Interim Manager Operational Excellence & Turnaround

Contract Type: Interim 

Start: Immediate

Duration: 6–9 months

Location: Cologne (primary), with occasional travel within the Cologne–Frankfurt region

Our client is a private-equity-backed Group wit >€3bn annual turnover. The mandate focuses on operational stabilisation and execution discipline within one of the group’s largest regions. 

Tasks/Responsibilities

• Hands-on implementation of agreed operational and performance measures

• Monitoring budgets, forecasts, and operational targets and performance

• Establishing and supporting governance structures and KPI-Tracking

• Operational prioritization and capacity/resource planning with regional management

• Direct reporting to the COO; close coordination with CFO / Finance Director and PMO within a regional steering committee.

(Required) Skills

• Proven experience in interim restructuring, turnaround, or PMO mandates

• Strong execution-oriented operational leadership background

• Experience in service-driven businesses (preferred)

• Structured, pragmatic, and assertive leadership style

• Fluent in German and English

Interim Chief Financial Officer (m/f/d)
Sector: Healthcare Services
Location: Germany (South) (Hybrid / Multi-site)
Revenue: over €250 million
Duration: 6 months

The Role
Our client is a private equity–backed healthcare services platform undergoing a phase of operational and financial transformation. The Interim CFO will partner closely with the CEO, PE sponsor and executive leadership to stabilise and professionalise the finance function, enhance transparency and performance management, and support value creation initiatives across a multi-site operating model.

This is a hands-on leadership role combining strategic finance, operational excellence and transaction readiness in a regulated, high-growth healthcare environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as strategic finance partner to the CEO and PE sponsor, driving financial governance, reporting quality and value creation initiatives.

• Lead and stabilise the finance organisation across central and regional teams, strengthening controllership, FP&A and shared services.

• Own monthly reporting, KPI frameworks and board-level performance packs aligned with PE standards.

• Oversee budgeting, forecasting and cash flow management, including working capital optimisation and liquidity planning.

• Lead or support ERP, BI and finance systems enhancement to improve data quality, transparency and scalability.

• Manage banking relationships, debt covenants, refinancing processes and financial risk management.

• Support M&A activity, including financial due diligence, integration and post-merger finance professionalisation.

• Ensure compliance with German regulatory, tax and healthcare-specific requirements.

Candidate Profile

• Proven Interim CFO or senior finance leader experience in PE-backed or highly leveraged environments, ideally within healthcare services, medtech, life sciences or regulated multi-site businesses.

• Track record in leading finance transformations, ERP/BI implementations and building “exit-ready” finance functions.

• Strong command of German GAAP (HGB) and IFRS, with solid tax and regulatory understanding in the German healthcare context.

• Hands-on, resilient and comfortable operating in complex, fast-paced and ambiguous environments.

• Strong stakeholder management skills, able to work effectively with PE investors, lenders, management teams and external advisors.

• Fluency in German and English required.

M&A Manager

West London, UK

Consumer

Salary: Up to £80,000

We are working on this is rare chance to join a PE-backed consumer business at a pivotal point in its growth journey. Backed by an ambitious investor and operating on a truly international stage, the business is scaling quickly through a combination of organic growth and a highly active M&A strategy.

With a strong brand portfolio, loyal global customer base and a clear vision for expansion, the organisation is entering its next phase of value creation. M&A sits at the heart of this strategy, making this an exciting moment for a commercially minded deal professional to step into a high-impact role with real exposure to senior leadership and complex transactions.

Reporting into the Head of M&A, the successful candidate will play a hands-on role across acquisitions, divestments and wider strategic initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Driving and coordinating M&A activity across the group, supporting transactions from early-stage evaluation through to completion
• Helping shape the broader investment agenda by identifying attractive markets, themes and potential targets
• Developing market insight and pipeline analysis to inform both M&A execution and wider strategic planning
• Actively sourcing opportunities in partnership with senior business leaders and corporate development colleagues
• Managing complex workstreams and multiple stakeholders, including investment banks, legal advisers and consultants
• Assessing financial value, deal structures and commercial upside, including synergies and integration considerations
• Producing high-quality investment materials and clearly articulating deal rationale to senior decision-makers
• Building effective working relationships with target businesses and their leadership teams
• Supporting divestment processes, from preparing businesses for sale through to transaction execution
• Reviewing diligence outputs, highlighting key risks and influencing deal strategy and negotiation approach
• Contributing M&A expertise to wider strategic, financing and corporate initiatives as required

