About the company:

A recognised leader in the development and manufacture of high-quality colour cosmetics, skin care, hair care, bath & body care, and OTC products. As an outsourcing partner to major global brands and trendsetters across all distribution channels, from high end to mass market, the company has over 10 years of experience in providing both domestic and international clients with outstanding services ranging from bulk manufacturing to full turnkey solutions. The company employs almost 2000 people worldwide (Europe, USA, Asia).

Our client is seeking a Financial Director, based in Poland, with a Business Partner mindset and experience in the manufacturing industry to oversee and manage the financial operations in Europe. Reporting to the Managing Director / Chief Operating Officer, you will play a key role in shaping the financial strategy and supporting crucial business decisions as the company embarks on a significant expansion and investment phase over the next three years. Ideal candidates will have a background in manufacturing sectors such as FMCG, cosmetics, chemicals, or pharmaceuticals, where navigating complex production, supply chains, and international operations is essential. Additionally, this role involves managing a team of 6 people spread across 3 countries.

Responsibilities:

• Serve as a strategic Business Partner to the leadership team, providing financial insights that support our ambitious expansion and investment plans in the manufacturing sector.

• Direct the financial strategy and management control of Group entities across Europe, ensuring alignment with the company’s manufacturing operations and growth initiatives.

• Develop and implement financial budgets, reporting structures, and forecasts for each entity, covering cash flow, revenues, expenses, and profit projections, with a focus on supporting the company’s investment in manufacturing capabilities.

• Manage cash flows, ensuring accuracy, anticipating potential cash challenges, and executing appropriate recovery strategies, especially in a manufacturing environment.

• Optimize tax structures and financial flows across multiple jurisdictions to enhance the efficiency of manufacturing investments and expansion.

• Play a key role in M&A activities, leading financial due diligence specific to manufacturing acquisitions and partnerships.

• Participate in Executive Committee meetings, contributing to strategic discussions that drive business growth, particularly within the manufacturing sector.

• Lead organizational reorganization and process optimization initiatives to improve efficiency in production, logistics, and overall financial health.

• Implement essential financial tools and processes for budgeting, reporting, controlling, risk management, and compliance with local regulations, particularly those relevant to manufacturing and production operations.

• Provide in-depth financial analysis and actionable recommendations for investment decisions, pricing strategies, payment terms, and ROI assessments, focusing on manufacturing operations.

• Foster a corporate culture that encourages innovation, flexibility, and pragmatic decision-making in the context of manufacturing and production expansion.

• Effectively manage and develop a team of 6 finance professionals across 3 countries, ensuring alignment and performance excellence.

Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field.

• Minimum 10 years' experience in a financial leadership role, with significant experience managing financial divisions in manufacturing industries such as FMCG, cosmetics, chemicals, or pharmaceuticals.

• Proven expertise in organizational reorganization, financial transformation, and supporting large-scale investments and growth initiatives in manufacturing environments.

• Fluent in English and at least one other European language; proficiency in German is a significant advantage. Familiarity with German accounting practices would also be a strong plus.

Specific Skills:

• Demonstrated ability to operate as a Business Partner, working closely with senior management to provide financial insights that support growth and expansion within manufacturing industries.

• Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to inspire and lead teams in a multicultural, geographically dispersed environment.

• Expertise in M&A financial due diligence, helping drive investment and expansion efforts in manufacturing sectors.

• In-depth understanding of international financial regulations and experience managing relationships with investors, banks, and regulators, especially in industries with complex supply chains and production requirements.

• Hands-on, decisive, and results-driven, capable of thriving in a fast-paced, high-growth manufacturing environment.

Why Join our client?

By joining the company as Finance Director Europe, you will have the opportunity to shape and influence the financial strategy during a pivotal time of expansion and investment. As a true Business Partner to the leadership team, your financial expertise will directly impact our growth over the next three years. You will work in a dynamic and multicultural environment, offering stimulating challenges, opportunities for personal and professional development, and a competitive remuneration package.

Frequent travel across Europe will be expected as part of this role.

Salary: +/- €90,000 annually plus performance-related bonus.