EMEA VP Finance

I'm Alejandro Martínez, Executive Headhunter at Bellevue Executive Search

Our client: A multi-billion US-headquartered Industrial company with Swiss operations serving as its European hub is seeking an exceptional VP Finance EMEA to join at a pivotal moment: the current CFO is being promoted to global headquarters, creating a clear 9-12 month pathway to CFO EMEA.

This is a rare opportunity to join as VP Finance with full visibility and preparation to step into the CFO EMEA role, leading finance for €4B+ European operations across 30+ countries.

As VP Finance / CFO EMEA, you will be the finance business partner to the European General Manager, taking ownership of:

Financial Leadership & Strategy

• Co-lead the European business (~€4B revenue) with the General Manager
• Drive financial performance, budgeting, forecasting, and strategic planning across 30+ countries
• Lead monthly/quarterly management reporting and business reviews with executive leadership
• Develop financial models and long-term strategic plans for the region

Business Partnership

• Partner with divisional leaders (14+ business units) to drive profitable growth
• Provide competitive analysis, market insights, and strategic recommendations
• Lead commercial initiatives to improve business economics and market share
• Support M&A activities and integration of acquisitions across Europe

Operational Finance

• Own FP&A processes for the region, including budget, forecasting, and variance analysis
• Manage working capital, accounts receivable, and cash flow optimization
• Oversee capital expenditure planning and approval processes
• Drive simplification and process automation initiatives

Team Leadership

• Lead and develop a team of 20-25 finance professionals (2-5 direct reports)
• Collaborate with Global Finance leadership and Regional Finance Directors
• Foster a culture of financial excellence and continuous improvement

Transition to CFO EMEA

Once the current CFO transitions to HQ (anticipated 9-12 months), you will step into the CFO EMEA role with full accountability for:

• Complete P&L ownership for €4B+ European operations
• All financial operations, compliance, and governance for 30+ countries
• Treasury, tax, legal entity management, and statutory reporting across EMEA
• Strategic finance leadership as part of the European Executive Leadership Team

• 20+ years in finance with extensive leadership experience in large/global organizations
• VP Finance, Divisional CFO, or Regional CFO experience managing €1B+ revenue
• Multi-country European operations experience (ideally countries)
• Matrix organization expertise – ability to influence without direct authority
• Industrial, manufacturing, or B2B experience strongly preferred
• Strong FP&A, strategic planning, and business partnering background
• M&A experience (due diligence, integration, divestitures)

LOCATION & RELOCATION

• Base Location: Zurich, Switzerland (European Headquarters)
• Travel: 25-30% (across European operations)
• Relocation: Required – comprehensive relocation package provided

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

• Base Salary: CHF STI + LTI
• Total Target Compensation: CHF 400, ,000+

Benefits Package:

• Comprehensive Swiss benefits (healthcare, pension, insurance)
• Executive benefits package
• Professional development and leadership programs

This is a career-defining opportunity to join an industrial leader at a pivotal moment, with a clear pathway to CFO EMEA and beyond. If you're ready for this challenge, we want to hear from you.

Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

This search is being conducted on a confidential basis. The company name will be disclosed to qualified candidates during the interview process.