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About our client

We are working on a compelling CFO opportunity within an international, private equity-backed business undergoing a significant transformation.

The company is shifting from a traditional wholesale model towards a more direct-to-consumer and e-commerce-driven setup, while simultaneously transitioning from in-house manufacturing to an asset-light structure built on international OEM partnerships.

This evolution marks the move from an industrial setup to a modern, premium trading and consumer-focused business — creating a highly dynamic environment with strong value creation potential and significant leadership impact for the incoming CFO.

The role is based in Southern Germany, with a requirement to be on-site at least four days per week.

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What the job involves

• Full ownership of finance, including accounting, controlling, treasury, and performance management
• Build and professionalize the finance function from scratch in a carve-out environment with limited existing infrastructure
• Act as a strategic sparring partner to the CEO and investors, driving value creation and operational performance
• Establish robust financial reporting, KPI frameworks, and forecasting processes to enable data-driven decision-making
• Lead cash management and liquidity steering in a dynamic transformation setting
• Drive the implementation of scalable systems and processes (ERP, reporting, controlling landscape)
• Introduce and enhance performance steering across key functions (commercial, supply chain, operations)
• Support the shift from a traditional distribution model towards a stronger e-commerce / direct-to-consumer setup
• Oversee additional functions such as HR, IT, and legal at a governance level
• Lead and develop an international finance organization
• Act as key interface to investors, lenders, auditors, and external advisors
• Drive transformation initiatives across the organization, including operational improvements and structural optimization

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Who we are looking for

• Proven CFO / Finance Director experience in a private equity-backed environment
• Strong track record in carve-out, transformation, or build-up situations
• Experience in mid-sized, international businesses (Mittelstand mindset) with a hands-on approach
• Background in trading, retail, or consumer-oriented business models
• Exposure to e-commerce / digital business models (D2C, online sales steering)
• Strong understanding of cash management, performance steering, and value creation levers
• Experience in building finance structures, processes, and teams from scratch
• International exposure and ability to operate across multiple regions
• Strong leadership skills with experience managing international teams
• Fluent in German and English