managing HR, IT and legal.
• Hands on experience of interacting effectively with multiple stakeholders (including lenders and investors).

Our commitment:

Blair West is an equal opportunity employer. We embrace diversity and inclusion at every stage of the recruitment process. We are committed to fairness, equality, and ongoing diversity training for our team to give our candidates and clients a feeling of belonging during their experience with us. If you require reasonable adjustments at any stage during their experience with us, please speak to their consultant. 

If you’d like to speak to someone about this opportunity:

David Blair: [email protected] / 07739 148 732