21 jobs found

Great British Energy (GBE) is a publicly owned energy company, created to accelerate the deployment of clean energy technologies and to ensure UK taxpayers, billpayers, communities and the energy workforce reap the benefits of a clean and secure energy system. Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Corporate Officer (CCO) will translate GBE's strategic vision into operational excellence, ensuring the organisation is equipped to deliver on its growth and public value objectives. This includes designing and implementing a digital first operating model, driving productivity, resilience, and public trust, and embedding a culture of continuous improvement. Reporting directly to the CEO and serving as a key member of the Executive Leadership Team (ELT), the CCO leads corporate functions such as Corporate Services (IT/Estates), Data, Digital & AI, Procurement and supply chain management, and Health, Safety, Sustainability & Social Responsibility. The CCO will line manage the HR Director and work closely with the General Counsel to ensure alignment across governance, compliance, and people strategy. The CCO will champion operational excellence, commercial discipline, and digital transformation across all corporate functions, ensuring compliance, safety, sustainability, and strong stakeholder engagement. Key Responsibilities Implement the Target Operating Model (TOM) across corporate functions; set SLAs and KPIs that enable market-facing verticals to deliver outcomes efficiently. Lead the design and implementation of scalable operational processes to support rapid growth and adaptation in the evolving energy sector. Data, Digital & AI Own strategy, architecture, and secure operations; champion automation and data governance for end-to-end business processes. Drive digital transformation, leveraging technology and data analytics to improve efficiency, transparency, and innovation. Work with Divisional Managing Directors to implement the key digital enablers of their go-to-market strategies and simplified customer journies. Procurement & supply chain management Lead group procurement policies (Procurement Act/MPM alignment), contract management, and internal outsourcing strategies; support grant delivery processes where applicable. Build and manage resilient supply chains and strategic vendor partnerships (those not specific to asset development or operations), ensuring commercial discipline and value for money. Health, Safety, Sustainability & Social Responsibility (HSSR) Establish best-in-class safety management systems; embed nature-positive practices and social responsibility in operations. Ensure full compliance with health, safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements, and lead on ESG and sustainability reporting. Corporate services Oversee IT operations, estates/facilities, and enterprise platforms; ensure business continuity and cyber resilience. Governance & assurance Coordinate with Board/ELT committees; uphold standards of transparency, accountability, and public value. Represent GBE with key external stakeholders, including regulators, industry partners, and local communities. Leadership & culture Build high-performing teams; role-model GBE values; partner with the HR Director on organisation-wide change and engagement. Foster a high-performance, inclusive, and values-driven culture, mentoring and developing senior leaders across the organisation. Person Specification Essential Experience and Skills Executive leadership of complex corporate functions at scale, delivering measurable service excellence. Proven experience as a COO / CCO or senior operational leader in energy, renewables, infrastructure, or a comparable sector. Strong commercial acumen and financial literacy, with experience managing large budgets and contracts. Track record of digital transformation, data governance, and cybersecurity stewardship. Deep experience of public procurement policy and contract management. Demonstrated success in scaling operations in a fast-growth or start-up environment. Proven Health & Safety leadership and integration of sustainability principles. Deep understanding of UK and international energy markets, regulatory frameworks, and public sector governance. Exceptional leadership, change management, and communication skills, with the ability to build high-performing teams and drive organisational culture. Operating model design in matrix organisations, ideally with energy sector familiarity. International operational experience, bringing a global perspective to strategy and delivery. Experience with advanced digital transformation initiatives and data analytics. Advanced degree (e.g., MBA or MSc in Engineering, Operations, or related discipline) Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in business, engineering or related field (required). Advanced degree (MBA or equivalent) preferred. Relevant professional certifications (e.g., CIPS, NEBOSH, Prince2) are advantageous. Apply Now Click the Apply Now link below to apply for this role. You will need to submit your CV, Covering Letter and complete the equal opportunities questionnaire. To arrange a confidential conversation, please contact the Edinburgh office via or call us on . Contact the team at FWB to discuss your individual or company requirements, or to discover more about our specialist services.