The Ideal Candidate

• Strong transaction background gained in advisory, private equity or an in-house corporate development role
• Solid technical grounding in M&A combined with the ability to apply judgement and commercial insight
• Confident communicator, able to influence and challenge senior stakeholders with clarity and credibility
• Relationship-driven, with the ability to collaborate effectively across functions and geographies
• Resilient and organised, able to manage pressure, ambiguity and multiple deadlines
• Strong written skills with advanced capability across Microsoft Office tools

For more information, please apply for this role or contact Alba Amigo at alba.amigo@phippscameron.com .

M&A Manager

Location: Barcelona

Sector: Business Services

Salary: Up to 70,000€ + Benefits

We are partnering exclusively with a PE-backed business services platform executing an ambitious EU-wide buy-and-build strategy. Backed by a leading private equity sponsor, the group is focused on building a scaled, high-quality platform through disciplined acquisition, operational excellence, and value creation across multiple European markets.

As part of this growth agenda, they are seeking a hands-on M&A Manager to join a dynamic corporate development team. This is a unique opportunity for an experienced professional to lead the execution of M&A transactions and make a tangible impact on the company’s growth strategy.

Key Responsibilities

• Driving deal origination efforts across Europe, including market mapping, target screening, and initial outreach in collaboration with senior stakeholders.
• Leading the end-to-end M&A execution process from initial engagement and LOI through to closing.
• Coordinating cross-functional due diligence efforts across finance, commercial, legal, tax, and operations, ensuring timely and high-quality delivery.
• Managing external advisors (financial, legal, commercial) throughout transaction processes.
• Supporting transaction structuring, valuation analysis, and investment materials for internal decision-making and investment committee discussions.
• Driving project management and execution timelines to ensure smooth and efficient deal progression.
• Supporting post-transaction integration handovers to ensure continuity and alignment.

The Ideal Candidate

• Prior experience in-house in M&A or Corporate Development, with a proven track record of executing deals.
• Strong ownership mindset and pragmatic, results-driven approach.
• Strong financial analysis, valuation, and commercial assessment capabilities.
• Highly organised, self-directed, and comfortable managing multiple live transactions simultaneously.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with founders, advisors, and senior leadership.
• Professional working proficiency in English is required.
• Willingness to travel occasionally across Europe as required.

For more information, please apply for this role or contact Alba Amigo at alba.amigo@phippscameron.com

VP (Head), Corporate Development and Strategy

Location: United States (Fully Remote)
Reports to: CFO
Company Type: PE-backed, high-growth software company

Overview

Our client is a leading, technology-enabled software business operating in a large and growing digital market. Backed by top-tier private equity sponsors, the company is entering its next phase of growth, with a strong focus on M&A, strategic partnerships, and long-term value creation.

To support this, the company is seeking a Vice President of Corporate Development and Strategy to lead acquisition activity, strategic planning, and key growth initiatives. This is a highly visible role with regular exposure to executive leadership and private equity sponsors.

Key Responsibilities

Corporate Development / M&A

• Lead end-to-end M&A processes including sourcing, evaluation, valuation, diligence, and execution

• Build and manage relationships with bankers, advisors, and potential acquisition targets

• Partner closely with Finance, Legal, Product, and Operations through deal execution and integration planning

• Support post-acquisition integration strategy and performance tracking

Strategy

• Drive corporate and business unit strategy, including market expansion, product adjacency analysis, and growth initiatives

• Develop board-level materials including strategic plans, investment cases, and long-range financial models

• Conduct competitive, market, and customer analysis to inform strategic decision-making

• Support annual planning and long-term value creation initiatives alongside the CFO and CEO

Stakeholder Management

• Serve as a key partner to senior leadership and private equity sponsors

• Present recommendations and insights to the executive team and Board

• Act as a strategic thought partner across the organization

Ideal Candidate Profile

• 8–15 years of experience in corporate development, strategy, investment banking, private equity, or consulting

