Our client is a private equity-backed asset leasing business operating across the UK and Europe. With a proven market position, strong recurring revenue characteristics and a high-quality asset base, the business is entering its next phase of growth.
Backed by an ambitious investor group, the company has a clear strategy to double revenue over the next 2-3 years through a combination of organic growth, operational optimisation and geographic expansion before positioning the business for a successful exit.
To help deliver this growth agenda, the board is seeking an experienced Chief Financial Officer to join the executive leadership team.
This represents a rare opportunity to play a key role in scaling a highly commercial, asset-intensive business while creating significant equity value alongside management and investors.
The Role
Reporting directly to the CEO and working closely with the Board and private equity sponsors, the CFO will be responsible for leading the finance function and driving the financial strategy of the business.
Key responsibilities will include:
- Developing and executing the financial strategy to support ambitious growth plans.
- Acting as a strategic partner to the CEO and Board on commercial, operational and investment decisions.
- Leading all financial planning, forecasting, budgeting and performance reporting activities.
- Optimising capital allocation, funding structures and cash management.
- Driving improvements in reporting, controls, systems and data analytics.
- Managing lender relationships and supporting future debt financing initiatives.
- Ensuring robust asset management processes, including asset utilisation, lifecycle management and return on invested capital.
- Supporting expansion across existing and new European markets.
- Leading due diligence and preparing the business for an eventual private equity exit process.
- Building and developing a high-performing finance team capable of supporting a larger, more complex organisation.
The Candidate
The successful candidate will be an experienced CFO or Finance Director with a demonstrable track record within asset-heavy, capital-intensive environments.
You will likely possess experience from sectors such as:
- Asset leasing
- Vehicle leasing and fleet management
- Equipment rental
- Infrastructure services
- Industrial services
- Transportation and logistics
- Asset-backed subscription businesses
Key requirements include:
- Qualified Accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)
- Previous experience working in a private equity-backed or highly leveraged environment.
- Strong understanding of businesses with significant inventory and depreciating asset bases.
- Proven experience managing asset financing, working capital and debt facilities.
- Demonstrable success supporting rapid growth and business scaling initiatives.
- Strong commercial acumen with the ability to influence strategic decision-making.
- Experience managing complex stakeholder groups, including investors, lenders and Board members.
- Credibility and gravitas to operate as a key member of the executive leadership team.
- Experience supporting M&A, refinancing or exit preparation activities is highly advantageous.