Select how often (in days) to receive an alert: Director, IT Digital Partner - International Business Date: Feb 27, 2026 Location(s): Winnersh, GB, RG41 5TS We Make Life More Rewarding and Dignified Location: Winnersh Department: Information Technology Summary The Director, IT Digital Partner is a senior technology leadership role responsible for partnering with enterprise business leaders to shape and deliver digital, data, and AI-enabled strategies that drive sustainable business outcomes. Reporting to the Vice President & Chief Information Officer, this role serves as a trusted advisor and strategic partner across multiple value chains, ensuring technology investments are aligned with business priorities, regulatory requirements, and long term enterprise architecture standards. The role leads multi year technology roadmaps, oversees complex platform transformations, and fosters a digital first, data driven culture across a global, regulated environment. Responsibilities Serve as the primary digital partner to senior business and functional leaders, translating business strategies into actionable, multi year technology roadmaps. Lead large scale digital and platform transformations across ERP, CRM, PLM, QMS, analytics, and customer experience platforms. Establish and govern secure, scalable, and compliant enterprise architectures, including cloud, data, integration, and AI capabilities. Drive innovation through the adoption of advanced analytics, automation, AI, and emerging technologies. Build, lead, and develop high performing global technology teams and operating models. Own financial management, including budgeting, forecasting, and strategic vendor partnerships. Ensure adherence to regulatory, quality, security, privacy, and validation requirements in highly regulated environments. Foster strong collaboration across IT and business teams, positioning IT as a strategic enabler of enterprise value. Partner with executives and business leaders to define and deliver measurable digital and technology outcomes. Design and oversee implementation of enterprise platforms and integrations supporting end to end business processes. Establish governance frameworks for data quality, security, risk management, and compliance. Lead change management efforts to support adoption of new technologies and ways of working. Monitor technology performance, resilience, and continuous improvement across supported platforms. Represent IT as a thought leader internally and externally, leveraging industry best practices and insights. Essential Functions of the Role Communicate effectively via email, phone, and virtual platforms. Collaborate across departments to support organizational goals. Participate in cross functional meetings and initiatives. Maintain and analyze data using tools like Excel, SAP, or HRIS systems. Prepare reports and dashboards for internal stakeholders. Ensure data accuracy and confidentiality in compliance with company and legal standards. Manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast paced environment. Lead or support special projects aligned with departmental objectives. Demonstrate initiative in identifying process improvements or automation opportunities. Serve as a point of contact for internal and external stakeholders. Resolve inquiries and issues with professionalism and discretion. Provide guidance on policies, procedures, and benefits (where applicable). Adhere to company policies, including those related to ADA, data privacy, and ethics. Maintain secure handling of sensitive information. Support audits and regulatory reporting as needed. Vision setting and alignment with business strategy. High level decision making and resource allocation. Oversight of compliance, risk, and organizational culture. Education & Work Requirements Bachelor's Degree with a minimum of 15 years of related experience Education & Work Preferences 15+ years of progressive IT experience, including 10+ years in senior leadership or enterprise platform roles. Demonstrated experience leading large scale digital or enterprise platform transformations. Experience working in regulated industries such as life sciences, medical devices, or pharmaceuticals. Proven ability to manage complex, global stakeholder environments and executive relationships. Preferred: Master's degree or MBA. Experience across multiple enterprise platforms (e.g., ERP, CRM, PLM, analytics, cloud). Background in agile, DevOps, and modern product or platform operating models. Industry thought leadership, consulting, or transformation program experience. Global work experience and comfort operating across geographies and cultures. Be Agile - Innovates and adapts quickly, approaching change with curiosity while persisting through obstacles. Be Customer Centric - Considers the needs, experiences and feedback of customers in all we do. Be People Focused - Builds trust and collaborates with an inclusive and empathetic approach. Be Performance Driven - Operates with an ownership mindset, driving meaningful outcomes. Live The Schneiders' Legacy, Our Noble Purpose - Passionately serves Our Mission and Vision, while demonstrating the Immutable Principles. The anticipated base salary range for this position is £120,000 - £160,000, depending on experience or other legitimate business factors This position is also eligible to participate in the Hollister discretionary Corporate Bonus Scheme. Performance related Annual Salary Review. Group Personal Pension Scheme with 8.5% employer contribution. Private Healthcare Insurance covering you and your family members. Life Insurance Cover at x10 base salary. Group Income Protection Scheme. 25 days annual leave + Bank Holidays (pro rated for part time Associates), with the option to buy/sell annual leave. Comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme. Enhanced Family Friendly policies. About Hollister Incorporated About Hollister Incorporated Hollister Incorporated is an independent, employee owned company that develops, manufactures and markets healthcare products worldwide. The company spearheads the advancement of innovative products for ostomy care, continence care and critical care, and also creates educational support materials for patients and healthcare professionals. Headquartered in Libertyville, Illinois, Hollister has manufacturing and distribution centres on three continents and sells in nearly 80 countries. Hollister is a wholly owned subsidiary of The Firm of John Dickinson Schneider, Inc., and is guided both by its Mission to make life more rewarding and dignified for people who use our products and services, as well as its Vision to grow and prosper as an independent, employee owned company, and in the process, to become better human beings. EOE Statement All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. Job Segment: Compliance, Law, Risk Management, Information Technology, IT Architecture, Legal, Technology, Finance

