Chief Financial Officer (CFO) – PE-backed International Services Group

THE OPPORTUNITY

Our client is a private-equity-backed, international B2B services group headquartered in the Cologne/Bonn region. It is hiring its first group CFO to lead finance through the next phase of buy-and-build and towards a successful exit.

The group has grown through a series of add-on acquisitions. It now operates from several sites in Germany and abroad, with a double-digit € million turnover.

The next phase is about integrating these businesses into one platform, professionalising group finance and building the reporting, systems and controls that support further acquisitions and an eventual exit.

THE ROLE

The CFO is a newly created group role and a member of the management team. They report to the CEO and work closely with the private equity shareholder.

- Title: Chief Financial Officer (Group)
- Reports to: CEO, with regular interaction with the investor and supervisory bodies
- Leads: the group finance and controlling team, plus finance leads at the operating subsidiaries
- Scope: all group entities in Germany and abroad, including recently acquired businesses

This is a hands-on role for someone who wants to build the finance function, not simply run it. The CFO will be the CEO's key sparring partner on strategy, M&A and value creation.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

The CFO owns all finance matters across the group and leads its integration into one scalable platform.

- Reporting and consolidation: build group consolidation (HGB) and timely monthly management and investor reporting, with clear KPIs across business lines and sites.
- Planning and performance: lead budgeting, forecasting and medium-term planning, and drive EBITDA improvement with the operating teams.
- Cash and working capital: manage liquidity, cash flow and working capital, including inventory and receivables across a multi-site group.
- Financing and lenders: own bank and lender relationships, covenant compliance and financing for acquisitions and growth.
- M&A and integration: support target screening, valuation and due diligence, and lead the financial integration of add-on acquisitions.
- Systems and processes: harmonise ERP, accounting and controlling processes across entities, and build a finance data and BI landscape.
- Controlling: establish profitability and costing transparency by business line, site and customer.
- Governance: oversee tax, insurance, internal controls and risk management, working with external advisors and auditors.
- Exit readiness: prepare the business and data for a future sale, including vendor due diligence.
- Team: lead and develop the group finance team and local finance leads, and strengthen capabilities where needed.

CANDIDATE PROFILE

The ideal candidate is an entrepreneurial, hands-on finance leader with private equity experience who is ready to own the CFO seat in a growing group.

Experience
- 10+ years in finance, including several years as CFO, Finance Director or Head of Finance in a mid-sized company or PE portfolio company
- Track record in a private equity environment: investor reporting, lender covenants, value-creation plans
- Hands-on experience with buy-and-build, including due diligence and post-merger integration of add-on acquisitions
- Group consolidation and reporting across multiple legal entities, ideally with international subsidiaries
- ERP, process and reporting projects in growing organisations
- Background in industrial, technical services or other asset-intensive B2B businesses is a plus

Skills and qualifications
- Degree in business administration, economics or a related field; Big 4, transaction services or PE operating-team experience is welcome
- Fluent German and English
- Strong analytical and commercial judgement, with a pragmatic, hands-on working style
- Credible sparring partner for the CEO and investor, and a natural leader who develops teams
- Comfortable with a fast-paced, multi-site environment and regular travel

Interim CFO – PE-backed Software Group
Stockholm, Sweden · Interim assignment · Start: ASAP

A European software private equity investor is looking for an experienced Interim CFO to lead group finance at one of its portfolio companies, a fast-growing provider of mission-critical software, through a period of growth and integration.

ABOUT THE COMPANY
Our client is an international, founder-led software group providing mission-critical technology.
- 150+ customers in more than 25 countries
- European HQ in Stockholm, with development and operational teams across Northern and Central Europe
- Recurring software and services revenue alongside larger implementation projects
- Majority-backed by a leading European software private equity investor since 2025
- A buy-and-build strategy, with acquisitions completed and more planned

THE ROLE
Reporting to the CEO and working closely with the investor, you will lead group finance and leave behind a scalable function ready for the next stage of growth.

