CONFIDENTIAL | Group Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

Scovai is conducting a confidential search on behalf of a leading manufacturing and industrial group headquartered in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. We are seeking an exceptional and commercially minded Group Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to join the Executive Leadership Team during a critical phase of business transformation, restructuring, operational optimization, and long-term value creation. This role extends significantly beyond traditional finance leadership responsibilities. The successful candidate will lead the company’s financial transformation agenda, strengthen lender and investor confidence, optimize capital structure, improve profitability and cash flow, and support strategic growth initiatives across a diversified group operating across multiple business units and markets.

Working closely with the CEO, Board of Directors, shareholders, lenders, regulators, and external stakeholders, the Group CFO will serve as a trusted strategic partner in driving business turnaround, portfolio optimization, operational excellence, and sustainable shareholder value creation.

Key Responsibilities:

• Partner with the CEO and Board to develop and execute restructuring and transformation strategies, acting as a strategic advisor on performance, growth, and capital allocation.

• Lead all financial aspects of restructuring, turnaround initiatives, liquidity improvement, and working capital optimization programs.

• Drive cost optimization, operational efficiency, and margin enhancement initiatives across manufacturing operations and supply chain functions.

• Negotiate with banks, lenders, and financial institutions; manage refinancing, covenant compliance, debt restructuring, and capital optimization.

• Support capital market transactions including IPO readiness, equity fundraising, and rights issues while ensuring robust corporate governance and regulatory compliance.

• Oversee all accounting, treasury, taxation, audit, budgeting, planning, and financial reporting activities, ensuring timely and accurate reporting.

• Lead cash preservation, liquidity management, and rigorous cash forecasting processes to optimize return on invested capital.

• Serve as the primary financial interface with banks, investors, auditors, and advisors, building credibility and supporting investor relations.

• Build, develop, and lead a high-performing finance organization, fostering a culture of accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement.
  
  

Experience leading large-scale manufacturing or industrial turnaround and restructuring initiatives

Expertise in MENA cross-border capital markets, syndicated debt, and lender negotiations

Proven track record in group-wide digital finance transformation and ERP modernization

Strategic M&A integration or portfolio optimization experience across diversified business units

Advanced knowledge of UAE/GCC regulatory compliance and ESG reporting frameworks

Nice to have

• Experience leading financial turnarounds or restructuring in complex manufacturing or industrial conglomerates
• Deep familiarity with GCC regulatory frameworks, banking relationships, and cross-border capital markets
• Proven track record in implementing digital finance transformations, including ERP modernization and advanced financial analytics
• Expertise in structuring and negotiating complex debt facilities, equity raises, or M&A transactions to optimize capital structure
• Cross-cultural executive leadership experience managing multi-national business units and diverse stakeholder groups