Chief Financial Officer

Blair West are proud to be supporting our long-term client, an experienced Private Equity firm specialised in MBO transactions, with the confidential search for a CFO to join a newly formed portfolio business, “Project Tower”.

Project Tower is being created through a carve out from a current portfolio asset, backing the incumbent management team of the division through an MBO. The CFO of the business will remain with the previous group entity, meaning there is a need to bring in a CFO as an early joiner to the newly formed board. This is a key strategic appointment and a crucial hire for the business – the successful candidate will play a lead role in delivering an ambitious plan that leads to a planned equity event in the medium term.

Based in London with national coverage, the business provides building services, restoration and remediation works through a full lifecycle insurance claims management model which includes validation of claims, integrated property restoration and complete property re-instatement. The business faces significant market opportunities and has a clear plan to capitalise on them following consistent year-on-year, profitable growth.

Project Tower benefits from a dedicated management team, the guidance of a highly experience Non-Executive Chair and the backing of a supportive and active Private Equity investor.

The appointment of a dynamic, self-confident, and ambitious CFO, who fits with the culture of a high performing, highly collegiate board room and is motivated by equity value creation, is a key element to the transaction plan. The successful candidate will have high-standards, be detail-focused and bring exceptional communication skills with a willingness to roll sleeves up.

This is the rare opportunity to join the board of a newly created business, backed by PE, providing key contribution through board level leadership in delivering an ambitious growth plan.

The opportunity:

• Lead the design and delivery of finance and legal strategies aligned to the company’s mission and growth objectives.
• Build and develop a high-performing finance function, with responsibility for operational and commercial finance, including cash flow management.
• Play a central role in potential M&A activity, including analysis, modelling, strategic insight and integration.
• Act as an influential board member, driving shareholder value and embedding a high-performance culture.
• Provide insightful financial analysis and reporting to guide decision making and improve profitability.
• Establish robust financial controls and processes, ensuring accountability across the business.
• Own key external relationships, including banks and investors, representing the business to external stakeholders.

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

• A recognised accountancy qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).
• Experience leading finance in a high-growth, change-oriented business.
• Exposure to technical business services or operations delivered by a distributed, field-based workforce.
• Experience managing leveraged cash flow and strong relationships with financial stakeholders.
• A track record of developing systems and processes within SMEs, rather than inheriting established frameworks.
• Previous PE-backed experience and/or exposure to successful exits (beneficial but not essential).
• Strong appetite to be a visible presence in the business, with the majority of time spent on site.

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. Please speak to their consultant if you require reasonable adjustments at any stage during their experience with us.