Key responsibilities:
- Own the consolidated group view across multiple entities and countries
- Deliver monthly reporting, KPIs, budgets and forecasts to the CEO, board and investor
- Strengthen revenue recognition and project accounting across recurring and implementation revenue
- Lead finance integration of acquired businesses and support further M&A
- Manage cash, working capital and banking relationships
- Assess and develop the finance team, systems and processes

YOUR PROFILE
You will bring:
- CFO or senior finance leadership experience in a PE-backed software or technology business
- Hands-on experience of multi-entity, multi-country group consolidation
- A track record in post-acquisition integration and building finance functions
- Confidence reporting to a board and private equity owner, and partnering with a founder-CEO
- Fluent English
- Availability at short notice

Nice to have:
- SaaS or B2B software with project revenue
- Previous interim CFO assignments
- Swedish language skills

ASSIGNMENT DETAILS
- Location: Stockholm, with regular travel to other European sites
- Type: Interim assignment, start as soon as possible
- Duration: [TBC]
- Rate: [TBC]

Finance Director – Singapore 

Insurance Brokerage / MGA, PE-backed

Overview

Company: Insurance brokerage / MGA expanding into Singapore - Private equity-backed, with an ambitious growth strategy combining organic expansion and acquisitions

Location: Singapore (Hong Kong also possible)

Start date: to be confirmed, ideally shortly

Key Responsibilities

• Build and lead the regional finance function, including financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting and cash management, in line with group and investor requirements
• Act as a strategic business partner to the regional leadership and UK group, supporting growth initiatives, business cases and M&A activity
• Ensure robust financial controls, regulatory compliance (e.g. MAS requirements) and insurance-specific processes such as premium accounting and client money handling

Must-haves

• Experience in insurance broking, insurance or MGA environments
• 10+ years of experience in relevant finance roles
• Ideally experience in PE-backed environments

Head of Finance Benelux (m/f/d)

Industry: MGA / Insurance Broking
Location: Rotterdam
Salary: 100.000 - 110.000 € p.a.

Following a recent integration into a larger international group, the Dutch platform is now going through a phase of professionalisation and growth.

The role is initially very hands-on and strongly focused on accounting and financial reporting, before becoming more strategic with a focus on process improvement, automation, integration and future growth.

Key responsibilities:

• Monthly reporting and annual accounts
• Accounting, AP/AR, cash & working capital
• Budgeting, forecasting and financial planning
• Annual audit coordination
• Consolidation and group reporting
• Internal controls and process improvements
• Supporting group integration
• Financial sparring with senior management

Must-have:

• 8+ years of relevant finance/accounting experience
• Strong financial reporting and annual accounts background
• Hands-on accounting and consolidation experience
• Fluent Dutch and English
• Multi-entity and Insurance / MGA experience

Chief Information Officer (CIO)

Location: Bologna, Italy
Compensation: €150,000–€200,000 gross annual salary, plus bonus

The Opportunity

We are supporting an established, internationally operating pharmaceutical group in the search for a Chief Information Officer (CIO) to lead the evolution of its technology landscape and support the organisation's next phase of growth.

The Group operates in the animal health sector, with activities spanning pharmaceutical research, development, manufacturing and international commercial operations. With a strong industrial footprint and a growing international presence, the organisation is investing in the capabilities, systems and digital infrastructure required to support its continued expansion.

The CIO will play a strategic role in aligning technology with business priorities, strengthening IT governance and driving digital transformation across a complex, international environment.

Working closely with the executive leadership team, the successful candidate will define and execute the Group's IT strategy, modernise its technology architecture and ensure that digital capabilities support operational efficiency, business scalability, innovation and effective decision-making.

This is a senior leadership opportunity for an experienced technology executive who combines strategic vision with strong execution capabilities and understands the demands of an industrial, science-driven and internationally distributed organisation.

Key Responsibilities

1. IT Strategy & Digital Transformation

• Define and execute the Group's IT strategy, ensuring alignment with corporate objectives and long-term business priorities.

• Develop a technology roadmap covering infrastructure, enterprise applications, data, cybersecurity and digital innovation.

• Identify opportunities to leverage technology to improve operational efficiency, productivity and business performance.

• Lead digital transformation initiatives across corporate, commercial, manufacturing and research functions.

• Establish IT governance frameworks, investment priorities and performance indicators to measure the effectiveness of technology initiatives.

• Act as a strategic advisor to the executive team on technology trends, investment decisions and digital opportunities.

2. Enterprise Applications & Business Systems

• Oversee the evolution and integration of the Group's enterprise application landscape, including ERP and other core business platforms.

• Ensure that business systems effectively support finance, procurement, supply chain, manufacturing, sales and international operations.

• Drive application standardisation and process harmonisation across the Group's entities and geographical locations.

• Evaluate opportunities to modernise legacy systems and improve integration between applications.

• Ensure that technology platforms are scalable, reliable and capable of supporting future business growth.

• Collaborate with business leaders to translate operational requirements into effective technology solutions.

3. Manufacturing, Supply Chain & Industrial Technology

• Support the digital evolution of manufacturing and industrial operations through appropriate technology platforms and integrated processes.

• Ensure effective coordination between enterprise IT and production-related systems, working with the relevant operational and engineering stakeholders.

