Overview
The Interim Finance Director will play a pivotal role in a major working capital project for a private equity-backed global business. Partnering closely with the CFO and senior leadership team, the contractor will focus on enhancing profitability and optimizing cash generation while preparing for an anticipated exit. This role requires an experienced financial leader capable of conducting detailed reviews and implementing initiatives that drive sustainable improvements across the organization.
Responsibilities
- Partner with the CFO to develop and execute a working capital improvement programme focused on cash generation and value creation.
- Review and optimise inventory levels, identifying opportunities to improve stock management whilst maintaining service levels.
- Assess accounts receivable performance and implement initiatives to improve collections, reduce debtor days, and accelerate cash conversion.
- Review accounts payable processes and identify opportunities to optimise supplier terms and payment practices.
- Conduct detailed analysis of operational and functional cost bases to identify sustainable cost reduction opportunities.
- Establish robust working capital KPIs, reporting, and governance frameworks to track improvement initiatives.
- Drive cross-functional engagement with finance, operations, procurement, and commercial teams to deliver agreed objectives.
- Provide regular updates to the CFO and leadership team on progress against working capital and cost reduction targets.
Requirements
- Proven experience delivering working capital improvement and cash generation programmes within PE-backed businesses.
- Strong understanding of inventory optimisation, receivables management, payables management, and cash conversion metrics.
- Demonstrable track record of delivering meaningful cost reduction and operational efficiency initiatives.
- Experience working closely with CFOs and private equity stakeholders in value creation or pre-exit environments.
- Strong analytical and financial modelling capabilities, with the ability to translate insight into action.
- Hands-on approach with a bias towards delivery and measurable outcomes.
- Excellent stakeholder management skills and the ability to influence operational and functional leaders.
- Available to start at short notice.