Our firm has been retained to recruit the Chief Financial Officer for a private equity-backed custom packager and distributor of both branded and private label chemicals for the consumer market.  The company provides products to major retailers and specialty retail channels throughout the U.S.

Reporting to the CEO, the successful candidate will manage the company’s financial operations, including accounting, reporting, information technology, purchasing, and risk management, as well as human resources.  The Chief Financial Officer will play a true executive leadership role at the company by participating in strategic planning, operational decision making, and acquisitions, among others. 

Key qualifications include:

•   a minimum of fifteen years of professional financial management; experience must include tenure with a multi-location, $100M or less manufacturing company, preferably in chemicals and/or packaging;

•   financial acumen and significant analytical skills; candidates will have strong operational accounting and financial reporting skills; will have demonstrated a grasp of cost accounting and an intuitive sense about costing and cost optimization; will be proficient in cash flow forecasting, financial modeling and developing information reporting tools (e.g., customer/product profitability, productivity, early trend identifications, pricing, etc); will have demonstrated success in achieving increases in EBITDA;

•   successful experience working directly with the outside financial community, including commercial lenders and, ideally, private equity investors; will have participated and/or led M&A transactions;

•   an innovative and strategic mindset; will be interested in and involved with operational issues and how they affect the financial function; will be able to meaningfully participate in developing strategies to support a rapid growth plan; will bring rational, objective judgment to bear on tough issues and decisions;

•   a roll-up-the-sleeves work style; a person who enjoys a small company atmosphere; will have a spirit of pitching in to get the job done; and be comfortable in an environment with lean staffing;

•   tremendous leadership and decision-making ability;the bent for taking responsibility, moving ahead and encouraging others; must have the self-confidence, the integrity, the intellect, and the perseverance that inspires trust and confidence; must possess a strong drive to “win” and take the organization to the next level;

•   solid people and culture sensitivity skills; the ability to get along with people at all levels (from the manufacturing floor to the Board) of the organization; will be able to motivate and rally the troops around a central goal and processes;

•   a degree from an accredited four-year college; a CPA and/or MBA would be a plus.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a rapidly growing company.  An attractive compensation package, including base salary, bonus, and equity will be tailored to the successful candidate’s requirements.

If you have a personal interest in this position or thoughts of knowledgeable sources or potential candidates, please email resume2@sockwell.com .  Your recommendations and/or interest will be kept in strictest confidence.

This search was recently completed, and the successful candidate will report shortly.