• Promote greater visibility across manufacturing, planning, inventory, procurement and distribution processes.

• Support the adoption of digital solutions that improve operational performance, traceability and supply chain efficiency.

• Ensure that technology initiatives are aligned with the requirements of a regulated pharmaceutical manufacturing environment.

• Strengthen the integration of systems supporting industrial sites and international production facilities.

4. Data, Analytics & AI

• Define the Group's data strategy, establishing appropriate standards for data governance, quality, ownership and accessibility.

• Improve the availability and consistency of management information across business functions and international entities.

• Promote the use of analytics and business intelligence to support strategic and operational decision-making.

• Identify opportunities to apply artificial intelligence and automation to improve productivity and streamline business processes.

• Establish appropriate governance, security and risk-management principles for the adoption of emerging technologies.

• Ensure that data and digital capabilities can scale alongside the organisation's international development.

5. Cybersecurity, Infrastructure & IT Governance

• Oversee the Group's IT infrastructure, cloud strategy, networks, workplace technology and core IT services.

• Establish and maintain appropriate cybersecurity policies, controls and incident-response capabilities.

• Ensure business continuity, disaster recovery and resilience across critical systems and international operations.

• Manage IT risk, access controls, security standards and technology compliance requirements.

• Develop appropriate governance frameworks, service-management processes and performance metrics.

• Ensure effective management of external IT service providers and technology partners.

6. International IT Operations & Integration

• Coordinate technology strategy and execution across the Group's international subsidiaries and operating locations.

• Establish appropriate standards for systems, processes, infrastructure and IT service delivery while accommodating local business requirements.

• Lead the technology integration of newly acquired entities and support the harmonisation of applications and infrastructure.

• Identify opportunities to consolidate platforms, improve operational consistency and capture synergies across the organisation.

• Build effective relationships with local management teams to ensure successful adoption of Group-wide technology initiatives.

• Ensure that IT capabilities support the Group's international expansion and evolving organisational structure.

7. Budget, Investment & Vendor Management

• Develop and manage the Group's IT budget, investment plans and technology expenditure.

• Prioritise investments based on strategic value, operational impact, risk and total cost of ownership.

• Monitor financial performance, identify efficiency opportunities and ensure effective allocation of resources.

• Manage relationships with technology vendors, implementation partners and external service providers.

• Lead strategic negotiations and ensure that suppliers deliver against agreed service levels and contractual commitments.

• Establish clear business cases and measurable outcomes for major technology investments.

8. Leadership & Organisational Development

• Lead and develop the IT organisation, ensuring the appropriate structure, capabilities and resources are in place to support business needs.

• Establish clear responsibilities, objectives and performance expectations across IT teams.

• Promote a culture of accountability, collaboration, continuous improvement and service excellence.

• Strengthen collaboration between IT and business functions, ensuring technology is viewed as a strategic enabler rather than solely a support function.

• Develop internal capabilities while identifying opportunities to leverage external expertise where appropriate.

• Communicate technology priorities, investment decisions and delivery progress effectively to executive stakeholders.

Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate will be an experienced technology executive with a strong track record of leading IT strategy, enterprise systems and digital transformation in an international industrial or pharmaceutical environment.

Required Experience

• Significant experience in senior IT leadership positions, such as CIO, IT Director or Group IT Director.

• Proven experience defining and implementing IT strategies in complex, multi-site and internationally distributed organisations.

• Strong expertise in enterprise applications, ERP systems, application integration and IT architecture.

• Experience supporting manufacturing, supply chain and industrial operations through technology.

• Demonstrated track record in digital transformation, systems modernisation and process harmonisation.

• Experience managing cybersecurity, infrastructure, IT governance and business continuity.

• Strong capabilities in IT budget management, investment planning, vendor negotiations and resource allocation.

• Experience leading and developing multidisciplinary IT teams.

• Proven ability to engage with executive stakeholders and translate business priorities into technology roadmaps.

Industry Background

Experience in pharmaceuticals, life sciences, manufacturing or other regulated industrial environments will be particularly valuable.

Exposure to animal health, pharmaceutical production, R&D-intensive organisations or international manufacturing groups would be an advantage.

Experience with regulated environments, quality-management requirements and the technology implications of pharmaceutical manufacturing will be especially relevant.

Key Competencies

• Strategic leadership: Ability to connect technology investments with business objectives and long-term growth.

• Digital transformation: Proven capability to modernise systems, processes and technology operating models.

• Industrial and operational understanding: Ability to align IT solutions with manufacturing, supply chain and commercial requirements.

• International management: Experience coordinating technology initiatives across multiple countries, entities and cultures.

