Chief Financial Officer

About the Opportunity

Talents First - Executive Search & Selection is recruiting for a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) on behalf of a leading Saudi industrial manufacturing business located in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This full-time position is designed for an experienced finance leader ready to join a senior leadership team. The role focuses on overseeing the company’s financial strategy, performance, governance, and long-term growth, working in close partnership with the CEO and other senior stakeholders. A structured 6–12-month succession period is planned, during which the successful candidate will work closely with the current CFO.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the overall finance function, including financial controlling, budgeting, forecasting, reporting, treasury, tax, audit, financial planning, and corporate finance.
• Manage the annual budget, rolling forecasts, long-range financial plans, and monthly performance reviews, providing clear visibility of financial performance, risks, and opportunities.
• Deliver accurate and timely financial reporting and analysis for the CEO, Executive Leadership Team, Board, and Audit Committee, covering key business performance indicators.
• Lead manufacturing finance and plant controlling, including production economics, standard and product costing, inventory valuation, and variance analysis.
• Drive cost reduction, productivity, and margin improvement through analysis of raw material consumption, production efficiency, and operational overheads.
• Manage commodity exposure, including pricing mechanisms, hedging, and margin protection strategies.
• Partner with Sales and Commercial teams on financial and commercial decisions such as pricing, quotations, tenders, contracts, and product profitability.
• Collaborate with Operations, Procurement, and Supply Chain to enhance demand and production planning, inventory management, and cost performance.
• Lead cash flow forecasting, liquidity, and working capital management, overseeing receivables, payables, inventory, banking relationships, and debt arrangements.
• Manage foreign exchange exposure and broader treasury risks by implementing appropriate risk-management and hedging strategies.
• Evaluate CAPEX, plant investments, expansion projects, and major procurement decisions, developing business cases and assessing ROI.
• Support the CEO and Executive Leadership Team on strategic decision-making, including scenario modelling, long-term financial planning, and capital allocation.
• Maintain a robust financial control and governance framework, ensuring compliance with accounting standards, tax regulations, and internal policies.
• Lead external and internal audits, tax reviews, and related regulatory processes, ensuring timely submissions and effective resolution of findings.
• Identify, assess, and manage financial, operational, commercial, treasury, commodity, and compliance risks.
• Lead, coach, and develop the finance team, building technical and commercial capability, accountability, and succession strength.
• Drive finance transformation and continuous improvement, including ERP optimisation, automation, systems integration, and process standardisation.
• Act as a trusted finance partner, translating financial and operational data into clear, actionable recommendations that improve profitability and long-term business value.

Candidate Profile and Experience

• Currently operating at a Finance Director, Senior Financial Controller, Head of Finance, or an equivalent senior finance leadership level.
• This role is specifically structured as a clear progression into a C-suite position; existing CFOs are not the target profile.
• A minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in finance, preferably within an industrial manufacturing environment.

Required Skills and Attributes

• Strong executive presence and leadership capabilities.
• Demonstrated commercial acumen and strategic financial insight.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence and partner across all organizational levels.

Work Environment and Location

This is a full-time role based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, within a dynamic industrial manufacturing business. The position requires active engagement with the senior leadership team and direct management of the finance function.

Application Process

Candidates who meet the specified qualifications are invited to apply through Talents First - Executive Search & Selection.