CFO PE Backed Multisite Education business

Marks Sattin (UK) Ltd; Manchester; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading executive search firm is seeking a strategic CFO for a PE-backed education business. This pivotal role involves driving financial performance, managing stakeholder relationships, and leading the finance function through a period of transformation. Ideal candidates will possess a strong background in financial management and stakeholder engagement, particularly within a consumer services context.

Qualifications

• Experience as a divisional Finance Director or Financial Controller in a PE-Backed environment.
• Proven expertise managing financial processes and building relationships with local authorities.

Responsibilities

• Drive financial performance and support growth.
• Lead finance operations through transformation and expansion.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.

Skills

Financial Management

Stakeholder Engagement

Leadership

Education

Qualified Accountant (ACA/ACCA/ACMA)

Job description

Marks Sattin Executive Search is partnering with a PE-Backed Multisite Education business to appoint a commercially astute and strategic CFO.

This is a key leadership role, with responsibility for driving financial performance, supporting continued growth, and preparing the business for a successful exit, while also shaping its journey beyond that milestone.

The business requires a CFO who can confidently navigate a complex stakeholder environment. This includes regular engagement with the Board, private equity sponsors, lending banks, and external stakeholders. The successful candidate will ensure rigorous financial controls, robust reporting structures, and full compliance with both regulatory and transparency requirements, particularly those set by public sector partners.

As a central figure in the business's next stage of evolution, you will lead the finance function through a period of transformation and expansion. This includes day-to-day management of finance operations, delivering high-quality, timely reporting, and embedding strong KPIs, governance, and financial frameworks that support strategic decision-making and sustainable growth.

Uniquely, the client would consider candidates stepping into their first standalone CFO role within a PE-backed environment, particularly those currently operating at Divisional Finance Director or Financial Controller level who bring the right blend of commercial insight, operational rigour, and leadership capability.

The ideal candidates:

• Qualified Accountant (ACA/ACCA/ACMA).
• Experience as a divisional Finance Director or Financial Controller in a PE-Backed environment, ideally within the consumer services sector or a business providing services to public sector partners.
• Proven expertise managing financial processes and building strong relationships with local authorities.
• Transactional experience, including acquisitions, integrations, consolidations, and successful private equity exits.
• Experience managing multi-site operations and complex stakeholder relationships.
• A hands-on, growth-focused approach, with practical experience in implementing financial change in regulated environments.

Due to the high volume of applications, we can only respond to candidates with relevant experience.

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