Role Overview

We are seeking a highly driven and operationally focused Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to lead the finance function within a Tier 1 automotive environment.

This role goes beyond traditional finance and acts as a key business partner to operations, driving cost efficiency, operational performance, and profitability across manufacturing sites. The CFO will play a critical role in translating operational metrics into financial impact, while ensuring accurate and timely reporting to global headquarters.

Key Responsibilities

1. Business Partnering & Operational Finance

• Act as a strategic partner to Operations, Supply Chain, and Engineering leadership

• Translate operational KPIs into financial performance drivers

• Monitor and challenge key metrics such as:

  • OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness)

  • Labor productivity (output per FTE)

  • Scrap, rework, yield

• Drive operational efficiency initiatives (Lean, Kaizen, continuous improvement)

• Support decision-making on:

  • Make vs. Buy strategies

  • Capacity optimization & footprint decisions

  • Capex investments and ROI

2. Cost Control & Profitability Management

• Lead standard costing processes and ensure cost accuracy across plants

• Perform deep-dive variance analysis (material, labor, overhead)

• Identify cost-saving opportunities and drive execution with operations

• Ensure profitability at product, customer, and plant level

• Support quoting processes and validate cost assumptions for new business

3. Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A)

• Lead budgeting, forecasting, and long-term planning processes

• Align financial planning with operational capacity and demand scenarios

• Provide actionable insights on performance gaps and improvement levers

• Develop robust financial models to support strategic decisions

4. Capex & Investment Control

• Evaluate and challenge investment proposals (production lines, automation, tooling)

• Ensure strong ROI discipline and post-investment tracking

• Partner with engineering and operations on industrial strategy

5. Cash Flow & Working Capital Management

• Drive improvements in working capital (inventory, receivables, payables)

• Optimize inventory levels in coordination with supply chain

• Ensure strong cash flow visibility and forecasting

6. Governance, Reporting & Compliance

• Ensure accurate, transparent, and timely financial reporting to Group

• Manage monthly closing, reporting packages, and variance explanations

• Maintain strong internal controls and compliance with group policies

• Act as key interface with global finance teams and auditors

Key Requirements

• Degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field (MBA/CPA is a plus)

• 10+ years of experience in finance leadership roles within Automotive Tier 1 / manufacturing

• Strong experience in plant controlling / operational finance

• Deep understanding of manufacturing processes and cost structures

• Proven track record in cost optimization and operational improvement

• Experience working in an international environment with global reporting lines

• Strong leadership and stakeholder management skills

Key Competencies

• Operational mindset with strong financial acumen

• Data-driven decision-making

• Hands-on, pragmatic, and results-oriented

• Ability to challenge and influence operations

• Strong communication skills in a matrix organization

Success Indicators

• Improved plant profitability and cost structure

• Increased transparency of operational performance drivers

• Strong alignment between finance and operations

• Accurate and timely reporting to Group

• Measurable impact on efficiency and cash flow