Great British Energy (GBE) is a publicly owned energy company, created to accelerate the deployment of clean energy technologies and to ensure UK taxpayers, billpayers, communities and the energy workforce reap the benefits of a clean and secure energy system. GBE Local is central to our strategy. We believe that GB Energy can be a transformative actor in the world of local and community energy and our vision is to make hosting and owning a local energy scheme possible for every community across the country. Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the Divisional MD will be the visionary entrepreneur who brings this vision to life. Our central idea is that by GB Energy acting to simplify and modularise the key technical and commercial aspects of Local and Community energy, we can act as a market maker, significantly increasing the uptake and driving us towards our ambitious target of unlocking 1000 projects by 2030. GBE Local will act as a vehicle for scale, to enable decarbonisation, resilient energy supply and cost management - working closely with our partner ecosystem and playing an 'integrator' role. This will also include the administration of advisory, grants and concessional finance solutions across GBE Local's ecosystem. This role demands entrepreneurial leadership and deep sector expertise, combining customer-centric delivery with efficient financial structuring and the ability to act as an "intelligent buyer" to oversee the installation and integration of solutions, advocating for capital allocation through compelling, data-driven business cases that deliver measurable social, environmental and financial returns. The MD will shape strategy, build capability (including regional hubs), and deliver complex, multi-stakeholder projects across 3 key areas: Developing and implementing a range of commercial products or modules to Local customers, such as Local Authorities and other Public Sector bodies, acting as a vehicle for scale, to enable decarbonisation, resilient energy supply and cost management - working closely with the partner ecosystem and playing an 'integrator' role. Develop and take to market a range of products that enable community ownership in a simplified way. Turning the Local Power Plan into a scalable asset class that strengthens UK supply chains, increases community ownership and accelerates progress to net zero. Key Responsibilities Set and execute a national GBE Local strategy aligned with GBE's mission, Strategic Plan and the Local Power Plan covering development, investment/ownership, construction and operations of local clean energy assets, working with GBE's Strategy team where required to ensure whole business alignment. Build a portfolio of commercial products or "standardised modules" for Local customers (across rooftop solar PV, BtM battery storage, flexibility services, clean heat and other proven local technologies), balancing risk, return and community impact. Define market entry and partnership strategies (including shared ownership with private developers), ensuring alignment with spatial and local area energy plans. Capital Allocation & Investment Case Development Advocate for internal capital allocation by presenting robust investment cases (NPV, IRR, payback, risk-adjusted returns, affordability impacts, community benefit metrics). Design and deploy a suite of financial instruments (e.g., grants, repayable grants, debt, equity) to unlock barriers and accelerate delivery, working closely with DESNZ, UKIB, National Wealth Fund and other partners, including local authorities. In alignment and collaboration with other GBE MDs, establish disciplined stage gate governance (from origination to FID, construction and operations) with clear decision rights and portfolio reporting. Customer Focused Delivery & Regional Hubs Build a digital-first, customer-centric delivery function that offers a range of commercial products and provides technical, commercial and project planning support to Local Authorities, Mayoral Combined Authorities and Community Energy Groups. Establish regional hubs to operate close to customers, develop local knowledge, and ensure consistent service standards nationwide. Drive operational excellence: standardised processes, templates and playbooks; predictable cycle times from concept to customer delivery; and measurable service quality. Build a framework for identifying, qualifying and performance managing a network of local delivery partners who act as GB Energy's "boots on the ground" and provide quality delivery and customer excellence. Work closely with finance providers to ensure delivery partners provide assurance and bankability to project delivery and asset management. Stakeholder Engagement & Policy Influence Lead senior engagement with Government ministers, devolved administrations, regulators, system operators, local government, community energy organisations and industry leaders. Work with GBE's Policy & External Affairs function to influence policy and regulation that enable local generation, flexibility and community ownership, providing evidence based insights from delivery. Internally, act as a key leader within GBE's project teams, coordinating with Offshore, Onshore and cross cutting Supply Chain functions to ensure pipeline coherence, procurement leverage and UK jobs. Externally, build trusted partnerships with public advisory bodies, finance institutions and private developers to create a joined up public offering in the local energy space. Risk, Governance & Compliance In alignment with GBE-wide governance, oversee the implementation of enterprise-grade risk management frameworks spanning financial, operational, regulatory, planning and community risks for GBE Local. Ensure best practice HSE, quality assurance, information governance and cyber resilience across the Local portfolio and delivery operations. Oversee transparent reporting, assurance and audit readiness consistent with public sector standards. People & Culture Develop and inspire a high performing, multidisciplinary team blending development, project finance, construction, operations, customer service and data/tech skills. Foster a culture of purpose, performance and inclusion with clear accountabilities, learning pathways and leadership succession plans. Digital, Data & Performance Take a digital-first approach to designing the commercial products to be offered, including customer interfaces, product platforms and case-flow management applications. Champion data-driven decision-making pipeline analytics, investment dashboards, customer service metrics and benefits tracking (jobs, local ownership, affordability, carbon reduction). Set and monitor KPIs such as pipeline GW, number of projects reaching FID, £ capital leveraged, % community/shared ownership, cycle time to commission, customer satisfaction, risk adjusted returns. Public Representation Serve as a visible spokesperson for GBE Local for media, conferences, investor and community forums, communicating progress, impact and lessons learned with clarity and credibility. Person Specification Essential Experience and Skills Local Energy Expertise: Extensive experience in the UK energy sector, including experience in senior leadership roles focused on distributed generation, community energy, or local energy systems. Proven track record of delivering small-to-medium scale renewable projects (e.g., solar PV, EV charging, BtM battery storage and clean heat). Regulatory and Markets knowledge: highly aware of regulatory frameworks, barriers and revenue streams within the local energy market, including ability to understand routes to revenue staking, flexibility markets and key commercial instruments such as PPA models. Customer Service Model Design: Demonstrated success in designing and implementing customer service models and scalable commercial projects. Experience in customer-centric businesses. Financial Structuring & Capital Competition: Deep understanding of project finance and investment structuring, including grants, repayable grants, debt and equity instruments. Ability to advocate for internal capital allocation by producing robust investment cases with clear IRR, NPV, and community benefit metrics. Stakeholder & Policy Engagement: Proven ability to engage credibly with Government ministers, devolved administrations, local authorities, community energy organisations, and private developers. Strong political acumen and experience influencing policy and regulatory frameworks. Operational Leadership: Experience in designing and leading customer-focused delivery functions, ideally including digital-first service models and regional hubs. Skilled in operational excellence, process standardisation, and performance management. Risk & Compliance: Expertise in implementing risk management frameworks across financial, regulatory, planning and community dimensions. Familiarity with UK planning processes, subsidy control, and public sector governance standards. People Leadership: Track record of building high-performing, multidisciplinary teams from scratch or through transformation. Ability to inspire and lead through ambiguity in a start-up or scale-up environment. Portfolio Development & Delivery: Demonstrated success in building and scaling a portfolio of local energy assets, including origination, development, construction . click apply for full job details

