Head of FP&A (Greater Chicago Area)

Our client is a private equity-backed leader in chemical distribution, custom blending, and packaging across North America seeking a high-impact Head of FP&A. Reporting directly to the CFO, this individual will play a highly visible role in driving the company's next phase of growth and partnering with executive leadership on key value creation initiatives.

Core Evaluation Criteria

• FP&A Expertise – Deep experience owning budgeting, forecasting, management reporting, cash flow forecasting, and performance analysis in a complex operating environment.

• FP&A Infrastructure & Capability Building – Track record of building reporting processes, forecasting disciplines, KPI frameworks, and scalable finance capabilities in growing organizations.

• Strategic Finance & Private Equity Experience – Experience supporting executive leadership and PE sponsors through board reporting, EBITDA analysis, value creation initiatives, and strategic decision-making.

• EPM Implementation & Systems Leadership – Hands-on experience implementing or enhancing FP&A, reporting, and business intelligence platforms to improve visibility and decision-making.

• Cross-Functional Business Partnership – Proven ability to partner with operations, commercial, and functional leaders to drive profitability, operational performance, and business results.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the annual operating plan, budgeting process, rolling forecasts, cash flow forecasting, and working capital analysis.

• Prepare Board and management reporting, including KPI scorecards, variance analysis, EBITDA bridges, and business performance insights.

• Build and scale FP&A processes, reporting frameworks, and financial discipline to support a growing organization.

• Lead the implementation and optimization of a modern EPM/reporting platform and improve reporting automation and data visibility.

• Partner with operations and commercial leaders to improve profitability, pricing, cost performance, and decision-making across manufacturing, packaging, and distribution activities.

• Support M&A initiatives, including acquisition integration, synergy tracking, and performance monitoring.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of progressive FP&A, corporate finance, transaction advisory, investment banking, or related finance experience.

• Experience within manufacturing, distribution, chemicals, industrial products, or other operationally intensive environments preferred.

• Prior experience in a private equity-backed company strongly preferred.

• Strong financial modeling, reporting, and analytical capabilities, with exposure to modern EPM and business intelligence tools.