Chief Financial Officer

Parkinson Lee; Greater London; On-site; GBP 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading executive search firm is seeking a Chief Financial Officer for a PE-backed manufacturing and distribution group in London. This role involves owning the financial value-creation agenda, strengthening financial systems, and leading M&A processes. The ideal candidate will have demonstrable experience in PE-backed businesses, a strong leadership profile, and a background in industrial or engineering sectors. This position offers the chance to significantly impact growth strategy and financial governance.

Qualifications

• Demonstrable experience in PE-backed businesses.
• Proven involvement in acquisitions and integrations.
• Background in distribution, industrial, or engineering.

Responsibilities

• Own the financial value-creation agenda and 3–5 year plan.
• Lead forecasting, cash management, and banking relationships.
• Play a lead role in M&A, including modelling and diligence.
• Strengthen financial systems, reporting, and governance.

Skills

Experience in PE-backed businesses

Involvement in acquisitions and integrations

Strong leadership skills

Commercial acumen

Job description

Parkinson Lee Executive Search is the retained partner to a private equity–backed Manufacturing and Distribution group on the appointment of a Chief Financial Officer to play a central role in its value-creation and exit journey.

The Group comprises several specialist operating businesses serving industrial, manufacturing, energy, and engineering markets. An engineering-led model, strong customer relationships, and technical differentiation have driven sustained growth ahead of market benchmarks.

Following a recent PE investment, the business is executing a clearly defined 3–5 year value-creation plan, with growth driven by organic expansion, operational leverage, and an active buy-and-build strategy.

Key responsibilities include :

Owning the financial value-creation agenda and 3–5 year plan

Leading forecasting, cash management, covenant performance, and banking relationships

Playing a lead role in M&A, including modelling, diligence, execution, and integration

Strengthening financial systems, reporting, controls, and governance to PE standards

Supporting ERP implementation and finance transformation

Acting as a true business partner to the CEO, providing challenge, insight, and pace

Demonstrating strong leadership credentials, building a scalable, high-performing finance function

Delivering EBITDA growth, working capital improvement, and exit-ready reporting

Candidate profile :

Demonstrable experience in PE-backed businesses

Proven involvement in acquisitions and integrations

Background in distribution, industrial, engineering, or asset-light B2B environments

Commercial, hands-on, and credible with investors, lenders, and Boards

This is a classic PE CFO opportunity : a high-quality platform, an engaged investor, and a clearly defined exit horizon. The CFO will be instrumental in shaping the growth strategy, executing acquisitions, professionalising the finance function, and positioning the business for a successful future transaction. For a PE-experienced CFO seeking genuine influence and value-creation responsibility, this role offers the chance to make a measurable impact and deliver a compelling equity story.

All discussions are strictly confidential. For more information, please follow the link below and apply with a full, current CV.

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Chief Financial Officer • London, United Kingdom