GROUP CFO - FMCG

On behalf of our client, a prestigious and large-scale manufacturing company operating in the FMCG sector, with multiple production sites in Italy and commercial branches abroad, we are looking for a:

Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

Reporting directly to the CEO and leading a significant team of Finance, Administration, and Controlling Managers and Specialists—based not only at the Headquarters and across production plants, but also in the offices of the Group’s subsidiaries—the CFO will assume full financial leadership of the organization. As a key member of the Executive Team, the CFO will be responsible for defining and implementing the financial strategy to support the company’s strategic and business goals

Key Responsibilities:

• Contribute to the company’s short- and long-term growth strategy by overseeing financial planning across domestic and international operations.
• Lead the company’s financial performance in line with operational targets, budgets, and forecasts.
• Prepare and present annual financial business plans to the CEO and Board of Directors; support financial discussions with banks to ensure optimal financial structure.
• Evaluate financial needs and profitability of operations, proposing solutions to mitigate financial burdens and improve cost efficiency.
• Optimize cash flow management, including treasury, credit control, and working capital.
• Monitor actual and forecasted cash flow, ensuring liquidity and financial balance.
• Manage relationships with financial institutions and implement financing strategies in line with company policies.
• Oversee the accurate and timely monthly and annual financial close process and supporting documentation.
• Provide accurate, compliant, and timely financial reports to the CEO and shareholders.
• Lead budgeting and forecasting processes to align with strategic goals.
• Supervise both central and industrial (plant-level) Controlling functions and provide support to Controlling Managers.
• Ensure implementation and continuous improvement of financial, accounting, and administrative processes and procedures.
• Coordinate with external tax and legal advisors to ensure full compliance with fiscal, civil, and regulatory requirements.
• Oversee group consolidation and ensure compliance with international accounting standards (IAS/IFRS).
• Support and manage extraordinary financial operations such as M&A, divestitures, restructuring, and joint ventures, including due diligence and financial modeling.
• Evaluate and manage investment projects with proper financial and risk analysis.
• Lead finance process digitalization and ERP/BI system integration in collaboration with the IT department.
• Define and monitor key financial KPIs and implement integrated reporting systems.
• Supervise internal and external audits, reinforcing controls and transparency across the organization.
• Collaborate with HR on budgeting for personnel costs, workforce KPIs, and welfare-related financial analysis.
• Promote a culture of financial responsibility, efficiency, and continuous improvement throughout the organization.
• Actively contribute to Executive Team meetings by influencing operational models and strategic initiatives.
• Manage and develop Finance, Administration, and Controlling teams, fostering leadership, high performance, and organizational change.

Required Skills and Experience:

• Proven track record in similar roles (Group CFO) within complex and international FMCG organizations.
• Prior experience as Group Controller or Head of Controlling is considered a strong asset.
• Solid background in consolidated financial statements and international accounting standards (IAS/IFRS).
• Experience in managing international cash pooling systems.
• Fluent English (spoken and written, daily use).
• Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel and hands-on experience with ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle).
• Demonstrated experience in team leadership and change management.
• High level of integrity, strategic thinking, accuracy, and problem-solving capabilities.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and negotiation skills; ability to influence at all levels.
• Tech-savvy with strong business acumen.

Compensation Package:

• Base Salary (Gross Annual): €140,000 – €150,000
• Bonus & Benefits: MBO + corporate benefits
• Candidates with greater seniority and a strong track record in structured companies with turnover over €250–300 million/€ may be considered with a higher package.
• Location: Emilia-Romagna, Italy. Willingness to travel occasionally, both nationally and internationally, is required