Group Head of Operations & Transactions

ProductLife Group’s mission is to improve human health by delivering regulatory compliance services for the safe and effective use of medical solutions. Since almost 30 years, ProductLife Group (PLG) supports clients through the entire product life cycle, combining local expertise with global reach spanning more than 130 countries. It provides consulting and outsourcing services in the areas of regulatory affairs, quality and compliance, vigilances and medical information, covering both established products and innovative therapeutics & diagnostics. With a goal of continuously improving the value delivered to people and customers, PLG is committed to long-term partnership, innovation, flexibility, and cost efficiency.

PLG is a fast-growing organization, evolving from €25m revenue in 2020 to €210m in 2024, and with an ambition to reach €600m by 2028. The development being supported by a continued M&A strategy (23 build-ups closed since 2020).

The ideal candidate will have a proven track record as a Head of Finance Operations or in a similar senior finance role within a high-growth, multi-national environment. S/he will demonstrate strong technical accounting expertise, process improvement skills, and leadership capabilities.

The Head of Finance Operations will lead the development and execution of the company’s global finance operations strategy. This role is critical in ensuring the scalability, efficiency, and compliance of financial processes as the business grows rapidly under private equity ownership. Reporting to the CFO, the successful candidate will oversee core finance operations, including transactional finance, shared services, compliance, and systems optimization.

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Group Head of Operations & Transactions to join our team. The successful candidate will lead Shared Services Center (SSC) operations for Billing & Collections (B&C) and Accounts Payable (AP), manage transaction processing, ensure efficiency and compliance, oversee SSC staff performance, and support financial reporting and audits.

Operational Leadership

• Oversee all aspects of finance operations, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, treasury, and tax compliance.
• Design and implement scalable finance processes to support growth, acquisitions, and international expansion.
• Drive alignment and standardization of finance operations across all business units and regions.
• Ensure best-in-class cash collection and credit management.
• Steer and enhance the overall performance of the SSC through in monitoring KPIs, such as DSO, DPO
• Oversee the performance of SSC staff, providing guidance and support to ensure high levels of productivity and quality, with KPIs such as # daily invoices processed/FTE, # days from receipt of invoice until payment, #FTE / €100m of revenues, # of adjustments / deductions
• Ensure the proper roll-out of accounts receivables’ factoring arrangements and optimize the utilization of such contracts

Process Optimization and Automation

• Lead initiatives to streamline and automate finance processes, leveraging technology to enhance efficiency and accuracy.
• Evaluate and implement ERP systems and other financial tools to improve workflow and reporting capabilities.
• Ensure robust internal controls and governance frameworks are embedded within all processes.

Compliance and Risk Management

• Ensure adherence to statutory, regulatory, and tax compliance requirements across all jurisdictions.
• Collaborate with legal, tax, and external advisors to mitigate financial and operational risks.
• Maintain audit readiness and lead the preparation for internal and external audits.

Shared Services and Team Management

• Develop and lead a high-performing finance operations team, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.
• Build and manage shared service centers, ensuring consistent delivery of services across the organization.
• Set-up SSC in 2 to 5 countries, including hiring, training accounting officers
• Provide mentorship and professional development opportunities to finance operations staff.

Stakeholder Collaboration

• Partner with the CFO and broader leadership team to align operational priorities with strategic objectives.
• Work closely with the FP&A team to ensure accurate reporting, forecasting, and cash flow management.
• Serve as a key liaison with private equity stakeholders, providing transparency and insights into finance operations.

Integration and Transformation

• Lead finance integration efforts for mergers and acquisitions, ensuring seamless consolidation of operations.
• Champion transformation projects to align finance operations with the company’s long-term strategic goals.

• 10 years of proven experience in operations and transaction management, preferably in a multinational organization, including the experience of implementing new SCC, with a strong preference for experience in private equity-backed businesses or high-growth environments.
• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field; relevant professional certification is preferred.
• Strong knowledge of transaction processing, compliance, and financial reporting.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in financial and accounting software and tools.
• Strong communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
• High level of integrity and professionalism.