Deputy CFO Europe

• Shape financial strategy across a complex European manufacturing network.
• Progress towards a CFO role with direct exposure to executive leadership.

About Our Client

• An established international industrial group specialising in advanced materials for packaging and labelling applications.
• A significant European manufacturing footprint, supported by a regional management hub in Luxembourg.
• A multinational business investing in production capabilities, innovation and more sustainable manufacturing solutions.
• A commercially focused organisation where finance plays a central role in operational performance, investment decisions and business development.

Job Description

Financial Strategy & Business Partnering

• Work closely with European executives to translate business priorities into financial strategies and measurable objectives.
• Provide commercial insight to support investment decisions, profitability improvements and sustainable growth.
• Assess financial implications of strategic projects, potential acquisitions and organisational transformation.
• Challenge operational assumptions and identify opportunities to improve financial returns.

Financial Planning, Controlling & Governance

• Lead regional budgeting, forecasting, financial planning and management reporting.
• Consolidate financial performance across multiple European entities, ensuring consistent reporting and reliable management information.
• Optimise cash flow, working capital management and capital allocation.
• Strengthen financial controls, governance frameworks and compliance with applicable accounting requirements.

Manufacturing Finance & Operational Performance

• Partner with plant management and operations teams to improve cost efficiency and industrial profitability.
• Oversee manufacturing cost analysis, inventory valuation and production performance indicators.
• Drive improvements in financial processes, ERP systems and reporting capabilities.
• Identify operational improvement opportunities through data-driven financial analysis.

European Finance Leadership

• Coordinate and develop finance functions across several European jurisdictions.
• Establish consistent financial processes, performance indicators and best practices.
• Act as the principal finance interface between European operations and Group management.
• Build effective relationships with Operations, Supply Chain, Procurement, HR, Tax, Legal and IT.
• Develop finance talent and encourage accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement.

The Successful Applicant

Education & Professional Experience

• Master's degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics or a related discipline.
• Approximately 12-15 years or more of progressive experience in finance, including substantial management responsibilities.
• Proven experience in an industrial or manufacturing environment, preferably within a multinational group.
• Previous experience as a Finance Director, Regional Finance Director, Head of Finance or Deputy CFO.
• Demonstrated ability to manage financial activities across several countries and within businesses operating at significant scale.
• ACCA, CIMA, CPA, ACA or an equivalent professional qualification would be advantageous.

Technical Expertise

• Advanced knowledge of financial controlling, FP&A, budgeting, forecasting and financial reporting.
• Strong understanding of industrial cost accounting, production economics and manufacturing KPIs.
• Experience with ERP environments, financial process optimisation and transformation initiatives.
• Sound knowledge of international accounting practices, internal controls and corporate governance.
• Ability to convert complex financial information into actionable recommendations for senior management.

Leadership & Personal Qualities

• Commercially astute finance leader combining strategic judgement with operational pragmatism.
• Confident business partner capable of constructively challenging senior stakeholders.
• Proven ability to lead and develop multicultural, geographically dispersed teams.
• Results-oriented, adaptable and comfortable managing competing priorities.
• Strong sense of ownership, sound judgement and the ability to influence decisions across organisational levels.

What's on Offer

• CFO Succession Opportunity: A long-term career trajectory towards a Chief Financial Officer position.
• European Leadership Scope: Responsibility for finance activities across multiple countries and manufacturing operations.
• Executive Visibility: Direct collaboration with senior r