Chief Financial Officer - Operations and B2B Focus
Job Summary: Our client is seeking a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) with an operations focus in the B2B hardware industry in a pivotal executive role, responsible for overseeing all financial and operational aspects of the company. This role requires a deep understanding of the B2B hardware sector, combining financial leadership with hands-on operational management to ensure the company meets its financial objectives while optimizing manufacturing, supply chain, and distribution processes.
Key Responsibilities:
- Financial Strategy & Industry Leadership:
- Develop and implement financial strategies tailored to the B2B hardware industry, aligning with the company’s long-term growth objectives.
- Provide strategic financial insights to the CEO and executive team, particularly around pricing strategies, cost management, and capital allocation in a hardware-focused environment.
- Lead the financial planning, forecasting, budgeting, and reporting processes with an emphasis on product margins, inventory management, and cost control.
- Operational Excellence in Hardware Production:
- Collaborate closely with the operational teams to enhance production efficiency, manage manufacturing costs, and ensure timely delivery of hardware products.
- Oversee the development and implementation of operational policies and procedures specific to the hardware industry, focusing on optimizing the supply chain, logistics, and inventory management.
- Monitor key operational metrics, such as production lead times, supplier performance, and product quality, to ensure alignment with financial targets.
- Develop and implement strategies for mitigating supply chain risks, such as vendor concentration, raw material price volatility, and geopolitical factors.
- Financial Management & Reporting:
- Ensure accurate and timely preparation of financial statements, with a focus on hardware-specific metrics such as cost of goods sold (COGS), gross margins, and working capital.
- Manage cash flow, investments, and capital expenditures, ensuring optimal allocation of resources to support hardware production and innovation.
- Maintain robust internal controls and ensure compliance with industry-specific regulations and standards.
- Risk Management in Hardware Operations:
- Identify and manage financial and operational risks unique to the B2B hardware industry, including product liability, warranty claims, and supply chain disruptions.
- Implement strategies to mitigate these risks, including appropriate insurance coverage, quality control measures, and contingency planning.
- Lead efforts to safeguard intellectual property and ensure compliance with international trade regulations.
- Technology & Systems Integration:
- Oversee the selection and implementation of financial and operational systems that support the specific needs of a B2B hardware company, including ERP systems, manufacturing execution systems (MES), and supply chain management tools.
- Ensure that technology investments align with the company’s strategic goals, enhancing both financial oversight and operational efficiency.
Qualifications:
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field. MBA or CPA preferred.
- Experience: Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in finance, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role within the B2B hardware industry. Healthcare experience is preferable.
- Skills:
- Deep understanding of financial management and operational processes in the B2B hardware sector.
- Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills with a focus on operational efficiency.
- Excellent leadership and team management abilities, with experience in managing cross-functional teams.
- Proficiency in financial software, ERP systems, and industry-specific tools.
- Exceptional communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
Key Competencies:
- Industry Expertise in B2B Hardware, preferably Healthtech
- Strategic Financial Leadership
- Operational Efficiency & Cost Management
- Supply Chain & Vendor Management
- Risk Management
- Leadership & Team Development