• Business partnership: Strong stakeholder-management skills and the ability to influence decision-making at executive level.

• Financial and commercial acumen: Ability to manage budgets, evaluate investments and maximise technology value.

• Change management: Capability to drive adoption, build consensus and implement transformation across the organisation.

• People leadership: Ability to develop teams, strengthen internal capabilities and establish a high-performance culture.

The Opportunity

The CIO will join an established international group at an important stage in the evolution of its technology capabilities.

The role offers the opportunity to shape the Group's IT strategy, modernise its enterprise systems and strengthen the digital infrastructure supporting research, manufacturing and international commercial operations.

The successful candidate will have significant influence over technology investment priorities and the opportunity to build a scalable, secure and integrated IT environment that supports the organisation's long-term ambitions.

Location: Bologna, Italy.

Compensation package: €150,000–€200,000 gross annual salary, plus bonus.

Chief Information Officer (CIO)

Location: Bologna, Italy
Compensation: €150,000–€200,000 gross annual salary, plus bonus

The Opportunity

We are supporting an established, internationally operating pharmaceutical group in the search for a Chief Information Officer (CIO) to lead the evolution of its technology landscape and support the organisation's next phase of growth.

The Group operates in the animal health sector, with activities spanning pharmaceutical research, development, manufacturing and international commercial operations. With a strong industrial footprint and a growing international presence, the organisation is investing in the capabilities, systems and digital infrastructure required to support its continued expansion.

The CIO will play a strategic role in aligning technology with business priorities, strengthening IT governance and driving digital transformation across a complex, international environment.

Working closely with the executive leadership team, the successful candidate will define and execute the Group's IT strategy, modernise its technology architecture and ensure that digital capabilities support operational efficiency, business scalability, innovation and effective decision-making.

This is a senior leadership opportunity for an experienced technology executive who combines strategic vision with strong execution capabilities and understands the demands of an industrial, science-driven and internationally distributed organisation.

Key Responsibilities

1. IT Strategy & Digital Transformation

• Define and execute the Group's IT strategy, ensuring alignment with corporate objectives and long-term business priorities.

• Develop a technology roadmap covering infrastructure, enterprise applications, data, cybersecurity and digital innovation.

• Identify opportunities to leverage technology to improve operational efficiency, productivity and business performance.

• Lead digital transformation initiatives across corporate, commercial, manufacturing and research functions.

• Establish IT governance frameworks, investment priorities and performance indicators to measure the effectiveness of technology initiatives.

• Act as a strategic advisor to the executive team on technology trends, investment decisions and digital opportunities.

2. Enterprise Applications & Business Systems

• Oversee the evolution and integration of the Group's enterprise application landscape, including ERP and other core business platforms.

• Ensure that business systems effectively support finance, procurement, supply chain, manufacturing, sales and international operations.

• Drive application standardisation and process harmonisation across the Group's entities and geographical locations.

• Evaluate opportunities to modernise legacy systems and improve integration between applications.

• Ensure that technology platforms are scalable, reliable and capable of supporting future business growth.

• Collaborate with business leaders to translate operational requirements into effective technology solutions.

3. Manufacturing, Supply Chain & Industrial Technology

• Support the digital evolution of manufacturing and industrial operations through appropriate technology platforms and integrated processes.

• Ensure effective coordination between enterprise IT and production-related systems, working with the relevant operational and engineering stakeholders.

• Promote greater visibility across manufacturing, planning, inventory, procurement and distribution processes.

• Support the adoption of digital solutions that improve operational performance, traceability and supply chain efficiency.

• Ensure that technology initiatives are aligned with the requirements of a regulated pharmaceutical manufacturing environment.

• Strengthen the integration of systems supporting industrial sites and international production facilities.

4. Data, Analytics & AI

• Define the Group's data strategy, establishing appropriate standards for data governance, quality, ownership and accessibility.

• Improve the availability and consistency of management information across business functions and international entities.

• Promote the use of analytics and business intelligence to support strategic and operational decision-making.

• Identify opportunities to apply artificial intelligence and automation to improve productivity and streamline business processes.

• Establish appropriate governance, security and risk-management principles for the adoption of emerging technologies.

• Ensure that data and digital capabilities can scale alongside the organisation's international development.

5. Cybersecurity, Infrastructure & IT Governance

• Oversee the Group's IT infrastructure, cloud strategy, networks, workplace technology and core IT services.

• Establish and maintain appropriate cybersecurity policies, controls and incident-response capabilities.

• Ensure business continuity, disaster recovery and resilience across critical systems and international operations.