Select how often (in days) to receive an alert: Vice President, Global Video & Technology Operations The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiasednews in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world's population sees AP journalism every day. The Vice President, Global Video Operations & Technology Services is a senior technology leader responsible for ensuring the reliability, performance, and evolution of AP's global video delivery, broadcast infrastructure, and enterprise technology services. This executive combines strategic leadership with extensive hands on experience in video operations and broadcast engineering. They demonstrate a proven track record of guiding teams through complex, high pressure operating environments while driving innovation, service excellence, and cost efficiency. This position reports to the Chief Technology Officer and partners closely with leaders across Editorial, Revenue, Product, and Cybersecurity to ensure the reliability, innovation, and modernization of AP's mission supporting both editorial excellence and business growth. What you will do: This role is at the heart of AP's transformation - bridging next generation video technology and global operations to ensure our trusted reporting reaches billions with speed, reliability, and innovation. Candidates will combine deep technical mastery with strategic, people centered leadership and strong cross functional collaboration attitude that inspires teams and strengthens AP's position as the world's most reliable news source. 1. Global Video Operations Oversee AP's video supply chain for both live and file based content - from camera and ingest, to production, packaging and global distribution. Ensure 24/7 reliability through master control centers in London, New York, and Washington, D.C., maintaining world class standards for availability and resilience. Lead the modernization of video technologies, accelerating the transition to IP and cloud based workflows, while integrating AI automation across the video lifecycle. Partner with Editorial leadership to align technical infrastructure with storytelling needs and real time coverage demands. 2. Service Assurance & Operations Control Lead the Operations Control Center (OCC) to deliver proactive, ITIL aligned monitoring, incident, problem, and change management across all AP technology systems. Ensure business continuity and disaster recovery readiness for critical editorial and delivery platforms. Drive automation, analytics, and continuous improvement in service reliability, working closely with cybersecurity on resilience and threat mitigation. Act as the accountable owner of system reliability, communicating performance and impacts clearly to AP's senior leadership and customers. 3. Global Support Services Oversee AP's global technical support ecosystem - including customer facing helpdesk, employee support, and bureau level field services. Modernize support through automation, AI assisted workflows, and self service capabilities. Ensure consistent desk side delivery excellence across AP's global network of bureaus and newsrooms. Direct technical support for global live events (Olympics, Super Bowl, elections, major entertainment awards), ensuring flawless coverage. 4. Enterprise Productivity & Collaboration Platforms Lead enterprise platforms that enable secure, seamless collaboration, including Microsoft 365, Slack, Zoom, and related systems. Oversee identity and access management (Azure AD), endpoint lifecycle management, and enterprise patching and software deployment using Intune and CMDB tools. Manage deployment and training for AI powered productivity tools (OpenAI, Microsoft Copilot), driving adoption across AP. Supervise the provisioning of technology solutions for field photographers and video journalists. Serve as a strategic advisor to the CTO on global technology operations and video strategy. Build a culture of innovation, accountability, and service excellence across diverse, global teams. Manage multimillion dollar operational and capital budgets, leading vendor sourcing, RFPs, and contract negotiations to optimize performance and cost. Foster collaborative relationships with AP's Editorial, Product, and Business teams to align operational priorities with enterprise strategy. Who you are: 10+ years of senior leadership experience in global technology or broadcast operations within a 24/7 media, broadcast, or digital content organization. Proven hands on expertise in digital video operations and broadcast engineering, including live event production, IP workflows, and cloud based distribution systems. Strong command of modern IT Service Management (ITSM) and operational excellence frameworks that blend automation, human support, and security. Experience in AI driven workflow transformation and adoption of next generation productivity and collaboration tools. Demonstrated ability to lead complex, geographically dispersed teams through change in challenging, high pressure environments and manage large scale, mission critical operations with precision and empathy. Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to translate complex technical concepts into clear business narratives. Strong financial and vendor management acumen. Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field (MBA or equivalent executive experience preferred). Willingness to travel internationally to support operations, bureaus, and live events. Additional Information This is a hybrid role, with in office presence required for at least three days per week. International travel will be required to support operations, bureaus, customers, and global events. Applicants must be eligible to work in the UK or able to obtain UK work authorization. AP seeks to build an inclusive organization grounded in respect for differences. We support all aspects of diversity and provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, marital status, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status as a veteran, or other characteristic protected by law.

Director-level role responsible for defining and driving enterprise-wide product strategy across multiple product lines and verticals. Focus on creating a clear strategic framework to align Product Directors, guide roadmap prioritisation, and ensure product investment decisions deliver commercial and customer outcomes. Strong emphasis on P&L ownership, ROI modelling, market analysis, and portfolio governance. Acts as a strategic advisor to senior leadership and board, providing clarity across a complex, multi-product environment. Current focus includes Civica's Local Government Reorganisation strategy, aligning products across Local Government, Health & Social Care and Education, alongside horizontal offerings such as payments, debt collection, and digital transformation. Role holds accountability for key product areas including Revenues & Benefits and Pensions, working closely with the Exec Director and Chief Product Officer. Less hands-on delivery, more focused on strategic alignment, investment decisions, and portfolio optimisation at enterprise level.

