Lucas Milhaupt · 4 hours ago
Chief Financial Officer
Lucas-Milhaupt Inc is a company focused on developing next-generation material joining solutions. They are seeking a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) who will be responsible for all aspects of financial management and strategy, partnering closely with various leaders to align financial and digital strategies with manufacturing objectives.
ConsultingIndustrialManufacturingMechanical Engineering
Responsibilities
Serve as a strategic partner to the CEO/President, COO, executive team, and Steel Partners, providing insights on growth, profitability, sustainability, and digital transformation
Develop and execute financial and IT strategies that support profitability, growth, and risk mitigation in a volatile commodity market
Provide recommendations on operational efficiency, capital allocation, technology investments and expansion opportunities
Advise executive leadership on market trends, pricing strategies, and investment opportunities related to precious metals
Maintain a strong relationship with financing partners and technology partners
Lead development of financial plans, forecasts, capital expenditure plans, budgets, cashflow forecasts and covenant forecasts
Lead the design and implementation of a standard cost system within a new ERP system rollout
Drives results while upholding the company's foundational values of Teamwork, Respect, Integrity, and Commitment
Led the identification and deployment of AI opportunities within financial operations to optimize processes, reduce costs, and improve analytical capabilities
Oversee domestic and international financial operations, including accounting, reporting, tax, and treasury functions
Ensure accuracy, timeliness, and compliance of financial reporting under U.S. GAAP and local statutory requirements in Mexico, China, France, and other jurisdictions
Lead preparation and presentation of financial results, KPIs, and dashboards for executive leadership and stakeholders
Work with the outside CPAs for successful financial audit and tax reporting
Oversee hedging strategies and derivative instruments to manage exposure to fluctuations in metal prices (e.g., gold, silver, platinum)
Monitor global commodity markets and align purchasing strategies with financial forecasts
Collaborate with trading and procurement teams to optimize timing and pricing of metal purchases
Partner with manufacturing leaders to monitor operational performance and key cost drivers
Oversee cost accounting, inventory valuation, and margin analysis to support informed decision-making
Analyze margins by product line, customer, and market segment to guide pricing and sales strategies
Drive initiatives that enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve profitability across global operations
Align IT systems and infrastructure with operational and financial goals to support automation, data integrity, and real-time reporting
Manage cash flow with precision due to high-value inventory and market volatility
Oversee banking relationships, credit facilities, and insurance coverage for high-value assets
Ensure secure and compliant handling of physical and financial assets
Collaborate with Steel Partners Corporate Risk Management team to manage and negotiate the business insurance package
Negotiate, review, and manage NDA's and contracts with customers, vendors, and service providers
Ensure compliance with federal, state, and international financial and tax regulations and industry-specific standards (e.g., Responsible Minerals Initiative, ITAAR, etc)
Strengthen internal controls, cybersecurity, and risk management practices across the organization
Directed the redesign of the financial organization to improve effectiveness, maximize efficiency, and support strategic growth
Lead, mentor and develop a high-performing Finance team of 12 finance professionals and Information Technology team of 11 IT professionals
Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement
Develop team capabilities to support evolving business and technology needs
Oversee domestic and international financial operations, ensuring compliance with U.S. GAAP and local statutory requirements in Mexico, China, France, and other jurisdictions
Manage global tax strategy, including transfer pricing, cross-border compliance, and coordination with external auditors and advisors
Drive consistency in financial and IT practices, systems, and reporting across all locations while respecting local requirements
Collaborate effectively across diverse geographies, time zones, and cultures to ensure alignment and accountability
Collaborate with the VP of Operations, Plant Managers, and Supply Chain leaders to monitor production performance, optimize cost structures, and drive efficiency improvements
Partner with R&D and Process Engineering teams to evaluate new product investments, automation opportunities, and process innovations
Align with commercial leaders on pricing strategy, customer profitability, contract terms, and revenue forecasting
Work closely with HR to manage labor costs, workforce planning, and compensation strategies
Collaborate on vendor negotiations, contract management, and risk mitigation
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required; MBA or CMA strongly preferred
15+ years of progressive finance experience, including 5+ years in a senior leadership role
Proven expertise in manufacturing finance, including cost accounting, margin analysis, and operations support
Demonstrated success in contract negotiation, risk management, and global financial operations, including multi-site, international entities
Experience overseeing IT strategy, ERP systems, and digital transformation initiatives
Strong executive communication skills with the ability to influence across functions, geographies, and cultures
Hands-on, detail-oriented leader with a strategic mindset, adaptability, and integrity in a fast-paced environment
Preferred
Experience in mid-sized companies ($250M–$300M revenue) and familiarity with scaling finance across multi-site global operations preferred
Company
Lucas Milhaupt
WHAT WE DO: Lucas Milhaupt is a global leader and one of the most prolific suppliers in the brazing industry.
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageRecent News
2024-04-25
2024-04-15
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
2024-02-19
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