• Manage IT risk, access controls, security standards and technology compliance requirements.

• Develop appropriate governance frameworks, service-management processes and performance metrics.

• Ensure effective management of external IT service providers and technology partners.

6. International IT Operations & Integration

• Coordinate technology strategy and execution across the Group's international subsidiaries and operating locations.

• Establish appropriate standards for systems, processes, infrastructure and IT service delivery while accommodating local business requirements.

• Lead the technology integration of newly acquired entities and support the harmonisation of applications and infrastructure.

• Identify opportunities to consolidate platforms, improve operational consistency and capture synergies across the organisation.

• Build effective relationships with local management teams to ensure successful adoption of Group-wide technology initiatives.

• Ensure that IT capabilities support the Group's international expansion and evolving organisational structure.

7. Budget, Investment & Vendor Management

• Develop and manage the Group's IT budget, investment plans and technology expenditure.

• Prioritise investments based on strategic value, operational impact, risk and total cost of ownership.

• Monitor financial performance, identify efficiency opportunities and ensure effective allocation of resources.

• Manage relationships with technology vendors, implementation partners and external service providers.

• Lead strategic negotiations and ensure that suppliers deliver against agreed service levels and contractual commitments.

• Establish clear business cases and measurable outcomes for major technology investments.

8. Leadership & Organisational Development

• Lead and develop the IT organisation, ensuring the appropriate structure, capabilities and resources are in place to support business needs.

• Establish clear responsibilities, objectives and performance expectations across IT teams.

• Promote a culture of accountability, collaboration, continuous improvement and service excellence.

• Strengthen collaboration between IT and business functions, ensuring technology is viewed as a strategic enabler rather than solely a support function.

• Develop internal capabilities while identifying opportunities to leverage external expertise where appropriate.

• Communicate technology priorities, investment decisions and delivery progress effectively to executive stakeholders.

Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate will be an experienced technology executive with a strong track record of leading IT strategy, enterprise systems and digital transformation in an international industrial or pharmaceutical environment.

Required Experience

• Significant experience in senior IT leadership positions, such as CIO, IT Director or Group IT Director.

• Proven experience defining and implementing IT strategies in complex, multi-site and internationally distributed organisations.

• Strong expertise in enterprise applications, ERP systems, application integration and IT architecture.

• Experience supporting manufacturing, supply chain and industrial operations through technology.

• Demonstrated track record in digital transformation, systems modernisation and process harmonisation.

• Experience managing cybersecurity, infrastructure, IT governance and business continuity.

• Strong capabilities in IT budget management, investment planning, vendor negotiations and resource allocation.

• Experience leading and developing multidisciplinary IT teams.

• Proven ability to engage with executive stakeholders and translate business priorities into technology roadmaps.

Industry Background

Experience in pharmaceuticals, life sciences, manufacturing or other regulated industrial environments will be particularly valuable.

Exposure to animal health, pharmaceutical production, R&D-intensive organisations or international manufacturing groups would be an advantage.

Experience with regulated environments, quality-management requirements and the technology implications of pharmaceutical manufacturing will be especially relevant.

Key Competencies

• Strategic leadership: Ability to connect technology investments with business objectives and long-term growth.

• Digital transformation: Proven capability to modernise systems, processes and technology operating models.

• Industrial and operational understanding: Ability to align IT solutions with manufacturing, supply chain and commercial requirements.

• International management: Experience coordinating technology initiatives across multiple countries, entities and cultures.

• Business partnership: Strong stakeholder-management skills and the ability to influence decision-making at executive level.

• Financial and commercial acumen: Ability to manage budgets, evaluate investments and maximise technology value.

• Change management: Capability to drive adoption, build consensus and implement transformation across the organisation.

• People leadership: Ability to develop teams, strengthen internal capabilities and establish a high-performance culture.

The Opportunity

The CIO will join an established international group at an important stage in the evolution of its technology capabilities.

The role offers the opportunity to shape the Group's IT strategy, modernise its enterprise systems and strengthen the digital infrastructure supporting research, manufacturing and international commercial operations.

The successful candidate will have significant influence over technology investment priorities and the opportunity to build a scalable, secure and integrated IT environment that supports the organisation's long-term ambitions.

Location: Bologna, Italy.

Compensation package: €150,000–€200,000 gross annual salary, plus bonus.

Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Location: Rome, Italy – On-site
Compensation: €100,000–€120,000 gross annual salary + bonus

The Opportunity

We are supporting a leading independent insurance brokerage and risk management group in the search for a Chief Operating Officer (COO) to support its next phase of growth and organisational development.

