Chief Financial & Operating Director

Talent Finance has been appointed to secure a strategic, commercially focused and blended CFO/MD for a high-growth business headquartered in Hampshire. This is a rare opportunity to step into a leadership role with broad remit, which is combining financial stewardship, operational delivery, and strategic direction at a pivotal point in the company’s journey. With significant expansion planned both in the UK and overseas, and a potential IPO or strategic transaction anticipated within the next few years, the incoming CFO/MD will play a central role in shaping and executing the business’s long-term value creation plan.

The Role

As CFO/MD, you will act as a key partner to the CEO and Board, taking full ownership of financial strategy and operational effectiveness across the business. Your focus will be on building scalability, driving performance, and ensuring the company is structurally and commercially ready for its next phase of growth.

You will lead the finance function while also providing day-to-day oversight of operational activity, contributing directly to company-wide decision making. It’s a true number two role, ideal for a commercially minded CFO or COO ready to step into a broader, MD-style position.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership: Shape and execute the long-term growth strategy in collaboration with the CEO and Board.
• Operational Oversight: Lead and optimise day-to-day operations across key business functions, ensuring efficiency, scalability, and resilience.
• Financial Strategy & Control: Own financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and reporting — driving informed decision-making at every level.
• IPO & Exit Readiness: Prepare the business for a successful IPO or strategic partnership, including governance, due diligence, and investor communications.
• Commercial Performance: Analyse and influence commercial levers, margin improvement, and international expansion plans.
• Investor & Stakeholder Relations: Act as the senior point of contact for investors, banks, and strategic partners, representing the business with credibility and clarity.
• Team Leadership: Build and develop high-performing finance and operational teams, fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.

Candidate Profile

• Proven experience as a CFO, MD, COO or Commercial Director with exposure to broad operational leadership.
• ACA, ACCA, or CIMA qualified (or equivalent), with strong credibility among senior stakeholders.
• A strategic thinker with strong financial acumen, commercial insight, and a hands-on approach to delivery.
• Track record of success in high-growth environments, ideally with experience preparing for an IPO, M&A, or PE-backed exit.
• Sector experience in technology, manufacturing, or product-led businesses would be advantageous.
• Clear, confident communicator with the gravitas to engage at Board and investor level.

What’s on Offer

• Salary: £130,000 - £150,000 base + performance-based bonus
• Share options aligned to long-term value creation and investor return
• Step into a senior leadership role with influence over strategy, operations, and investment planning
• Comprehensive Package: Including car allowance, pension, and private healthcare (TBC), hybrid working

This is a rare opportunity to help lead a business through a transformational period, from growth to global expansion and beyond. You’ll join a high-performing leadership team and play an instrumental role in shaping the company’s future trajectory.

If you’re a commercially sharp and operationally minded finance leader with experience of leading a SME business through significant change and are looking to make a lasting impact then please apply today.

Talent Finance are committed to promoting Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in the workplace. We review all applicants on equal merit and we do not discriminate on the basis of age, gender, sex, relationship status, disability, race, religion/beliefs, or sexual orientation.