• Strong M&A execution experience, ideally within software, SaaS, ad tech, or tech-enabled services

• Experience within private equity-backed companies strongly preferred

• Exceptional financial modeling, valuation, and analytical skills

• Strategic mindset with the ability to move seamlessly between high-level strategy and detailed execution

• Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment

Interim Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

Location: Hybrid | Weekly travel to Central Europe (2–3 days per week at HQ)
Start: ASAP
Contract: Interim (with potential interim-to-permanent)
Day Rate: Negotiable (aligned to large-cap, PE-backed complexity)

The Opportunity

A large, international, private equity–backed group (c. €700m+ turnover) is seeking an Interim CFO to provide immediate leadership and stability during a transition period while a permanent appointment is made.

The business is operating a buy-and-build growth strategy, with regular M&A activity across Europe. The Interim CFO will play a central role not only in core financial stewardship, but also in supporting transactions and ensuring disciplined post-merger integration.

This is a role requiring a senior finance leader who can operate credibly at board and investor level, act as a trusted right hand to the CEO, and simultaneously adopt a hands-on, in-the-trenches approach to ensure accuracy, control, and momentum.

• Ensure accuracy, integrity, and consistency of financial numbers across the group

• Improve forecasting quality, cash flow visibility, and working capital discipline

• Support and shape M&A activity, from diligence through integration

• Professionalise the finance function to large-cap, PE-backed standards

• Provide confident leadership through transition, supporting continuity and handover to a permanent CFO

Core Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Business Partnering

• Act as a core member of the executive leadership team and strategic partner to the CEO

• Provide commercial insight to support growth, capital allocation, and value creation

• Lead board-level and investor-style reporting, including performance, cash, and covenant metrics

• Support longer-term finance strategy, organisation design, and capability development

Financial Control, Reporting & Governance

• Own group financial reporting, ensuring robust controls, reconciliations, and data integrity

• Oversee month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close across multiple entities and jurisdictions

• Ensure compliance with local statutory, tax, and regulatory requirements

• Standardise accounting policies, reporting formats, and governance across the group

Forecasting, FP&A & Working Capital

• Stabilise and improve short-, medium-, and long-term forecasting accuracy

• Drive improved working capital performance (AR, AP, inventory, cash conversion cycle)

• Enhance management information, KPIs, and dashboards to support operational decision-making

• Challenge assumptions and translate financial data into actionable insight

M&A Support & Transaction Activity

• Act as the finance lead on M&A activity, working closely with the CEO and deal teams

• Support financial due diligence, valuation analysis, and deal structuring

• Assess target businesses’ financial quality, systems, controls, and working capital profiles

• Identify deal risks, synergies, and integration considerations pre-close

• Support rapid assessment of bolt-on opportunities in line with the group’s growth strategy

Post-Merger Integration (PMI)

• Lead or oversee post-merger integration from a finance perspective

• Ensure timely integration of:

  • Financial reporting and close processes

  • Accounting policies and controls

  • Forecasting, budgeting, and KPI frameworks

  • Cash management and working capital practices

• Support integration of finance teams, clarifying roles, responsibilities, and operating cadence

• Track delivery of deal assumptions, synergies, and integration milestones

• Balance pace of integration with business continuity and operational realities

Transformation & Hands-On Delivery

• Lead elements of finance transformation, including:

  • Process standardisation and simplification

  • Strengthening of finance operating rhythm and controls

  • Improving data quality, systems usage, and reporting outputs

• Be close to the detail where needed, particularly in newly acquired or under-developed entities

• Step into problem areas to resolve issues pragmatically and at pace

• Build capability within the existing finance leadership team

Candidate Profile

Essential Experience

• Proven Interim CFO or senior CFO experience within large-cap organisations (€700m+ turnover)

• Strong track record in PE-backed and/or acquisitive buy-and-build environments

• Hands-on experience supporting M&A transactions and post-merger integration

• International, multi-entity experience across European operations

• Demonstrable success improving:

  • Forecasting and cash visibility

  • Working capital performance

  • Finance control and reporting at scale

Style & Mindset

• Gravitas to operate at board and investor level, with a pragmatic delivery mindset

