Chief Financial Officer

• Job Tag:
• Posted: August 05,2026
  
  

SkyWater Search Partners has been retained by a privately held, Wisconsin-based manufacturing and distribution organization to identify its next Chief Financial Officer.

Over the last 50 years, our client has grown its operations from a single manufacturing & service business into a diversified portfolio of manufacturing, distribution and fabrication companies serving commercial, industrial, and residential markets throughout North America. Today, the organization generates over $500M in revenue annually through the disciplined operation of a large number of business entities across the United States and Canada, combining the entrepreneurial culture of a family-owned business with the scale and complexity of a multi-entity enterprise.

The Chief Financial Officer opportunity has become available due to the planned retirement of a long-tenured executive after several decades of service with the organization. Reporting directly to the President and serving as a key member of the executive leadership team, the CFO will oversee all aspects of the company’s finance and accounting function while acting as a trusted strategic advisor to executive leadership and ownership.

Our client is seeking a forward-thinking finance executive who can build upon an already strong financial foundation, and play a critical role in leading the company through its next phase of growth. The ideal candidate will bring a balanced background in financial leadership, manufacturing operations, business partnership, and strategic decision-making, with experience supporting acquisitions, driving operational improvements, and influencing business performance across a diversified portfolio of operating companies.

***This position offers a highly competitive executive compensation package, including a market-based base salary, annual performance-based incentive opportunity, comprehensive benefits, and if needed, relocation assistance***

***We are currently considering candidates who are based in (or willing to relocate to) Northeast Wisconsin (Appleton, Manitowoc, Green Bay, De Pere, Oshkosh). This is an on-site executive leadership position, and the successful candidate will be expected to maintain a regular presence at the company’s corporate headquarters while traveling periodically to operating locations throughout North America.***

Responsibilities

• Partner strategically with the Senior Leadership Team to drive enterprise-wide financial performance, strategic financial & operational decisions, and corporate goals.
• Advise and collaborate directly with the Board of Directors, President, and Senior Leadership Team to align executive vision.
• Architect and execute the company's long-term financial strategy, vision, and growth roadmap to maximize market value.
• Identify, develop and execute analysis of business initiatives, and new service offerings
• Investigate potential acquisitions and lead various due diligence activities
• Select and engage consultants and auditors as required
• Operate as key point of contact for banking and business insurance relationships
• Manage the company’s risk management and insurance renewal process
• Recruit, interview, and hire finance and accounting leaders as required
• Assist in identifying and implementing systems and software to accurately collect and analyze critical financial and operational information, and inform strategic business decisions
• Collaborate with Finance and IT on financial software implementations and updates as needed
• Review and ensure application of appropriate internal controls and financial procedures
• Oversee and guide timely preparation and filing of all local, state, and federal tax returns
  
  

Desired Skills And Experience

• EDUCATION
• Bachelors degree in Accounting, Finance, or related discipline
• CPA or CMA strongly preferred
• MBA preferred but not required QUALIFICATIONS
• 15 years of progressive finance leadership experience within a complex, multi-entity manufacturing, industrial, or distribution organization with significant inventory operations
• Demonstrated Divisional, Business Unit, Vice President, or CFO-level finance leadership, appropriate and aligned to the scale and scope of our client's operations
• Prior M&A experience within an acquisitive, growth-oriented environment
• Robust financial systems expertise required
• High capacity to multi-task and manage competing priorities simultaneously
• Ability to travel domestically (25%) including several international trips/year PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES & LEADERSHIP TRAITS
• Strategic and passionate thinker who drives results
• Demonstrated ability to cultivate strong relationships and collaborate effectively
• Change agent who possesses a high level of initiative
• Demonstrates absolute integrity and ethics
• Influences through listening, validating and empowering direct reports and broader team
• Embodies intellectual curiosity & an optimistic approach to organizational transformation & growth
• Skilled manager and motivator of people and teams