From Finance Manager to CFO: The Skills that Redefine the Modern Finance Career Path 8 min read October 4, 2025 Introduction Reaching the Chief Financial Officer level remains one of the most visible milestones in a finance career. Yet the path from Finance Manager to CFO is rarely linear. What was once an upward move through accounting and reporting roles has evolved into a broader journey-one that requires fluency in strategy, valuation, governance, and commercial leadership. In today's finance functions, technical skill is essential but no longer sufficient. The modern CFO operates at the intersection of finance, strategy, and business transformation. Over the past decade, the expectations of finance leaders have shifted dramatically. Digitalisation, private capital growth, and cross-border competition have expanded the CFO's remit from stewarding financial statements to shaping corporate direction. Whether in listed companies, venture backed scale ups, or private equity portfolio firms, employers increasingly seek leaders who can connect operational performance with shareholder value. This structural change is redefining both career trajectories and the learning pathways professionals choose along the way. The Career Path: From Finance Manager to CFO Most professionals begin their senior finance journey in controllership, management reporting, or FP&A. The Finance Manager role typically consolidates technical oversight-accounting & financial reporting, forecasting, and compliance-while introducing the first layers of strategic exposure. Progression to Finance Director or Head of FP&A demands a shift toward business partnering. This implies aligning financial data with operational decisions, managing cross functional teams, and guiding capital allocation. These middle senior positions often mark the transition from pure analysis to influence in decision making. At the upper end of the ladder, the Group Controller or CFO role brings together three dimensions of leadership: strategic foresight, governance responsibility, and stakeholder communication. The CFO becomes both an internal advisor to the CEO and a public face to investors, boards, and lenders. Working at a PE or VC Backed Company or Startup In many private equity or venture capital backed companies, the VP Finance role often represents the highest level of financial and operational leadership before a formal finance department is fully established. At this stage, a deep understanding of how private equity operates and how governance frameworks function becomes essential. The VP Finance acts as the bridge between investors and founders-ensuring transparency, financial discipline, and accountability while supporting growth objectives and capital efficiency. In the most competitive markets-London, Paris, Milan, and Madrid-median compensation reflects this blend of accountability and strategic scope. Salaries typically rise from the mid 50k range at Finance Manager level to above £120k or €120k at the CFO level, with bonuses frequently adding 15-25 percent. The salary gap signals more than seniority; it represents the premium on business judgement and boardroom literacy. Each step on the salary ladder is associated with a distinct skill profile. Skills that Drive the Transition Advancing from Finance Manager to CFO requires mastery of both the science and the art of finance leadership. Analysis of senior level job descriptions across the UK and continental Europe reveals five recurring domains of expertise that consistently appear in high earning roles: Corporate Finance: Understanding capital structure, cost of capital, and investment appraisal is now fundamental. CFOs are expected to evaluate projects through NPV, IRR, and scenario analysis, integrating these insights into strategy rather than treating them as compliance exercises. Business Valuation: The ability to value companies, divisions, and strategic options underpins decision making in M&A and fundraising. Whether through discounted cash flow, comparables, or transaction multiples, valuation fluency signals boardroom readiness. Corporate Governance: Boards demand finance leaders who understand oversight frameworks, director duties, and audit committee dynamics. Governance knowledge is increasingly vital as CFOs become custodians of transparency and ethical decision making. Private Equity and Venture Capital Exposure: Many modern CFOs operate within PE backed or VC backed structures. Familiarity with investor reporting, capital calls, and exit strategies differentiates candidates capable of engaging private capital stakeholders. Mergers and Acquisitions: Strategic growth through acquisitions is common across Europe's mid market. Experience managing due diligence, synergy assessment, and post deal integration enhances a finance leader's credibility. Developing these skills systematically is what transforms financial managers into strategic partners. As many executives acknowledge, finance today is no longer just about slicing and dicing excels to present a P&L - which nowadays, thanks to advanced tools and business intelligence these are almost automated - it is more about direction and understanding of market dynamics. Valuefinex, provider of fractional CFO services in the UK and Europe said, "our fractional CFOs support private equity backed and Series A+ companies, where the role typically requires senior finance leaders to prioritise in the short term, the streamlining of the processes, enhancing information flow, and reducing back office manual and repetitive workload. The goal is to redirect those hours toward greater involvement in the commercial and strategic aspects of finance in the mid and long term." This convergence creates both opportunity and pressure. The route to CFO can accelerate for those who deliberately acquire cross functional exposure-leading system implementations, managing investor relations, or contributing to board committees. Conversely, remaining confined to traditional and routine financial control may limit career mobility. Strategic literacy-understanding how to interpret valuation drivers, evaluate capital structure decisions, and communicate governance implications-is increasingly recognised as a key differentiator for leadership succession. Finance professionals who can connect analytical insight with strategic context stand out as future CFOs. The Two Clear Paths to the CFO Role Many finance professionals aspire to reach the CFO level but often find themselves constrained by traditional, reporting driven roles. The challenge is not competence, it is exposure. Without deliberate development of strategic, commercial, and governance related skills, progression can plateau. In active markets such as London, where private equity and venture backed companies represent an important share of hiring, two main routes have emerged for professionals aiming to accelerate their trajectory. The first is to acquire the five core strategic competencies-corporate finance, business valuation, corporate governance, private equity or venture capital exposure, and M&A-through focused executive programmes designed to build decision level capability. The second is to pursue a more entrepreneurial route by taking on fractional CFO or interim finance leadership roles, a fast growing segment driven by high growth and PE backed companies seeking experienced guidance on finance and governance matters. Fractional CFO roles, in particular, are reshaping how senior finance expertise is deployed. These positions place leaders at the centre of dynamic, scaling businesses where every process improvement and strategic decision can multiply enterprise value. Companies in this space are not merely looking for financial reporting or complex Excel workbooks -they seek experienced finance leaders who can bring structure, discipline, and foresight to fast growing teams. The role often involves setting standards that allow the organisation to scale efficiently while maintaining control over risk, governance, and cash flow visibility. Equally important is the ability to act as a genuine business partner to the founding team and executive leadership-working cross functionally to align operations, finance, and strategy toward the next valuation milestone or growth target. Startup funding rarely happens all at once, instead it progresses through distinct stages as the business matures. Each funding round introduces new investors, ideally higher valuations, and increasingly formal expectations around governance and reporting. At each stage, the CFO plays a pivotal role in bridging investor confidence with operational reality, ensuring the company remains both growth oriented and well controlled. At CLFI, we deliver the first online executive programme in Corporate Finance, Valuation & Governance, with exclusive modules on Private Equity and Mergers & Acquisitions-topics traditionally reserved for top tier business schools and often accessible only through employer sponsorship. Today, as brand prestige becomes less decisive than demonstrable competence, accessible and high quality executive education provides a direct bridge to boardroom readiness. The Executive Certificate in Corporate Finance, Valuation & Governance delivers a full business school standard curriculum through flexible, self paced modules. It covers five integrated courses - Corporate Finance, Business Valuation, Corporate Governance, Private Equity, . click apply for full job details

