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A nationally recognised engineering firm engaged our executive search team to appoint a strategic and hands-on Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to lead its finance function and support its ambitious growth plans. Operating in a project-based environment across engineering, infrastructure, and manufacturing, the business needed a CFO who could drive financial strategy while maintaining strong operational control.  The role was critical to advancing the company’s acquisitive growth, optimising ERP systems, and enhancing forecasting, budgeting, and commercial reporting, while also strengthening the executive leadership team for the next phase of scale.  The ideal candidate needed to bring:  10+ years of senior financial leadership experience  Commercial insights focus: Proven expertise in mergers and acquisitions, management accounting, and ERP transformation  Proven track record in engineering, infrastructure, or industrial sectors within organisations undergoing national or global growth  Leadership skills: A collaborative, hands-on leadership style suited to a fast-paced, founder-led business   Trusted advisor: The capability to advise the CEO, board, and broader leadership team with confidence and clarity 

Our executive search solution 

Leveraging our long-standing relationships with senior finance executives, we launched a targeted, network-led search.   Our team drew on deep expertise in recruiting for engineering and project-based sectors, which allowed us to quickly pinpoint finance executives who could navigate the financial complexity and commercial demands of this environment. In fact, the successful candidate had previously been both a client and a candidate within our network, demonstrating the strength of our industry connections and our ability to maintain long-term professional relationships built on trust and performance.  After thorough market mapping, we had identified and engaged a strong slate of pre-qualified CFOs who matched the client's technical and cultural brief. A shortlist of six high-calibre candidates was presented; each vetted through a structured and consultative evaluation process.  We managed a three-stage process involving multiple stakeholders:   Round 1: Initial interviews with the CEO, Chair, and a founding partner  Round 2: Panel interview with the CEO, two Founders, and two General Managers, including a business case scenario  Round 3: A two-hour working session between the final candidate and the CEO, involving a financial report review and a strategic discussion over lunch  Throughout the process, we provided end-to-end support, from candidate preparation and stakeholder alignment to offer negotiation and onboarding strategy, ensuring a seamless executive hiring experience for both client and candidate.  

Client’s return on investment

The new CFO made an immediate impact: 

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