CFO – Strategic Partner & Growth Architect

Our Colombo, Sri Lanka-based recruitment firm specializes in executive placement. We are actively representing a leading retail chain in their search for a strategic CFO to drive their expansion and manage their growing business.Chief Finance Officer. Role PurposeThe CFO Will Act as strategic co-pilot to the CEO, driving prioritisation of initiatives based on returns and business impact. Build financial clarity and discipline that enables company to scale sustainably. Represent Company with high credibility to banks, investors, and Group leadership. Lead performance management and business insight to power decision-making. Support the development and execution of a 3-year strategic plan, including capital structure and future financing.Key Responsibilities⁠ ⁠Strategic Finance & Business Partnering Work hand-in-hand with CEO & CCO to prioritise growth initiatives based on ROI. Evaluate business mcompanys (private label, consignment, tenants, etc,) and optimise margin mix. Navigate competing Group priorities on behalf of Company; secure support and alignment.⁠ ⁠Financial Planning, Performance & Insights Lead annual and 3-year planning linked to clear strategic milestones. Develop insightful performance dashboards, KPIs, and management packs. Issue detailed, actionable P&L management packs for top team execution. Provide forward-looking financial insights, scenario planning, and risk management.⁠ ⁠Bank & Stakeholder Engagement Prepare Company to engage banks on strategy, capital structure, and growth financing. Build trust-based relationships with financial institutions. Produce high-quality board-level presentations and narratives.⁠ ⁠Operational & Commercial Finance Strengthen merchandise financial planning, inventory turns, and cash discipline. Support pricing, promotions, loyalty economics, and channel profitability. Drive discipline across leases, capex, and store economics. Champion ROI in marketing, digital, supply chain, and people investments.⁠ ⁠Leadership & Team Development Elevate the finance function beyond accounting into strategic enablement. Build strong business partnering culture across departments. Mentor and upskill the finance team to world-class standards.Desired ProfileExperience Proven CFO or Deputy CFO in retail / consumer / multi-site businesses. Experience in merchandise-driven environments preferred. Demonstrated success supporting CEOs and CCOs as strategic partner. Track record engaging banks / investors / boards. Has led financial transformation or growth-stage evolution. Strong stakeholder management inside large groups or conglomerates.Capabilities Exceptional commercial acumen and business intuition. Strong P&L ownership and cash flow orientation. Excellent storytelling, presentation, and relationship skills. High accountability; drives results, not just reports them. Able to challenge and influence at senior level. Comfortable operating in dynamic, entrepreneurial environment.Personal Style Strategic thinker and “value creator.” Hands-on when needed; not only theoretical. Collaborative, solutions-focused, high integrity. Confident, calm under pressure, and credible with external parties.Why This Role MattersOur client requires more than a traditional financial controller. We need a Strategic CFO who can accelerate profitable growth, shape the business model of the future, and provide the financial leadership required to win in the market.This Hire Will Unlock Our Ability To Scale with discipline Engage banks confidently Improve returns Drive accountability Align with broader Group strategy while protecting Company’s prioritiesThis is a critical and high-impact leadership role.