• Commercial, outcomes-focused, and comfortable operating in ambiguity

• Able to build credibility quickly with senior stakeholders and finance teams

• Willing to operate both strategically and operationally as required

Practical Requirements

• Willing and able to travel weekly to Central Europe (2–3 days on site)

• Available to start immediately or at short notice

• Open to interim or interim-to-permanent arrangements

Leiter Buchhaltung / Konzernbuchhaltung (m/f/d)

Schleswig-Holstein, Deutschland

Budget : 90,000 – 120,000 EUR

Ich arbeite mit einem schnell wachsenden Unternehmen aus dem Bereich Finanztechnologie zusammen, das sich im Besitz einer Private-Equity-Gesellschaft befindet und einen erfahrenen und praxisorientierten Leiter Konzernbuchhaltung für sein Team in Deutschland sucht.

Diese Schlüsselposition untersteht direkt dem CFO und ist verantwortlich für die Führung der gesamten Finanzbuchhaltung gemäß den geltenden Rechnungslegungsstandards sowie für die Überwachung aller Buchhaltungsvorgänge, während das Unternehmen ehrgeizige Pläne und Strategien (Exit) verfolgt.

Als Leiter der Konzernbuchhaltung werden Sie

• eng mit dem CFO und dem Finanzteam in der deutschen Zentrale zusammenarbeiten
• das Unternehmen bei der Konsolidierung und Durchführung mehrerer Akquisitionen unterstützen und das Wachstum in internationalen Märkten vorantreiben
• eine entscheidende Rolle bei der Gestaltung und Verwaltung von Finanzprozessen spielen, während das Unternehmen seine Aktivitäten konsolidiert und eng mit den anderen Holding-Regionen zusammenarbeitet.
• Sie arbeiten mit dem CFO, den M&A- und Finanzteams an mehreren M&A-Transaktionen in der EU und zentralisieren alle Aktivitäten innerhalb der deutschen Niederlassung auf Konzernebene.

Dies ist eine absolut fantastische Gelegenheit, um Ihre Karriere schnell voranzutreiben und sich viele Türen im Bereich Private Equity zu öffnen.

Hauptaufgaben:

• Überwachung und Verwaltung der täglichen Buchhaltungsabläufe unter Gewährleistung der Genauigkeit und Einhaltung lokaler und internationaler Standards (IFRS/deutsche GAAP).
• Unterstützung des CFO bei der Integration von Akquisitionen in das Unternehmen sowie bei der Konsolidierung und Zentralisierung der Buchhaltungsfunktionen an verschiedenen Standorten.
• Verwaltung der Erstellung von Jahresabschlüssen, Konsolidierungen und Berichten.
• Enge Zusammenarbeit mit dem M&A-Team, dem Finanzteam und dem CFO, um

Ihr Profil:

• Ein praxisorientierter, detailorientierter Buchhaltungsexperte mit mehr als 6 Jahren Erfahrung in einer ähnlichen Position, idealerweise in der Versicherungsbranche, im Finanzdienstleistungssektor oder einem verwandten Bereich.
• Aktuelle oder frühere Erfahrung in der Beratung (idealerweise 1st/2nd Tier/Big 4)
• Fundierte Kenntnisse in den Bereichen M&A-Integration und Zentralisierung der Buchhaltung.
• Fachkenntnisse in IFRS, German GAAP und Vertrautheit mit PE-gestützten Umgebungen sind sehr wünschenswert.
• Erfahrung mit LucaNet wäre von Vorteil.
• Nachgewiesene Fähigkeit, selbstständig in einem schnelllebigen, dynamischen Umfeld zu arbeiten.
• Flüssige Deutsch- und Englischkenntnisse.

*Deputy CFO / Head of Financial Planning & Analysis / Head of Controlling (m/f/d) – Healthcare (Private Equity-Backed)*

Location: Essen, Germany

Industry: Healthcare

Level: Senior Leadership

I am exclusively supporting a private equity-backed healthcare portfolio based in Essen, Germany, in hiring a Deputy CFO / Head of Financial Planning & Analysis / Head of Controlling/ Head of Controlling (m/f/d).