From Finance Manager to CFO: The Skills that Redefine the Modern Finance Career Path 8 min read October 4, 2025 Introduction Reaching the Chief Financial Officer level remains one of the most visible milestones in a finance career. Yet the path from Finance Manager to CFO is rarely linear. What was once an upward move through accounting and reporting roles has evolved into a broader journey-one that requires fluency in strategy, valuation, governance, and commercial leadership. In today's finance functions, technical skill is essential but no longer sufficient. The modern CFO operates at the intersection of finance, strategy, and business transformation. Over the past decade, the expectations of finance leaders have shifted dramatically. Digitalisation, private capital growth, and cross-border competition have expanded the CFO's remit from stewarding financial statements to shaping corporate direction. Whether in listed companies, venture backed scale ups, or private equity portfolio firms, employers increasingly seek leaders who can connect operational performance with shareholder value. This structural change is redefining both career trajectories and the learning pathways professionals choose along the way. The Career Path: From Finance Manager to CFO Most professionals begin their senior finance journey in controllership, management reporting, or FP&A. The Finance Manager role typically consolidates technical oversight-accounting & financial reporting, forecasting, and compliance-while introducing the first layers of strategic exposure. Progression to Finance Director or Head of FP&A demands a shift toward business partnering. This implies aligning financial data with operational decisions, managing cross functional teams, and guiding capital allocation. These middle senior positions often mark the transition from pure analysis to influence in decision making. At the upper end of the ladder, the Group Controller or CFO role brings together three dimensions of leadership: strategic foresight, governance responsibility, and stakeholder communication. The CFO becomes both an internal advisor to the CEO and a public face to investors, boards, and lenders. Working at a PE or VC Backed Company or Startup In many private equity or venture capital backed companies, the VP Finance role often represents the highest level of financial and operational leadership before a formal finance department is fully established. At this stage, a deep understanding of how private equity operates and how governance frameworks function becomes essential. The VP Finance acts as the bridge between investors and founders-ensuring transparency, financial discipline, and accountability while supporting growth objectives and capital efficiency. In the most competitive markets-London, Paris, Milan, and Madrid-median compensation reflects this blend of accountability and strategic scope. Salaries typically rise from the mid 50k range at Finance Manager level to above £120k or €120k at the CFO level, with bonuses frequently adding 15-25 percent. The salary gap signals more than seniority; it represents the premium on business judgement and boardroom literacy. Each step on the salary ladder is associated with a distinct skill profile. Skills that Drive the Transition Advancing from Finance Manager to CFO requires mastery of both the science and the art of finance leadership. Analysis of senior level job descriptions across the UK and continental Europe reveals five recurring domains of expertise that consistently appear in high earning roles: Corporate Finance: Understanding capital structure, cost of capital, and investment appraisal is now fundamental. CFOs are expected to evaluate projects through NPV, IRR, and scenario analysis, integrating these insights into strategy rather than treating them as compliance exercises. Business Valuation: The ability to value companies, divisions, and strategic options underpins decision making in M&A and fundraising. Whether through discounted cash flow, comparables, or transaction multiples, valuation fluency signals boardroom readiness. Corporate Governance: Boards demand finance leaders who understand oversight frameworks, director duties, and audit committee dynamics. Governance knowledge is increasingly vital as CFOs become custodians of transparency and ethical decision making. Private Equity and Venture Capital Exposure: Many modern CFOs operate within PE backed or VC backed structures. Familiarity with investor reporting, capital calls, and exit strategies differentiates candidates capable of engaging private capital stakeholders. Mergers and Acquisitions: Strategic growth through acquisitions is common across Europe's mid market. Experience managing due diligence, synergy assessment, and post deal integration enhances a finance leader's credibility. Developing these skills systematically is what transforms financial managers into strategic partners. As many executives acknowledge, finance today is no longer just about slicing and dicing excels to present a P&L - which nowadays, thanks to advanced tools and business intelligence these are almost automated - it is more about direction and understanding of market dynamics. Valuefinex, provider of fractional CFO services in the UK and Europe said, "our fractional CFOs support private equity backed and Series A+ companies, where the role typically requires senior finance leaders to prioritise in the short term, the streamlining of the processes, enhancing information flow, and reducing back office manual and repetitive workload. The goal is to redirect those hours toward greater involvement in the commercial and strategic aspects of finance in the mid and long term." This convergence creates both opportunity and pressure. The route to CFO can accelerate for those who deliberately acquire cross functional exposure-leading system implementations, managing investor relations, or contributing to board committees. Conversely, remaining confined to traditional and routine financial control may limit career mobility. Strategic literacy-understanding how to interpret valuation drivers, evaluate capital structure decisions, and communicate governance implications-is increasingly recognised as a key differentiator for leadership succession. Finance professionals who can connect analytical insight with strategic context stand out as future CFOs. The Two Clear Paths to the CFO Role Many finance professionals aspire to reach the CFO level but often find themselves constrained by traditional, reporting driven roles. The challenge is not competence, it is exposure. Without deliberate development of strategic, commercial, and governance related skills, progression can plateau. In active markets such as London, where private equity and venture backed companies represent an important share of hiring, two main routes have emerged for professionals aiming to accelerate their trajectory. The first is to acquire the five core strategic competencies-corporate finance, business valuation, corporate governance, private equity or venture capital exposure, and M&A-through focused executive programmes designed to build decision level capability. The second is to pursue a more entrepreneurial route by taking on fractional CFO or interim finance leadership roles, a fast growing segment driven by high growth and PE backed