Strategic Finance Manager

Strategic Finance Manager | On-Site in Houston, TX

Position Overview:

Our client is entering its next phase of value creation and as a result, is investing in its finance infrastructure and seeking a high-caliber, analytically minded leader to join the corporate FP&A function in a newly created highly strategic role.

The Strategic Finance Manager will be at the center of numerous value creation initiatives, working closely with C-suite management, the Board, and the private equity sponsor group. The role is centered around delivering top-tier financial analytics, actionable insights, long term financial planning, and then shaping the company’s financial narrative. The role will focus on both engaging around internal investment decisions as well as engaging with capital markets, all with a ‘deal orientation’. Ideal candidates will be an intellectually curious finance athlete looking to transition from advisory or investing into a true operating environment where their work will directly influence strategy and enterprise value.

• The Strategic Finance Manager will serve as a senior analytical finance resource.
• They will report directly to the Vice President, Finance with ‘dotted line’ reporting to both the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Strategy Officer.
• The position is based in Houston, TX, collocated with the company’s lead private equity sponsor.
• The role spans both the Company’s Downstream and Upstream divisions.

Company Overview:

The company is a leading PE-backed renewable energy business operating an integrated farm-to-fuel model across feedstock development and renewable fuel production. With approximately 130 employees, the business has experienced significant growth and is expected to generate $150–180 million of EBITDA by year-end. Its operations span the U.S. and international markets, with approximately 80% of the business centered on its merchant refinery Bakersfield, California.

With a track record of strong performance, the company is evaluating a range of strategic transactions, capital investments, and organic growth initiatives, creating an increasingly dynamic environment for financial planning and capital allocation. As the company enters its next phase of growth, the private equity sponsor and senior leadership are focused on evaluating investment opportunities, financing decisions, and broader strategic initiatives that will drive enterprise value creation.

Core Responsibilities:

• Provide financial analytical leadership and project management across major financial and operational initiatives.
• Evaluate ROI, downside/upside scenarios, and execution trade-offs for senior leadership and the Board around discrete financial transaction and capital expenditure activities.
• Collaborate with functional leaders to translate business initiatives into measurable financial outcomes.
• Help bridge between Finance, Commercial, and Engineering divisions on key items.
• Act as a day-to-day analytical interface with the private equity sponsor.
• Support M&A, divestitures, financings, refinancings, and other strategic transactions.
• Assist in preparing diligence materials, transaction models, and data rooms.
• Own and maintain the integrated operating and financial model, including budget, forecast, and long-range planning.
• Ensure accuracy and consistency across key metrics such as operating drivers, EBITDA, cash flow, leverage, and covenant performance.
• Establish a single source of truth for forward-looking financial analysis.
• Lead preparation of monthly and quarterly lender and investor reporting packages as well as Board materials and ad-hoc investor requests.
• Partner with the Finance team to develop board-level materials highlighting performance, outlook, and key risks/opportunities.
• ‘Special projects’ role assisting with things related to public policy engagement, industry research, and other initiatives.

Required Skills/Experience:

• 3–5+ years of experience within investment banking, private equity, or a similarly rigorous analytical environment.
• Exceptional financial modelling, analytical, and presentation capabilities.
• Strong commercial instincts with the ability to connect operational performance to financial outcomes.
• Comfortable operating independently within a high-expectation, PE-backed environment.
• Motivated by ownership, visibility, and the opportunity to influence enterprise value creation.
• Ability to travel to Bakersfield, CA at the company’s main operating asset at least 1 week per month.
• Prior experience in the energy, infrastructure / natural resources, or manufacturing sectors strongly preferred.

Total Compensation Range: $250-350K/year