The company is looking for a strong finance leader who can professionalise the finance function, improve decision-making, and bring structure to financial reporting and data management.

You will report directly to the CFO and act as their right hand, deputising in their absence. Over time, there is a clear path to stepping into the CFO role. This is a hands-on, high-impact position offering exposure to M&A, PE stakeholders, and strategic growth initiatives.

This is an excellent opportunity for a hands-on, analytical finance professional with strong FP&A and controlling experience in a complex environment — someone who enjoys solving problems, improving systems, and driving change.

Key Responsibilities

• Professionalise the Finance Function: Build and scale the finance function, introducing robust processes, controls, and governance frameworks to support a growing, multi-entity business.
• Financial Planning & Analysis: Lead budgeting, forecasting, and scenario modelling to provide actionable insights for decision-making at the executive and board level.
• Business Partnering: Act as the CFO’s right hand and trusted partner, supporting operational teams with commercial insights, performance monitoring, and profitability analysis.
• PE Reporting: Ensure timely, accurate, and structured reporting for private equity owners, including KPI dashboards and board packs.
• Process & Systems Improvement: Drive improvements in data quality, reporting efficiency, and financial systems adoption (including LucaNet, PowerBI) across the finance function.
• M&A & Integration Support: Assist with the integration of newly acquired entities and track post-acquisition performance, aligning financial reporting and operational metrics.
• Team Leadership & Development: Mentor, coach, and develop finance team members, fostering a culture of high performance, accuracy, and continuous improvement.
• Deputise for CFO: Take ownership of key finance responsibilities in the CFO’s absence, positioning yourself as a natural successor for future CFO progression

Your Profile

• Degree in Business Administration, Finance, Controlling, or similar discipline.
• Proven leadership experience in a controlling or FP&A role, ideally in a multi-site, service-based business.
• Strong business acumen, analytical mindset, and hands-on execution skills.
• Proficient in MS Excel; experience with LucaNet and Power BI is highly desirable.
• Fluent in German and English (written & spoken).

Feel free to apply directly, message me directly or email me at onam.agarwal@phippscameron.com.

Senior FP&A Manager (Contract) – Global Supply Chain & Industrial Services Group (Listed)

Salary: £100,000 (pro rata)

Contract: 6-Month FTC

Location: Central London (Hybrid – 2–3 days per week in office)

Reports: 3–4

Start: ASAP

A large, internationally recognised, listed organisation operating within the global supply chain and industrial services sector is seeking an experienced Senior FP&A Manager to join its high-performing Group Finance team on an initial 6-month fixed-term contract.

The company is a major player in its field, supporting some of the world’s largest manufacturers, retailers and consumer brands. With operations across multiple regions and a complex, asset-heavy operating model, this role offers significant scale, challenge and senior stakeholder visibility.

The Role

Reporting into Group Finance, the Senior FP&A Manager will lead a team of 3–4 analysts and managers, delivering high-quality insight, forward-looking analysis, and robust financial planning at the Group level.

This is not a month-end role — the focus is on strategic decision support, scenario modelling, forecasting and performance analysis.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the Group FP&A team.
• Own the Group budgeting, forecasting and long-range planning cycles.
• Deliver insightful performance reporting and commentary for senior leadership.
• Build and refine complex financial and scenario models.
• Partner with regional and functional leaders across a global network.
• Drive continuous improvement in planning processes and analytical capability.
• Support strategic initiatives, investment cases and performance reviews.

Candidate Profile

• Strong FP&A experience within a large corporate or listed business, ideally with exposure to supply chain, industrial services, logistics, manufacturing or other complex, multinational environments.
• Proven people leadership experience.
• Excellent analytical and financial modelling skills.
• Confident communicator capable of influencing senior stakeholders.
• Forward-looking mindset — comfortable in a planning and insight-focused role.
• ACA qualification desirable; ACCA or CIMA also considered strongly.
• Able to start at short notice and commit to a 6-month FTC.

What’s on Offer

• £100,000 salary (pro rata).
• Hybrid working — 2–3 days per week in a Central London office.
• High-level exposure within a global listed organisation.
• Strategic, senior FP&A responsibilities with real influence.
• Opportunity to shape Group-wide planning and analytical capability.