Head of Finance (m/f/d)

Company Description About EIT RawMaterials As the world moves towards a greener future, the demand for raw materials—minerals and metals—is set to increase immensely over the next three decades. Europe faces a critical challenge in securing a stable supply of these essential resources. This challenge is where EIT RawMaterials steps in. EIT RawMaterials is at the forefront of driving innovation and sustainability in the raw materials sector. As an Innovation Community within the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), we collaborate with over 300 partners across industry, academia, and research institutes. Together, we forge dynamic, long-term partnerships to develop innovative solutions that meet Europe's growing demand for raw materials Position Role Overview EIT RawMaterials is transitioning from a publicly financed member organisation into a business-driven entity delivering high-value services and financing to top investment opportunities in the European raw materials sector. We are seeking a Head of Finance (m/f/d) to lead this transformation by developing and executing financial strategies that support diversified income streams, including membership fees, project-based funding, co-investments, and alternative public/private funding sources. This role requires a strategic, hands-on leader with deep expertise in financial planning, risk management, compliance, and cross-border operations. The Head of Finance will oversee financial operations across multiple legal entities (Germany, Belgium, France, Italy, Poland, Sweden), ensuring alignment with organisational goals and regulatory frameworks. The position reports directly to the COO and works closely with the Managing Board, the Head of Operations, and the ERMA/FSMA investment functions. Key Responsibilities Strategic Planning & Execution · Develop and implement long-term financial strategies to support EIT RawMaterials’ business transformation and financial sustainability goals. · Lead financial planning, forecasting, and budgeting processes across all legal entities in the organisation. · Evaluate and revise financial sustainability targets and income generation models. · Advise senior leadership and the Board on financial performance, risks, and strategic opportunities. · Define and track financial KPIs, e.g., share of non-EIT income sources (target ≥50% by 2028), operational cost savings (target ≥10% within 2 years), and return-on-investment benchmarks for co-funded projects. Operational Excellence · Ensure accurate and timely financial reporting, including dashboards and management reports. · Prepare and present financial reports to senior management, providing insights and recommendations for decision-making. · Review and restructure existing processes to support service delivery and investment activities. · Identify financial inefficiencies and lead initiatives to enhance productivity and quality. · Expand the use of ERP and Business Intelligence systems (e.g., SAP, MS Dynamics, or equivalent) to strengthen integrated reporting, forecasting accuracy, and data-driven decision making. Risk & Compliance · Conduct risk assessments and implement mitigation strategies across financial operations. · Ensure compliance with EU, national, and international financial regulations. · Maintain robust internal controls and audit readiness. · Coordinate with external auditors, tax consultants, and regulatory bodies to ensure compliance. · Oversee intercompany service contracting, transfer pricing, and VAT reverse charging mechanisms. · Monitor compliance with OECD BEPS, IFRS standards, and evolving EU audit/tax regulations relevant to the raw materials sector. Leadership & Team Management · Lead and develop the finance team to ensure effective and efficient day-to-day business, fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement. · Oversee team recruitment, development, and performance evaluation in alignment with HR policies. · Closely collaborate with Operations to ensure budget planning and financial reporting compliance. · Service and solution-oriented collaboration with other departments to develop joint service offerings and pricing models. · Clearly articulate the finance team structure and outline anticipated team expansion over the next 2 to 3 years, ensuring transparency in resourcing and future growth planning. Stakeholder Engagement · Represent EIT RawMaterials in financial discussions with internal and external stakeholders, including funding bodies and investment partners. · Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders to foster trust, transparency, and long-term collaboration. · Communicate complex financial insights in a clear and actionable way to both financial and non-financial stakeholders. Financial Controlling · Develop and oversee robust controlling frameworks to monitor financial performance and ensure alignment with strategic objectives. · Drive budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis, ensuring proactive financial steering and cost optimisation. · Provide strategic financial insights by analysing performance trends and partnering with business units to assess the impact of key projects, investments, and risks. · Design and implement comprehensive reporting packages for Board and Supervisory Body meetings, featuring in-depth variance analysis, scenario modelling, and advanced forward-looking dashboards that highlight key financial risks and opportunities. Expense Management & Digital Solutions · Oversee the implementation and management of digital expense and travel tools to streamline processes and improve efficiency. · Ensure accurate and timely reporting of expenses and travel costs, providing insights into spending patterns and opportunities for cost savings. · Collaborate with IT and cross-functional teams to integrate digital tools with existing financial systems, ensuring data accuracy while promoting automation and technology-driven solutions to streamline workflows. · Drive the implementation of cutting-edge e-procurement, e-invoicing, and automated compliance systems to enhance operational efficiency, transparency, and cost control across all financial functions. Required Qualifications & Experience · Master’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or related field; professional certification (e.g., CPA, ACCA, CFA) strongly preferred. · 12+ years of progressive financial leadership, ideally in multi-jurisdictional or EU-funded organisations. · Proven experience with EU funding frameworks (Horizon Europe, FSMA models and other investment mechanisms) and public-private co-funding structures. · Strong knowledge of IFRS, EU VAT/tax law, transfer pricing, and audit practices. · Extensive experience working within the German financial system, including DATEV, knowledge of national accounting standards, regulatory requirements, tax frameworks and compliance obligations · Demonstrated success in leading finance teams through transformation and digitalisation. · Excellent communication skills, with the ability to present financial insights to Boards and non-financial stakeholders. Other information Additional Information & Our Recruitment Process Commitment to Diversity : EIT RawMaterials is committed to diversity and inclusion. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of background. Position Location: Germany We invite you to apply for this opportunity to make a significant impact on Europe's innovation landscape. The position will stay open until a successful candidate is chosen. Application Review: Our team thoroughly reviews each application. Please make sure to submit your CV in English. Initial Interview (30 minutes): Meet with the hiring manager and recruitment team. Second Interview (60 minutes): Second interview with a presentation on a relevant topic to the hiring manager and the HR team. Third Interview (60-90 minutes): Third interview with the Management Board and the HR team. Offer : If successful, receive an offer to join our team.