The Group provides insurance brokerage, risk advisory and risk management services to corporate and institutional clients across multiple industries. Its growth strategy combines organic expansion with acquisitions, creating the need for a stronger, more integrated and scalable operating model.

The COO will play a pivotal role in translating the Group's strategic ambitions into operational performance, ensuring that processes, organisational structures and management systems evolve in line with the business.

Working closely with the CEO and the wider leadership team, the successful candidate will drive operational excellence, harmonise processes across the Group and lead the integration of newly acquired businesses, while preserving the specialist expertise and client relationships that underpin the organisation's success.

This is a senior leadership opportunity for a pragmatic, results-oriented executive who can combine strategic vision with hands-on execution in a growing, multi-entity environment.

Key Responsibilities

1. Group Operations & Operational Excellence

• Oversee the Group's operating model, ensuring effective coordination across business units, functions and geographical locations.

• Review and optimise operational processes, workflows and organisational structures to improve efficiency, service quality and scalability.

• Establish common operating standards, procedures and performance benchmarks across the Group.

• Identify opportunities to simplify processes, reduce operational complexity and improve productivity.

• Ensure that operational capabilities evolve in line with business growth, client requirements and strategic priorities.

2. Post-Acquisition Integration

• Lead the operational integration of newly acquired businesses, defining integration plans, priorities, milestones and accountability.

• Harmonise processes, systems, reporting structures and operating procedures across acquired entities.

• Work closely with local management teams to ensure effective integration while maintaining business continuity and client service standards.

• Identify synergies, operational efficiencies and opportunities for collaboration across the Group.

• Monitor integration progress, proactively address execution risks and ensure the realisation of expected benefits.

3. Process Management & Performance Monitoring

• Define and implement operational KPIs to monitor efficiency, productivity, service delivery and business performance.

• Establish consistent management reporting and performance review processes across the organisation.

• Use operational data to identify bottlenecks, address performance gaps and support evidence-based decision-making.

• Promote a culture of accountability, continuous improvement and execution discipline.

• Ensure that operational processes support sustainable growth and a consistently high standard of client service.

4. Organisational Development & Leadership

• Work with the CEO and senior management team to evolve the Group's organisational structure in line with its growth strategy.

• Clarify roles, responsibilities and decision-making processes across central functions and operating entities.

• Strengthen collaboration between business units and central teams, encouraging knowledge sharing and the adoption of best practices.

• Support the development of management capabilities and leadership effectiveness throughout the organisation.

• Drive change management initiatives, ensuring stakeholder alignment and effective implementation.

5. Technology, Systems & Operational Infrastructure

• Oversee the evolution of operational processes and supporting systems to enable greater efficiency, transparency and scalability.

• Collaborate with IT leadership to identify opportunities for automation, digitalisation and process standardisation.

• Support the integration of systems and operational platforms following acquisitions.

• Ensure that technology investments address business needs and deliver measurable operational benefits.

• Promote effective use of management information and digital tools across the organisation.

6. Strategic Planning & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Translate Group-level strategic objectives into actionable operational plans.

• Work closely with the CEO, CFO, commercial leadership and other senior stakeholders to align operational priorities with business performance.

• Support business planning, resource allocation and capacity management across the Group.

• Contribute to the evaluation of acquisition opportunities from an operational perspective, assessing integration complexity, synergies and scalability.

• Provide regular updates to the executive team on operational performance, integration progress and improvement initiatives.

Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate will be an experienced operations executive with a proven track record of improving organisational performance, implementing scalable processes and managing complexity in a growing business.

Required Experience

• Significant experience in senior operations leadership roles, such as COO, Operations Director or Head of Operations, within a multi-site, multi-entity or decentralised organisation.

• Proven experience managing operational transformation, process improvement and organisational development initiatives.

• Demonstrated track record in post-merger integration, business consolidation or the harmonisation of processes across multiple entities.

• Strong understanding of operational performance management, KPI frameworks, process governance and management reporting.

• Experience working closely with CEOs, CFOs and commercial leaders to translate strategic objectives into operational execution.

• Strong leadership capabilities, with experience coordinating teams and stakeholders across different functions and business units.

Industry Background

Experience in insurance brokerage, insurance services, financial services or other professional services environments will be particularly valuable.

Candidates from other sectors may also be considered where they have operated in complex, service-oriented organisations with decentralised structures and a strong focus on client relationships.

Key Competencies

• Strategic and operational thinking: Ability to connect long-term business objectives with practical operational priorities.

• Execution excellence: Strong ownership, decisiveness and the ability to deliver measurable results.

• Change management: Experience leading organisational transformation and bringing teams together around common objectives.

