Finance Director (Job Code: CR6089)

Job Title: Finance Director
Location: Tianjin, China
Company: European Manufacturing Enterprise

Company Overview:
Our client is a leading European manufacturing company with a strong global presence and a well-established footprint in China. Committed to innovation, operational excellence, and sustainable growth, the company operates in a dynamic, fast-paced industry environment. To support its expanding operations in Tianjin, we are seeking a seasoned Finance Director to oversee all financial, IT, and legal functions for the factory, while acting as a critical liaison between the site and European headquarters.

About the Role:
Reporting to the General Manager of the Tianjin factory and working closely with the CFO in Europe, the Finance Director will play a pivotal role in driving financial strategy, operational efficiency, and compliance across the organization. This position demands a strategic thinker with proven leadership capabilities, deep expertise in manufacturing finance, and exceptional cross-cultural communication skills. The ideal candidate will thrive in a matrix environment, balancing autonomy with alignment to global standards.

Key Responsibilities:

• Financial Leadership:
  • Oversee full spectrum of financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, cost control, and financial reporting.
  • Drive process improvements and digital transformation (e.g., ERP systems) to enhance financial accuracy and efficiency.
  • Partner with operational teams to analyze financial data, identify trends, and support decision-making for profitability and growth.
  • Manage tax compliance, treasury, and audit activities in collaboration with external advisors.
• IT & Digitalization:
  • Lead IT strategy for the factory, ensuring alignment with corporate IT standards and cybersecurity protocols.
  • Drive adoption of digital tools to streamline workflows, enhance data analytics, and support Industry 4.0 initiatives.
• Legal & Compliance:
  • Oversee legal affairs, contract management, and risk mitigation strategies to ensure adherence to Chinese regulations and corporate policies.
  • Collaborate with external legal counsel on critical matters (e.g., labor laws, M&A, intellectual property).
• Stakeholder Management:
  • Act as the primary point of contact for headquarters on all financial, IT, and legal matters, providing regular updates and strategic insights.
  • Build strong relationships with local government bodies, auditors, banks, and other external partners.
• Team Leadership:
  • Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team across finance, IT, and legal functions.

Requirements:

• Education & Experience:
  • Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field; MBA or CPA/ACCA qualification preferred.
  • Minimum 15 years of progressive experience in finance, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role within manufacturing.
  • Proven experience managing IT and legal functions in a manufacturing context.
• Skills & Competencies:
  • Fluent in English (oral and written) with exceptional communication skills for cross-border collaboration.
  • Strong understanding of Chinese GAAP, tax regulations, and labor laws.
  • Hands-on experience with ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle) and financial modeling.
  • Strategic mindset with the ability to balance operational demands with long-term business goals.
  • Proven ability to influence stakeholders and drive change in a matrix organization.
• Cultural Fit:
  • Experienced in working with European multinationals; sensitivity to cross-cultural dynamics.
  • Agile, resilient, and comfortable navigating ambiguity in a fast-paced environment.