Finance Lead

Role Overview

We are hiring a Finance Lead for an early-stage advanced manufacturing and defence business backed by venture funding. This is a core building role where you will establish the finance function and help transform the company from spreadsheet-based processes into a robust, scalable finance setup.

You will partner closely with the leadership team on forecasting, cash management, investor communication, fundraising support, and the company’s wider financial direction.

Key Responsibilities

• Set up the finance function from the ground up and define its operating structure.
• Lead financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow control.
• Create management and investor reporting processes, including KPIs.
• Handle relationships with banks and other external finance stakeholders.
• Assist with fundraising, investor relations, and board-level reporting.
• Build financial models and carry out scenario analysis.
• Help recruit and develop the finance team as the business expands.

Candidate Profile

The ideal background includes strong experience in FP&A, finance, transaction services, investment banking, or a Big 4 firm. Prior exposure to manufacturing, industrial, engineering, aerospace, defence, chemicals, or similarly complex operating settings is preferred.

You should bring advanced financial modelling and forecasting capability, along with a practical, hands-on approach and the ability to introduce structure where little exists today. Success in a fast-moving, high-growth environment is important. Fluency in both German and English is required.

Why This Role

• Chance to grow into the future Finance Director position.
• Opportunity to create a finance organisation from the beginning.
• Direct collaboration with founders and investors.
• Meaningful equity participation in a fast-growing company.
• High ownership and strategic influence from day one.

Location and Compensation

The position is based near Hannover and requires onsite presence.

Compensation is stated as €80,000 to €90,000 annually, plus equity and bonus.