Job Title: Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

Location: Galway

About the Role: We are seeking a dynamic and strategic Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to lead the financial transformation of our rapidly scaling manufacturing company. This is a high-impact role for a seasoned financial leader with startup and scale-up experience, deep knowledge of hardware or tech operations, and a proven track record in fundraising. As CFO, you will institutionalise the finance function, optimise operational and financial performance, and serve as the critical bridge between company execution and Board expectations.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Capital Strategy & Funding Leadership

• Funding Leadership: Architect the capital-raising strategy for Series B/C rounds, crafting compelling financial narratives, predictive models, and managing due diligence end-to-end.

• Debt & Non-Dilutive Strategy: Identify and execute non-dilutive financing options, including venture debt, asset-backed lending for manufacturing equipment, and government grant programs in tech and aerospace sectors.

• Investor Relations: Serve as the primary liaison with the investment community, translating complex technical milestones into clear ROI-driven stories for shareholders.

2. Manufacturing & Operational Scale

• Gross Margin Excellence: Partner with Engineering and Operations to professionalise unit economics, reduce Bill of Materials (BOM) costs, and optimise labour and overhead as the company transitions from prototype to serial production.

• Supply Chain & CAPEX Management: Oversee cash flow for long-lead-time hardware projects, managing capital deployment into production facilities.

• ERP & Systems Integration: Lead the implementation of an enterprise-grade ERP (e.g., NetSuite, SAP) to enable real-time visibility into COGS, inventory, and factory operations.

3. Board Governance & Financial Reporting

• Board Stewardship: Prepare and present comprehensive monthly and quarterly Board reports, providing insight into variances, runway risks, and financial context for strategic decisions.

• Governance & Compliance: Establish strong internal controls, ensure audit readiness, and uphold high standards of corporate governance.

• KPI Ownership: Define and track critical metrics such as Burn Multiple, Cash Runway, and Inventory Turns to guide strategic planning and investor discussions.

4. Executive Leadership & Team Management

• Departmental Growth: Build and mentor a high-performing finance team, including a Controller, FP&A lead, and specialised accounting professionals.

• Operational Discipline: Implement a company-wide "Operating System" encompassing annual planning, Monthly Business Reviews (MBRs), and rigorous financial controls.

• Strategic Partnership: Act as the CEO’s strategic partner, balancing R&D velocity with financial sustainability through data-driven decision-making.

Candidate Profile:

• Scale-Up Specialist: Proven experience leading hardware or tech companies through multiple funding rounds and scaling operations.

• Manufacturing Expertise: Deep understanding of financial operations for physical products, including inventory management, absorption costing, and supply chain risk.

• Strategic Communicator: Exceptional ability to distill complex financial data for non-financial stakeholders and maintain credibility with investors and Board members.

• People Leader: Experienced in building finance teams that operate with accountability, transparency, and a culture of excellence.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in US market operations and compliance.

• Hands-on involvement in Series B/C fundraising cycles.

• Expertise with enterprise-grade ERP systems and financial reporting tools.

Why Join Us: This is a rare opportunity to shape the financial future of a high-growth manufacturing company at a pivotal stage. You will work closely with visionary leaders, influence strategic decisions, and drive operational excellence that directly impacts the company’s trajectory.

For further information on this Chief Financial Officer role in Galway please contact Caroline Kingston on +353 868395531 or email caroline@hero.ie Check out all our open jobs on our HERO Recruitment website – https://www.hero.ie/.

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