• Integration capabilities: Ability to manage complexity and capture synergies across acquired businesses.

• Stakeholder management: Strong communication and influencing skills, with the ability to engage effectively at all organisational levels.

• Analytical mindset: Ability to use KPIs, operational data and performance reporting to drive continuous improvement.

• Leadership and collaboration: Ability to empower teams, establish accountability and build a cohesive operating culture.

• Pragmatism and adaptability: Comfortable operating in a dynamic environment where processes and structures must evolve alongside the business.

The Opportunity

The COO will join a growing organisation at a pivotal stage of its development, with the opportunity to shape the Group's operating model and contribute directly to its long-term success.

The role offers significant scope to professionalise processes, strengthen operational governance and lead the integration of acquired businesses within an ambitious growth strategy.

We are looking for a leader who combines strategic perspective with a hands-on approach, capable of building the operational foundations required to support the Group's next stage of expansion.

Working arrangement: On-site, Rome, Italy.

Compensation package: €100,000–€120,000 gross annual salary, plus bonus.

Head of IT Applications

Location: Milan, Italy – Hybrid working (2 days remote)
Compensation: €90,000 gross annual salary + 20% bonus
Contract: Executive-level position – CCNL Commercio

The Opportunity

We are supporting a growing, independent insurance group in the search for a Head of IT Applications, a key leadership role responsible for the evolution of the Group’s application landscape, technology investments and systems integration.

Operating in the insurance advisory and risk management sector, the Group is pursuing an ambitious growth strategy driven by acquisitions and continued investment in technology and innovation.

The successful candidate will combine strong technical expertise, in-depth knowledge of the insurance industry and proven leadership capabilities to shape the application roadmap, oversee strategic technology initiatives and ensure the effective integration of newly acquired businesses.

This is an opportunity to play a central role in the Group’s technology strategy, working closely with IT leadership and business stakeholders to drive scalability, operational efficiency and long-term technological development.

Key Responsibilities

1. Application Development & Architecture

• Define the strategic direction and technical roadmap for internally developed applications, ensuring alignment with business objectives.

• Provide architectural guidance and technical oversight to the internal development function, working through the relevant team lead.

• Establish development priorities and oversee delivery plans, software quality, security standards and project timelines.

• Promote best practices across the software development lifecycle, encouraging technical excellence, team autonomy and continuous improvement.

• Ensure consistency and scalability across the Group’s application architecture.

2. Data Migration & Business Integration

• Oversee data migration and application integration initiatives arising from acquisitions and business expansion.

• Validate integration strategies and migration plans, ensuring alignment with Group platforms and architectural standards.

• Monitor project risks, dependencies, timelines and delivery outcomes.

• Ensure data quality, business continuity and the effective transition from legacy systems to Group-wide platforms.

• Drive application consolidation and the decommissioning of redundant systems.

3. Third-Party Solutions & Vendor Management

• Lead the evaluation, selection and implementation of third-party application solutions.

• Assess technology options against business requirements, comparing external solutions with internal development alternatives.

• Evaluate integration requirements, security, scalability, total cost of ownership and expected business benefits.

• Manage key technology vendors, including commercial negotiations, contractual commitments and service performance.

• Oversee implementation programmes, stakeholder engagement, user adoption and the achievement of expected outcomes.

4. Strategy, Budget & Investment Management

• Develop and maintain the Group’s application roadmap, anticipating technology requirements arising from continued growth and acquisitions.

• Manage budgets, forecasts and technology investments across the areas of responsibility.

• Prioritise initiatives based on business value, financial impact, risk, dependencies and available resources.

• Monitor expenditure, identify variances and implement corrective measures where necessary.

• Provide clear recommendations to IT leadership and business stakeholders, outlining alternative solutions, costs, risks and strategic implications.

5. Leadership & Stakeholder Management

• Lead through the relevant team leads, setting direction and ensuring accountability for delivery and results.

• Build strong relationships with IT leadership, business stakeholders and external technology partners.

• Translate business needs into sustainable technology solutions, balancing strategic priorities with operational requirements.

• Develop team capabilities and foster a culture of ownership, collaboration and continuous improvement.

Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate will bring a combination of strategic vision, technical credibility and commercial awareness, with the ability to make informed technology decisions and drive their implementation in a growing, acquisition-driven environment.

Required experience and qualifications:

• At least 10 years of experience in IT application management, with direct responsibility for applications, teams, vendors and technology investments.

• Strong knowledge of the insurance industry, particularly insurance brokerage and/or MGA (Managing General Agent) environments, including relevant business processes and technology platforms.

• Solid understanding of application architecture, systems integration, data management and the software development lifecycle.