companies seeking experienced guidance on finance and governance matters. Fractional CFO roles, in particular, are reshaping how senior finance expertise is deployed. These positions place leaders at the centre of dynamic, scaling businesses where every process improvement and strategic decision can multiply enterprise value. Companies in this space are not merely looking for financial reporting or complex Excel workbooks -they seek experienced finance leaders who can bring structure, discipline, and foresight to fast growing teams. The role often involves setting standards that allow the organisation to scale efficiently while maintaining control over risk, governance, and cash flow visibility. Equally important is the ability to act as a genuine business partner to the founding team and executive leadership-working cross functionally to align operations, finance, and strategy toward the next valuation milestone or growth target. Startup funding rarely happens all at once, instead it progresses through distinct stages as the business matures. Each funding round introduces new investors, ideally higher valuations, and increasingly formal expectations around governance and reporting. At each stage, the CFO plays a pivotal role in bridging investor confidence with operational reality, ensuring the company remains both growth oriented and well controlled. At CLFI, we deliver the first online executive programme in Corporate Finance, Valuation & Governance, with exclusive modules on Private Equity and Mergers & Acquisitions-topics traditionally reserved for top tier business schools and often accessible only through employer sponsorship. Today, as brand prestige becomes less decisive than demonstrable competence, accessible and high quality executive education provides a direct bridge to boardroom readiness. The Executive Certificate in Corporate Finance, Valuation & Governance delivers a full business school standard curriculum through flexible, self paced modules. It covers five integrated courses - Corporate Finance, Business Valuation, Corporate Governance, Private Equity, . click apply for full job details

Great British Energy (GBE) is a publicly owned energy company, created to accelerate the deployment of clean energy technologies and to ensure UK taxpayers, billpayers, communities and the energy workforce reap the benefits of a clean and secure energy system. Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, the HR Director will be responsible for developing the new organisation and delivering across all aspects of its people agenda. The role requires an individual who has experience in setting up new HR functions and/or organisations, developing a workforce and culture to best enable a new organisation to deliver. This role will require close working with others in Great British Energy and its partners (such as The Crown Estate) to ensure efficient use of capabilities and clear responsibilities and accountabilities are in place, as well as a close working relationships with the DESNZ policy, HR and sponsor teams. The role requires an individual who has experience in developing a workforce and culture to best enable a new organisation to deliver. Responsible for developing the organisation's people agenda, developing and implementing HR strategies that align with GBE's goals, creating policies and procedures that build a enable GBE to be an attractive and great place to work. The role will oversee employee relations, establishing GBE's culture and positive employee experience as well building the HR function and supporting other through the implementation and people change management of their own functions. Key Responsibilities Work with the Board and Executive team to establish and lead a high performing HR function, fostering a culture of excellence and innovation. As part of the Great British Energy leadership team, shape the development of the company's strategy, culture, values and operating model. Set direction, lead and drive cultural and organisational change across the organisation, role modelling behaviours in line with Great British Energy's desired culture and values. Lead Great British Energy's engagement with our workforce, ensuring people-related communications are effective and punctual to keep staff informed. Act as a key advisor to the Chair, Board and Executive team on HR matters. Deliver expert opinion, impartial robust advice and support on all people related issues including capacity and capability, diversity and inclusion, cultural and organisational change and well-being matters to the Great British Energy and leadership team. Promote and sustain effective compliance with appropriate employment legislation, public sector guidance and other relevant policies throughout the organisation. A close working relationship with Department of Energy Security & Net Zero (DESNZ)will be essential. Provide HR expertise in the setup of the new organisation, utilising best practice to ensure Great British Energy has effective structures, workforce size and shape, culture and capabilities. Set and monitor relevant people targets, ensuring the team delivers against Great British Energy's strategic objectives Empower, coach, and manage the team and others to develop organisational capability and promote effective succession planning and talent management across the organisation. Lead and maintain effective oversight of provision of services by third-party suppliers relating to HR services e.g. through our Integrated Corporate Services provider including pay, pensions and employee assistance and welfare programmes. Lead engagement and relationship management with Trade Unions to support positive employee relations environment. Lead on the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion strategy for the organisation including reporting and monitoring of progress and engagement with stakeholders. Establish strong working relationships with DESNZ Director of HR and act as interface where sponsorship support required on HR matters. Develop and report on people-related KPIs, supporting GBE's Impact and Performance Framework and transparent reporting of workforce outcomes. Lead on HR evaluation and continuous improvement, ensuring feedback and data drive ongoing enhancement of people policies and practices. Champion people change management through GBE's rapid growth and TOM implementation, supporting leaders and staff through organisational transitions. Embed sustainability, ESG, and wellbeing into all aspects of people strategy, policies, and culture. Support digital transformation in HR, leveraging technology and data analytics to drive efficiency, insight, and a modern employee experience. Person specification Essential experience and skills A proven track record of successful leadership experience at HR Director level and ability to work as part of a senior executive leadership team to provide organisational leadership, direction and strategic focus. Provides authentic, inclusive, inspiring, and visible leadership of the function and wider organisation, with ability to lead and develop a diverse multi-disciplinary staff through continual improvement and transformational change. Proven ability to influence and build strong credible relationships with colleagues, external partners, and senior stakeholders. Evidence of delivering improved organisational performance and cultural change against a backdrop of innovation and change whilst promoting inclusivity. Passionate about the Company and its policy objectives to deliver clean energy, drive economic growth, create UK jobs and supply chains and provide value for the UK taxpayer, whilst demonstrating a passion for creating societal impact and value. Hold membership of a chartered professional body relevant to the HR Director role (e.g., CIPD) at level 5 or above. Experience of setting up HR Functions and/or new organisations and leading organisational change programmes Experience or know how within the energy industry. Apply Now Click the Apply Now link below to apply for this role. You will need to submit your CV, Covering Letter and complete the equal opportunities questionnaire. To arrange a confidential conversation, please contact the Edinburgh office via or call us on . Senior Talent Attraction & Research Consultant Contact the team at FWB to discuss your individual or company requirements, or to discover more about our specialist services.

