Chief Financial Officer (CFO) – Pharma MNC
Location: Paris, France
Industry: Pharmaceuticals & Lifesciences
Recruiter: Native (Exclusive Mandate)
Company Overview
Our client is a leading global multinational corporation (MNC) in the Pharmaceuticals and Lifesciences sector. With a significant presence across Europe and a commitment to innovation and improving patient lives, they are seeking a strategic financial leader to join their executive team in the vibrant city of Paris.
Position Summary
We are exclusively mandated to recruit a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to provide strategic financial leadership and drive the financial stewardship of our client's substantial operations. This is a high-impact role for a seasoned finance professional with deep domain expertise in Pharma & Lifesciences, who has a proven track record of managing large-scale P&Ls and operating in a complex, global matrix environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Financial Leadership: Partner with the CEO and global leadership to define and execute the company's long-term strategic plan. Provide financial insights and recommendations to drive growth, profitability, and market share.
- P&L Management: Assume full responsibility for the Profit & Loss statement of a significant business entity, with a demonstrated history of managing P&Ls in excess of INR 2,000 Crores.
- Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A): Oversee all aspects of budgeting, forecasting, financial modeling, and performance reporting. Ensure accurate and timely delivery of financial results to global headquarters and regional stakeholders.
- Capital Management & M&A: Lead capital allocation strategies, investment appraisal for R&D and new projects, and play a key role in potential mergers, acquisitions, and divestitures.
- Risk Management & Compliance: Ensure robust internal controls, regulatory compliance (including specific to the Pharma industry), and risk mitigation strategies are in place across all financial operations.
- Treasury & Tax Strategy: Manage treasury functions, cash flow, and working capital. Optimize the company's tax position in alignment with global policies and local French/European regulations.
- Stakeholder Management: Serve as a key point of contact for global HQ, board members, investors, financial institutions, and auditors. Build strong, trusted relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
- Team Leadership: Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing finance team, fostering a culture of excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Candidate Profile: Must-Have Requirements
- Qualification & Experience:
- A Chartered Accountant (CA) or an MBA in Finance from a premier institution.
- 15-20 years of post-qualification experience, with a solid and demonstrable track record as a CFO or a Deputy CFO/Finance Head in the Pharmaceuticals or Lifesciences domain.
- Scale & Scope:
- Direct experience managing a P&L of more than INR 2,000 Crores is mandatory.
- Proven experience working within global, matrix-structured corporations.
- Geographical & Cultural Acumen:
- Prior professional experience working in European countries is highly valued and will be a significant advantage.
- Fluency in French is highly preferable, as it is critical for seamless integration with the local team, regulatory bodies, and business operations in France.
- Leadership & Personal Attributes:
- Exceptional leadership skills with a proven ability to influence at the executive and board level.
- Outstanding stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to navigate complex organizational dynamics.
What We Offer
- A prestigious leadership role at the helm of a global Pharma MNC.
- The opportunity to make a significant strategic impact on a large-scale business.
- A competitive executive compensation package, including performance-linked bonuses and long-term incentives.
- A dynamic and international work environment in one of the world's most culturally rich cities, Paris.