Chief Financial Officer

About This Role

About this Role

Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

Location: Middle East

Industry: Retail & Distribution (Grocery / FMCG)

The Opportunity

A leading regional retail and distribution business is seeking a Chief Financial Officer to play a pivotal role in driving financial performance, strengthening operational discipline, and enabling sustainable growth .

Operating within a complex and fast-evolving environment, the organization is entering a phase that requires enhanced financial leadership, improved visibility, and scalable infrastructure to support its continued expansion.

The CFO will act as a strategic partner to the CEO and executive leadership team , contributing directly to business decisions, performance improvement, and long-term value creation.

Role Purpose

The Chief Financial Officer will be responsible for leading the financial strategy, optimizing performance, and building a robust finance function that supports both operational excellence and future growth.

This role requires a balance of strategic thinking, commercial acumen, and hands-on execution , with a strong focus on driving measurable business outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Partner closely with the CEO and leadership team to shape and execute business strategy
• Provide forward-looking financial insights to support decision-making
• Act as a key advisor on growth, investment, and risk management

Performance & Value Creation

• Drive initiatives to improve profitability, cost efficiency, and overall financial performance
• Strengthen cash flow management and working capital discipline
• Identify opportunities for operational improvement and margin enhancement

Financial Transformation

• Enhance the effectiveness, efficiency, and scalability of the finance function
• Improve financial reporting, planning, and forecasting capabilities
• Lead the optimization of financial systems, processes, and controls , including ERP environments

Commercial Finance & Business Partnering

• Collaborate with operational teams to support data-driven decision-making
• Provide insight into product, category, and channel performance
• Support pricing, promotions, and supplier strategies with financial rigor

Governance & Compliance

• Ensure strong financial governance, controls, and compliance frameworks
• Oversee regulatory and tax requirements in line with regional standards
• Maintain transparency and accuracy in financial reporting

Leadership & Team Development

• Build, lead, and develop a high-performing finance team
• Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and collaboration
• Strengthen team capability to support a growing and evolving business

Candidate Profile

Experience

• Proven experience in a senior finance leadership role
• Background in retail, FMCG, or distribution environments , ideally within complex, multi-entity operations
• Strong preference for candidates with European (particularly UK or Western European) experience , bringing exposure to structured, mature finance environments and best-in-class retail practices
• Demonstrated success in driving financial performance, transformation, and process improvement
• Experience operating within regional or international business structures

Capabilities

• Strong commercial mindset , with the ability to translate financial data into actionable insights
• Ability to operate both strategically and at a detailed execution level
• Experience working with ERP systems and financial transformation initiatives
• Confident in influencing senior stakeholders and driving change

Personal Attributes

• High level of integrity, discretion, and professional judgment
• Resilient and adaptable in dynamic environments
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Able to operate effectively within entrepreneurial or owner-led organizations

Why This Role

• Opportunity to influence enterprise-wide strategy and performance
• Exposure to a complex, multi-dimensional business environment
• Platform to lead both transformation and growth initiatives
• High visibility role with direct access to senior leadership

Process

This is a confidential search .

Further details will be shared with shortlisted candidates.