Chief Financial Officer (Luxury Beauty & Cosmetics)

Overview

We are partnering with a globally recognised luxury beauty and consumer brand in the appointment of a Chief Financial Officer, based in Dubai.

This is a pivotal leadership role with full financial ownership across the Middle East region. The CFO will operate as a key member of the regional executive committee, working closely with the C-level leadership at the European headquarters and key stakeholders across the region to drive performance, support strategic growth, and enhance operational efficiency across a complex, multi-market landscape.

The business is entering an important phase of evolution, with a strong focus on growth, market expansion, and organisational transformation. As such, this role requires a highly commercial and forward-thinking finance leader capable of influencing at the highest level while maintaining rigorous financial discipline.

Role Purpose

The Chief Financial Officer will be responsible for leading and developing the regional finance function, ensuring robust financial planning, reporting, governance, and control across all markets.

You will play a central role in shaping business strategy, providing financial insight to support decision-making, and driving performance across retail, distribution, and commercial operations. The role requires a balance of strategic thinking and operational execution, with a strong emphasis on business partnering and value creation.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Business Partnering

• Act as a trusted advisor to the CEO and regional leadership team, contributing to overall business strategy and decision-making
• Translate commercial strategy into financial plans, ensuring alignment between growth objectives and financial performance
• Provide clear, data-driven insights to support key business decisions, including investments, pricing strategies, and market expansion
• Support the development of long-term strategic plans, including scenario modelling and risk assessment

Financial Planning & Performance Management

• Lead the annual budgeting process, rolling forecasts, and long-term financial planning
• Drive performance analysis across markets, channels, and categories, identifying risks and opportunities
• Establish and monitor key financial and operational KPIs to track business performance
• Ensure accurate and timely financial reporting in line with group standards and local regulatory requirements

Governance, Controls & Compliance

• Implement and maintain robust financial controls, policies, and procedures across all operating entities
• Ensure full compliance with local regulations, tax requirements, and internal governance frameworks
• Oversee internal and external audit processes, ensuring transparency and accountability
• Manage financial risk, including currency exposure, credit risk, and regulatory changes

Commercial & Operational Finance

• Partner closely with retail, commercial, and operations teams to drive profitability and operational efficiency
• Support pricing strategies, margin optimisation, and cost control initiatives
• Provide financial leadership on key projects, including store openings, refurbishments, and new market entry
• Drive continuous improvement across finance processes, systems, and reporting capabilities

Cash Flow, Working Capital & Investment

• Optimise working capital across the region, including inventory, receivables, and payables
• Oversee cash flow planning and treasury activities, ensuring effective liquidity management
• Evaluate capital investment opportunities and support business cases for growth initiatives
• Manage relationships with banks and financial institutions

Transformation & Change Management

• Lead or support finance transformation initiatives, including system implementation, process improvement, and organisational development
• Drive a culture of performance, accountability, and continuous improvement within the finance function
• Support broader business transformation initiatives across the region

Team Leadership & Development

• Build, lead, and develop a high-performing regional finance team
• Establish clear structures, roles, and succession plans across the function
• Foster a collaborative, high-performance culture aligned with company values
• Develop talent and capabilities to support future growth

Candidate Profile

• Proven experience as a CFO, Finance Director, or equivalent senior finance leadership role within a luxury beauty, retail, or consumer-led organisation
• Strong commercial acumen with the ability to influence senior stakeholders and drive business performance
• Experience managing multi-country operations, ideally across the Middle East region
• Deep understanding of financial planning, reporting, and governance within a complex, international business
• Demonstrated track record of driving transformation, improving processes, and delivering measurable business impact
• Experience operating within a matrix organisation and working with global finance teams
• Strong leadership skills with experience building and developing high-performing teams
• Degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field; professional qualifications (ACA, ACCA, CPA or equivalent) preferred

Personal Attributes

• Strategic thinker with a hands-on approach
• Highly analytical with strong problem-solving capabilities
• Confident communicator with the ability to influence at executive level
• Resilient and adaptable in a fast-paced, evolving environment
• High level of integrity and professional judgment

Additional Information

This is a high-impact role offering the opportunity to play a key part in shaping the future of a leading brand within the region.

We will only respond to those who meet the required criteria.