• Proven experience overseeing internal software development teams and making architectural and technical decisions.

• Demonstrated track record in data migration, application consolidation and post-acquisition business integration.

• Experience evaluating, selecting and implementing third-party software solutions.

• Strong vendor management, negotiation and commercial capabilities.

• Experience managing budgets, investment planning, financial forecasts and technology expenditure.

Key Competencies

• Strategic thinking: Ability to define a clear application roadmap aligned with business objectives and long-term growth.

• Technical leadership: Sufficient technical depth to challenge assumptions, evaluate alternatives and guide architectural decisions.

• Commercial acumen: Ability to assess business cases, optimise investments and negotiate effectively with technology partners.

• Execution and accountability: A pragmatic, results-oriented approach to managing priorities, risks and delivery.

• Stakeholder management: Strong communication and influencing skills, with the ability to engage effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

• People leadership: Ability to develop and empower teams, establish clear accountability and foster collaboration.

The Opportunity

The successful candidate will join a growing IT organisation and have a direct influence on the Group’s technology direction and investment priorities.

The role offers significant scope to shape the application landscape, support the integration of acquired businesses and drive the adoption of scalable technology solutions in a dynamic insurance environment.

This is an opportunity for an experienced IT leader to combine strategic responsibility with hands-on involvement in critical technology decisions, contributing directly to the Group’s continued growth and transformation.

In-Fund Corporate Development Role

We are partnering with a leading Private Equity fund who is looking to grow its in-fund Corporate Development team. This is joining its portfolio Value Creation team as the number two to the Head of Corporate Development.

This is a unique opportunity to join a Private Equity fund directly, working across multiple portfolio companies to drive their inorganic growth strategies.

Unlike a traditional Corporate Development role within a single portfolio business, this position offers exposure to multiple businesses, management teams and acquisition strategies, with significant autonomy and end-to-end deal ownership.

The Opportunity:

• Work directly alongside the Head of Corporate Development, supporting M&A execution and origination across a portfolio of high-growth businesses.
• Lead transactions end-to-end, from origination, valuation and due diligence through to SPA negotiations, completion and integration.
• Partner closely with portfolio CEOs, CFOs and senior management teams to shape and execute buy-and-build strategies.
• Identify and originate acquisition opportunities, building proprietary target pipelines across multiple sectors.
• Present investment opportunities to portfolio company Boards and the fund's Investment Committee.
• Work within a lean, highly entrepreneurial PE environment, with significant responsibility and exposure from day one.

Ideal Background:

• Strong M&A experience from Investment Banking, Corporate Finance, Big 4 Deals or in-house Corporate Development.
• Proven track record of executing transactions through to completion, with strong financial modelling and commercial capabilities.
• Comfortable managing multiple transactions independently and engaging with senior stakeholders.
• Exposure to Technology, Services, or other traditional sectors would be advantageous, although not essential.
• Entrepreneurial, commercially minded and keen to take ownership in a fast-paced environment.

Why Consider This Role?

A rare opportunity to work in-fund, rather than within a single portfolio company, gaining exposure to multiple buy-and-build strategies and working directly with senior investment and portfolio leadership.

About the Opportunity

Phipps Cameron is partnering with an enterprise software company who is looking to add a Principal/Lead to its Corporate Development function - a high impact team responsible for shaping the company’s strategic direction and driving inorganic growth. This role sits at the centre of the organization, partnering directly with senior leadership and business unit heads to evaluate and execute key initiatives. You will be involved across the full deal lifecycle, while also contributing to broader strategic planning and capital allocation decisions. This is an opportunity to work on complex, high-visibility projects within a global software platform.

Key Responsibilities

• Evaluating opportunities: Assess potential acquisitions, partnerships, and strategic initiatives through financial modelling, valuation, and market analysis
• Transactions: Play a key role in live M&A and investment processes, including diligence coordination, financial analysis, and stakeholder management
• Building insights: Develop clear, data-driven perspectives to inform decision-making across leadership teams
• Creating materials: Prepare presentations, investment cases, and briefing documents for senior executives
• Sourcing pipeline: Identify and track potential targets, monitor industry trends, and support ongoing market mapping efforts
• Mentoring and supporting Junior members of the team

Background:

• 5 to 7 years of experience in roles such as: Investment Banking in Private Equity or Venture Capital Consulting Transaction Advisory focusing on software investment
• Advanced financial modelling and valuation capabilities
• Strong analytical thinking with the ability to interpret complex datasets
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, collaborative environment
• High attention to detail and a proactive, problem-solving mindset

Please apply directly or contact us confidentially for more information.