About HeiQ
HeiQ is a recognized global leader in innovation and specialty materials in biotech, textile and polymers combining science and creativity to improve the lives of billions. With 185+ employees worldwide, HeiQ drives excellence, entrepreneurship, and responsibility at scale. Our ambition for the next phase is clear: to build a
highly
profitable, effective, lean and resilient organization
that continues to shape the future of materials science.
Role Overview
The Group CFO will play a
pivotal hands-on role in HeiQ's further growth journey
, ensuring profitability, internal alignment, and process discipline across the Group. This role requires a
dual focus
:
* Acting as a
guardian
– securing compliance, cost control, robust governance, and stakeholder trust.
* Acting as a
strategic partner to the business
– driving organizational transformation, digitalization, and impactful decision-making with the CEO, Lead Circle and Board.
The CFO will oversee
Finance, HR, IT, and Systems Operations (Odoo development)
, with a strong mandate to standardize processes across all legal entities and inspire confidence across the organization.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic & Financial Leadership
* Develop and execute financial strategies aligned with strategic initiatives and profitability goals.
* Lead budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning processes across the Group.
* Provide strategic input on
capital investments, M&A, and funding initiatives
.
* Drive
cost optimization and working capital improvements
to enhance operational efficiency.
* Consolidate group-wide reporting, KPIs, and decision-making into a clear, standardized framework.
Governance & Stakeholder Management
* Oversee accounting, treasury, tax, and internal control functions across all entities.
* Act as the primary contact for
auditors, banks, tax authorities, and regulatory stakeholders
.
* Ensure timely, transparent, and reliable financial reporting at both group and entity levels.
* Safeguard the company's reputation through strong compliance, ethical standards, and proactive risk management.
Organizational Evolution
* Build
cohesive structures and processes
across all entities, ensuring alignment in Finance, HR, IT, and Systems.
* Drive
digital finance transformation
(ERP/Odoo, automation, data-driven reporting).
* Engage directly in operations (pricing, cost analysis, production economics) to support profitability.
* Establish and implement a
clear roadmap
for aligning processes and procedures across all legal entities.
Leadership & Culture
* Act as a
charismatic,
credible, fair but tough leader
– bring credibility, structure processes and boost confidence to Finance and beyond.
* Be a
hands-on as well as strategic leader
: equally comfortable in Group Lead Circle, Board-level discussions and operational detail.
* Inspire, mentor, motivate and elevate Finance/HR/IT teams, shaping a culture of
excellence, accountability, and collaboration
.
* Embody HeiQ's values – delivering
impactful results with integrity
while fostering entrepreneurial spirit and responsibility.
Profile Requirements
Must-Haves
* Qualified accountant (e.g., CPA, ACA, ROC, TOC) with solid technical finance expertise.
* Proven experience as Group CFO or equivalent senior leadership role in
international, multi-entity organizations
.
* Demonstrated success in
building or restructuring Finance/Corporate functions
from the ground up.
* Strong track record in
financial strategy, cost control, risk management, and working capital improvements
.
* Experience leading
ERP/digital finance transformations
(ideally Odoo or similar).
* Fluent in
Portuguese and English
, with excellent communication and motivational skills.
Nice-to-Haves
* Listed company exposure (capital markets, investor relations, financial storytelling).
* M&A, debt/equity fundraising, or corporate finance experience.
* Industry knowledge in biotech,
chemicals, textiles, materials
, or broader industrial/manufacturing sectors.
Personal Attributes
* Charismatic
credible, fair but tough leader
.
* Hands-on and
strategic mindset
– equally effective in strategic vision and operational execution while leading by example.
* Inspirational and
impactful communicator
.
* Pragmatic yet strategic – able to zoom in and out from detail to big picture.
* Entrepreneurial spirit, resilience, and integrity.
* Professional and confident demeanour, with high ethical standards.
Location & Mobility
* Base:
Maia, Porto, Portugal.
* Travel:
As required to global entities (US, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, Thailand, China).
* Eligibility:
EU resident or EU work permit.
What We Offer
* A pivotal executive role with direct impact on HeiQ's
evolution and growth journey
.
* The opportunity to shape Finance, HR, and IT into a
center of excellence
.
* A collaborative, entrepreneurial, and international culture of high performers.
* Competitive compensation package, aligned with senior leadership responsibilities, with
Lead Circle incentives
.