Cookie Notice Chief Information Security Officer Title: Chief Information Security Officer Company: Ipsen Pharma (SAS) About Ipsen: Ipsen is a mid-sized global biopharmaceutical company with a focus on transformative medicines in three therapeutic areas: Oncology, Rare Disease and Neuroscience. Supported by nearly 100 years of development experience, with global hubs in the U.S., France and the U.K, we tackle areas of high unmet medical need through research and innovation. Our passionate teams in more than 40 countries are focused on what matters and endeavor every day to bring medicines to patients in 88 countries. We build a workplace that champions human-centric leadership and fosters a culture of collaboration, excellence and impact. At Ipsen, every individual is empowered to be their true selves, grow and thrive alongside the company's success. Join us on our journey towards sustainable growth, creating real impact on patients and society!For more information, visit us at and follow our latest news on and . Job Description: The Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) is a strategic executive responsible for protecting the company's physical, digital, and intellectual assets. In a pharmaceutical context, this includes safeguarding sensitive R&D data, clinical trial information, patient privacy, and proprietary technologies. The CISO leads the development and execution of a comprehensive security strategy encompassing cybersecurity, regulatory compliance, physical security, and internal investigations. This role includes building and managing a multidisciplinary security and investigations team, ensuring alignment with business goals and regulatory requirements. WHAT - Main Responsibilities & Technical Competencies Strategic Leadership Develop and execute a forward-looking security strategy aligned with corporate objectives and industry trends. Advise executive leadership and the board on risk posture, threat landscape, and investment priorities. Lead cross-functional initiatives to embed security into digital transformation, innovation, and operational excellence. Establish KPIs and performance metrics to measure and improve security effectiveness. Cybersecurity & IT Security Oversee the design and implementation of cybersecurity architecture and controls. Ensure protection of IT infrastructure, cloud environments, and sensitive data. Lead incident response, threat intelligence, and vulnerability management programs. Maintain compliance with global standards (e.g., ISO 27001, NIST, GDPR, HIPAA). Governance, Risk & Compliance Develop and enforce enterprise-wide security policies and procedures. In alignment with the business ethics team, ensure compliance with pharmaceutical regulations (e.g., FDA, EMA, GxP). Conduct risk assessments, internal audits, and third-party security evaluations. Report regularly to senior leadership on risk mitigation and compliance status. Investigations & Incident Management Establish and lead an internal investigations function to address security breaches, misconduct, and regulatory violations. Build and manage a team of investigators and analysts with expertise in digital forensics, compliance, and legal coordination. Collaborate with HR, Legal, and external agencies on sensitive investigations and disciplinary actions. Ensure thorough documentation, reporting, and resolution of incidents in line with legal and regulatory standards. Fraud Management Develop and implement a fraud prevention and detection framework across the organization. Lead investigations into suspected fraud, misconduct, and financial irregularities. Collaborate with Finance, Legal, and Compliance to ensure timely resolution and reporting of fraud cases. Maintain a whistleblower program and ensure confidentiality and integrity in handling reports. Monitor fraud trends and proactively adjust controls and training programs. Team Management & Development Build and lead a multidisciplinary security team (cybersecurity, physical security, investigations, risk management). Define roles, responsibilities, and career development paths for team members. Foster a culture of accountability, agility, and continuous learning. Manage vendor relationships and external consultants as needed. Physical & Operational Security Oversee facility security, access control, and surveillance systems. Coordinate with facilities and operations on emergency preparedness and response. Develop and test business continuity and disaster recovery plans. Stakeholder Engagement Partner with various functions & business leaders including Legal, Regulatory Affairs, R&D, and Medical Affairs to align security with business needs. Lead security awareness and training programs across the organization. Represent the company in external forums, industry groups, and regulatory engagements. HOW - Knowledge & Experience Skills: Technical depth in cybersecurity and investigations Leadership and team development Fraud detection and prevention expertise Regulatory and compliance acumen Communication and stakeholder management Crisis and incident responseKnowledge & Experience: 15+ years of experience in security leadership, preferably in pharma or life sciences. Proven track record in strategic planning, investigations, fraud management, and team leadership. Certifications such as CISSP, CISM, CISA, CRISC, or CFE (Certified Fraud Examiner) are highly desirable. Strong understanding of regulatory environments and risk management frameworks.Education / Certifications : Bachelor's or Master's degree in Information Security, Computer Science, or related field.Language(s) : Fluency in English. Knowledge of European language is a plus for global roles.Nous nous engageons à créer un lieu de travail où chacun se sent écouté, valorisé et soutenu, où nous incarnons " The Real Us ". La valeur que nous accordons aux différentes perspectives et expériences motive notre engagement en faveur de l'inclusion et de l'égalité des chances. Lorsque nous intégrons des modes de pensée diversifiés, nous prenons des décisions plus réfléchies et découvrons des solutions plus innovantes. Ensemble, nous nous efforçons de mieux comprendre les communautés que nous servons. Cela signifie que nous voulons également vous aider à donner le meilleur de vous-même lorsque vous postulez à un poste chez nous. Si vous avez besoin d'aménagements ou d'aide pendant le processus de candidature, veuillez en informer l'équipe de recrutement. Ces informations seront traitées avec soin et n'auront aucune incidence sur le résultat de votre candidature. Soyons nous-même Get In TouchIntroduce yourself to our recruiters and we'll get in touch if there's a role that seems like a good match.