An exciting opportunity has arisen for a hands-on finance leader to join a growing, private equity-backed industrial business at a pivotal stage in its development. With a new investment creating the opportunity to build on an established industrial platform, this is a chance to take ownership of the finance function, strengthen the foundations of the business and play a key role in its next phase of growth. This is not a traditional corporate CFO position. It offers the opportunity to combine strong technical accounting expertise with operational leadership, building processes, developing people and helping shape the infrastructure required to support a growing, multi-site business.
The Opportunity:
Reporting directly to the CEO, the successful candidate will take a leading role in professionalising the finance function, improving financial visibility and establishing consistent processes across a multi-site manufacturing and distribution operation. Working closely with the leadership team, they will help create a scalable finance platform capable of supporting organic growth, future acquisitions and long-term value creation.
Key responsibilities will include:
Establishing robust monthly financial close, reporting and reconciliation processes across the business.
Strengthening financial controls, inventory accounting, manufacturing costing and working capital management.
Improving the consistency and quality of financial information across multiple manufacturing and distribution locations.
Driving greater standardisation across existing finance teams, systems and processes.
Leading the development of the finance function, building capability within the existing team and introducing practical, sustainable improvements.
Supporting operational decision-making through better financial insight, visibility and accountability.
Helping prepare the business for future acquisitions, integration and continued platform growth.
The Ideal Candidate:
We are looking for a technically strong, commercially minded finance leader who enjoys building and improving businesses rather than simply maintaining established processes.
You may currently be a CFO, VP Finance, Corporate Controller, Divisional Controller or Finance Director within a manufacturing, industrial products or value-added distribution environment.
You will ideally bring:
A strong accounting and controllership background, with the ability to get into the detail when required.
Experience within a multi-site manufacturing, industrial or distribution business.
A track record of improving financial processes, implementing stronger controls or professionalising a finance function.
An understanding of inventory, manufacturing costing, ERP systems and financial reporting.
The ability to operate effectively in a resource-constrained environment, balancing best practice with commercial reality.
Strong emotional intelligence and the ability to influence, develop and bring people along through change.
Experience within a private equity-backed or family-owned business would be advantageous, as would previous involvement in acquisition integration or business transformation. Specific metals industry experience is not essential.
Most importantly, this individual will be pragmatic, hands-on and comfortable creating structure where it does not yet fully exist. This is an opportunity for someone who wants to make a tangible difference and see the results of their work.
Why Consider This Opportunity?
Real ownership: Take responsibility for shaping and developing the finance function rather than inheriting a fully established corporate structure.
A genuine transformation mandate: Put the processes, controls and reporting infrastructure in place to support the next stage of growth.
Direct leadership exposure: Work closely with the CEO and wider leadership team, with meaningful influence over the direction of the business.
Long-term value creation: Join a platform with a buy-and-build strategy, including opportunities for organic expansion and acquisitions.
Career development: Build the finance function alongside the business, with the opportunity to broaden your responsibilities as the platform develops.
Equity participation: A package comprising base salary, performance-related bonus and equity participation.
Location & Compensation:
The role is based in the Phoenix, Arizona area. Relocation would need to be considered for candidates not currently based locally. The indicative base salary range is $200,000–$225,000, plus bonus and equity participation, subject to experience and final package details.
Confidentiality & Application Process:
This is a confidential executive search, and further details regarding the business, ownership and investment opportunity will be shared with suitable candidates following completion of a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA).If you are an ambitious finance leader with the technical capability, practical mindset and leadership skills to build a stronger finance function within a growing industrial platform, we would welcome a confidential conversation.
