About the Role
Our client is hiring a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to lead the financial restructuring and business revival of a mid-sized engineering company located near Chemnitz, Germany. The company is a respected European brand in enamel-coated architectural panels and glass-fused-to-steel tanks and digestors, currently undergoing insolvency proceedings and is being relaunched under a new ownership structure following an asset acquisition.
The brand is now supported by a global industrial group with a successful track record of rebuilding and scaling engineering businesses in both Germany and India. With access to capital, leadership depth, and market access, the new ownership is committed to preserving the brand’s legacy while driving operational modernization.
This is a unique opportunity to be part of a well-capitalized and long-term transformation, supported by an experienced and values-driven international parent group. The CFO will report directly to the CEO and Managing Director and play a pivotal role in establishing financial stability, transparency, and performance discipline from Day 1.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead the financial stabilization of the business post-acquisition, including creation of clean opening balances, treasury management, and ERP setup.
* Design and implement a robust financial governance model aligned with German and international reporting standards.
* Take full ownership of cash flow forecasting, cost control, and margin improvement.
* Build a reliable controlling and budgeting framework, enabling visibility and accountability across operations.
* Interface with banks, tax advisors, legal counsel, and auditors to ensure full compliance and credibility.
* Serve as a key partner to the CEO and act as the financial conscience of the organization.
* Recruit and mentor a lean, hands-on finance and controlling team to support daily operations and future growth.
* Communicate effectively with international stakeholders, maintaining transparency, trust, and timely insights.
Requirements
* 10–15 years of experience in finance leadership roles within German SMEs, ideally in manufacturing or engineering.
* Demonstrated experience with insolvency, restructuring, or post-acquisition transitions is critical.
* Expert in HGB accounting, tax compliance, and financial controls in Germany.
* Fluent in both German and English (written and spoken).
* Experience in building trust across cultures, especially in cross-border ownership contexts.
* High integrity, resilience, and an entrepreneurial, execution-focused mindset.
Why Join Us?
* Join a credible and stable industrial group with a successful track record in Germany.
* Be part of rebuilding a company, not just financially but culturally.
* Operate with full backing and autonomy in a values-driven, long-term-oriented environment.
* Competitive compensation and strong alignment to turnaround success.