A unique opportunity to play a pivotal role in the next chapter of an already outstanding international business.
Pratap Executive is delighted to be supporting a highly successful, entrepreneurial business in the appointment of an experienced Fractional Chief Financial Officer.
This is a genuinely exciting opportunity to join a business that is already performing exceptionally well, but has the ambition, commercial relationships and opportunities to achieve significantly more.
Highly profitable, the business has built an outstanding commercial model, supporting some of the world's leading retailers and their manufacturing and supplier partners.
With an established international presence, an impressive track record of profitability and ambitious plans for further expansion, particularly internationally, the business is entering what could be a particularly exciting period in its development.
The opportunity
The initial requirement is to provide senior financial leadership during a period of maternity cover, with a structured handover ahead of February 2027.
However, this is far more than a conventional maternity cover assignment.
The ambition is to identify an experienced CFO who can quickly develop a strong understanding of the business, build a close working relationship with the CEO and potentially become a trusted strategic adviser as the business pursues its next phase of international growth.
During the initial assignment, responsibilities will include financial leadership across two principal P&Ls, oversight of reporting, forecasting and controls, and support for the established finance team.
Beyond this, there is the opportunity to contribute to some genuinely interesting commercial and strategic initiatives, including:
- Supporting ambitious international growth, particularly across the US and other developing markets.
- Providing strategic and commercial input into major customer relationships, contracts and negotiations.
- Evaluating opportunities for diversification, investment and further international expansion.
- Supporting the potential development of business cases for acquisitions, strategic partnerships and capital investment.
- Advising the CEO on corporate structures, commercial risk and longer-term strategic planning.
- Helping position the business for its next stage of development, including potential future exit opportunities.
Following the maternity cover period, there is the potential for the appointment to evolve into a longer-term fractional strategic advisory relationship, complementing the existing finance leadership team.
Who are we looking for?
We are looking for an accomplished CFO or Group Finance Director who brings considerably more than strong financial management.
You will be commercially astute, strategically minded and genuinely motivated by the opportunity to help an ambitious business grow.
Ideally, you will demonstrate:
- A hand on and established track record operating as a CFO or Group Finance Director, ideally within a successful, entrepreneurial business.
- Experience supporting international growth, particularly within the US market.
- Direct involvement in M&A, investments, commercial transactions or strategic development.
- Strong commercial instincts and confidence in negotiating and evaluating significant customer agreements.
- The ability to operate as a trusted adviser to an entrepreneurial CEO.
- A collaborative, hands-on approach and the flexibility to work within a relatively lean, successful organisation.
Experience within retail or manufacturing would be particularly attractive, although exceptional candidates from other sectors will be considered.
Working arrangements
The role offers a flexible, hybrid working arrangement, with attendance at the Yorkshire office as required.
International travel will form part of the position, primarily to the US, with potential visits to Australia and Europe, limited to no more than seven international trips per year.
The initial time commitment will be agreed, with flexibility for this to evolve as the nature of the role changes.
Why this opportunity stands out
Many CFO opportunities involve fixing problems, restructuring underperforming businesses or stabilising challenging financial situations.
This is different.
This is the opportunity to join a business that is already exceptionally profitable, commercially successful and well established, and help shape what comes next.
For an experienced CFO who enjoys being close to an entrepreneurial CEO, influencing major commercial decisions and contributing to an ambitious international growth story, this could be a particularly rewarding appointment.
For a confidential discussion, please contact Pratap Executive.