Vice President of Finance

Vice President of Finance

Relate Search has partnered with a leading private equity-backed manufacturer in its search for a Vice President of Finance. This executive will serve as a strategic business partner to the Chief Financial Officer and senior operational leadership, driving financial strategy, operational performance, and long-term business growth. The VP of Finance will lead financial planning and analysis, business partnering, cost optimization, and finance transformation initiatives while helping shape the future direction of a high-growth manufacturing organization. This highly visible leadership role offers the opportunity to influence executive decision-making, improve operational performance, and build a best-in-class finance organization.

Responsibilities:

• Partner with the Chief Financial Officer and executive leadership team to develop and execute financial strategies that support growth, profitability, and operational excellence.
• Lead the annual budgeting, forecasting, long-range planning, and capital planning processes.
• Serve as the primary finance partner to operations, manufacturing, sales, and R&D leadership, providing actionable financial insights and strategic recommendations.
• Drive cost optimization initiatives, operational efficiencies, and continuous improvement across manufacturing operations.
• Transform the FP&A function by developing data-driven reporting, KPIs, dashboards, and financial analytics that support proactive decision-making.
• Enhance financial reporting capabilities by leveraging ERP systems and business intelligence tools to improve visibility and operational transparency.
• Manage cash flow, liquidity planning, capital allocation, and financial performance across the business.
• Establish and strengthen internal controls, financial policies, and governance to ensure compliance with corporate accounting standards.
• Recruit, mentor, and develop a high-performing finance organization while fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Support mergers, acquisitions, due diligence, valuation, and post-acquisition integration activities.
• Partner with banking institutions, investors, auditors, and other external financial stakeholders.
• Lead strategic initiatives that improve business performance, increase operational efficiency, and maximize shareholder value.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or a related field; MBA or advanced degree preferred.
• 15+ years of progressive finance and accounting leadership experience, including executive-level financial management within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong background in financial planning & analysis, controllership, operational finance, and business partnering.
• Experience supporting manufacturing, operations, or supply chain organizations with cost management and performance improvement initiatives.
• Proven success leading finance transformation, process improvement, and organizational change.
• Experience developing financial reporting, KPIs, forecasting models, and executive-level decision support.
• Strong knowledge of ERP systems; SAP experience highly preferred.
• Experience supporting mergers & acquisitions, capital investment decisions, and strategic growth initiatives.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and relationship-building skills with the ability to influence executive stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to develop high-performing teams and mentor future finance leaders.

Perks & Benefits:

• Executive leadership opportunity with significant visibility across the organization.
• Succession potential for future Chief Financial Officer leadership.
• Opportunity to drive transformational change within a growing manufacturing business.
• Collaborative executive leadership team focused on innovation and operational excellence.
• Competitive executive compensation package, including bonus and long-term incentive opportunities.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, retirement, and paid time off benefits.
• Career growth within a financially strong, private equity-backed organization committed to continuous investment and expansion.

Our client is a leading private equity-backed manufacturer with a long-standing reputation for operational excellence, innovation, and customer partnership. Serving highly regulated consumer markets, the company develops and manufactures premium products for nationally recognized brands while continuing to invest in growth, operational improvement, and new product innovation. With a collaborative leadership team and a strong commitment to continuous improvement, the organization offers executives the opportunity to make a meaningful impact while helping shape the future of a dynamic, growing business.