Head of Finance - A Well-known Chemical Company

Shanghai Permanent View Job Description
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Finance Director to join a global industrial materials and manufacturing business in Shanghai. Reporting directly to the China General Manager, this role will lead the local finance organization while partnering closely with regional and global stakeholders to support business growth, performance improvement, and strategic decision-making.
  • Be a strategic partner to the China General Manager and global leadership team.
  • Lead beyond finance.

About Our Client

Our client is a well-established multinational industrial company with operations across multiple global markets. The business serves a diversified customer base through several specialized divisions and has maintained a strong presence in China for many years.

As part of an evolving leadership structure and continued investment in the China market, the company is looking to appoint a commercially focused Finance Director to join its local leadership team and play a critical role in supporting future growth.

Job Description

Reporting to the China General Manager, the Finance Director will be responsible for managing all finance activities across China while acting as a key business partner to both local and global stakeholders.Key responsibilities include:

  • Lead financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, management reporting, accounting, compliance, and internal controls.
  • Provide financial insights and commercial recommendations to support strategic and operational decision-making.
  • Partner closely with commercial and operations leaders to drive business performance and profitability.
  • Support management with market analysis, business intelligence, investment evaluations, and strategic growth initiatives.
  • Collaborate with global business unit finance teams and corporate finance stakeholders in a matrix organization.
  • Ensure strong governance, risk management, and compliance standards across the China business.
  • Lead and develop a multifunctional team covering Finance, IT, and Legal.
  • Drive process improvements and enhance management reporting and financial transparency.

The Successful Applicant

  • Bachelor's degree or above in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or a related discipline.
  • Proven leadership experience within multinational manufacturing, industrial, materials, specialty chemicals, or related sectors.
  • Strong commercial acumen with a track record of partnering closely with business leaders and supporting strategic decision-making.
  • Ability to operate effectively within a complex global matrix environment.
  • Experience supporting business development, market intelligence, investment analysis, or M&A projects would be highly desirable.
  • Mature, stable, and pragmatic leadership style with strong influencing skills.
  • Possesses both executive presence and a hands-on approach when required.
  • Strong communication skills with the confidence to challenge constructively and provide independent perspectives.
  • Fluent in both English and Mandarin.

What's on Offer

  • Opportunity to join a globally respected industrial organization with a strong international footprint.
  • Direct exposure to senior leadership both locally and globally.
  • A highly visible leadership role with broad responsibilities across Finance, IT, and Legal.
  • The chance to influence business strategy and contribute to long-term growth initiatives.
  • Competitive compensation package and an international working environment.
Contact
Stella Mao
Quote job ref
JN-102026-7133380
Phone number
+8621 6026 8063

Job summary

Function
Finance & Accounting
Specialisation
Financial Director / CFO
What is your area of specialisation?
Industrial / Manufacturing
Location
Shanghai
Contract type
Permanent
Consultant name
Stella Mao
Consultant phone
+8621 6026 8063
Job Reference
JN-102026-7133380

Diversity & Inclusion at Michael Page

We don't just accept difference - we celebrate it. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply for this role and are committed to building inclusive, diverse workplaces where everyone can thrive. If you require any support or reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.