Portfolio CFO – J2L Holding (SafeLine & Kranlyft), Hybrid | Dartford & Bristol, Industrial & Engineering | Investor backed

J2L Holding AB is a family-owned investment company with a passion for growing small to medium-sized industrial and trading businesses. Founded in 2009, J2L now owns 20 companies internationally and operates with a highly decentralised model that empowers each business to thrive on its own merits. With a long-term mindset and a commitment to continuous improvement, J2L is known for its ethical culture, entrepreneurial spirit, and hands-on approach.

J2L is seeking a dynamic and commercially astute Portfolio CFO to lead the finance functions across two of its UK-based portfolio companies: SafeLine and Kranlyft. This is a unique opportunity to work closely with two ambitious Managing Directors, elevate financial performance, and play a pivotal role in driving strategic growth.

You will split your time between the two businesses (three days per week with SafeLine, Dartford; two days with Kranlyft, Bristol) with flexibility for hybrid working.

SafeLine is Europe’s largest independent manufacturer of lift safety products, with over 300,000 installations and a strong reputation for innovation, reliability, and compliance. With a UK turnover of c£15m, SafeLine is a trusted partner across commercial, industrial, and public infrastructure sectors.

Kranlyft is a market leader in compact lifting solutions, distributing premium brands like Maeda and Klaas across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. With a UK turnover of c£6.5m, Kranlyft serves a wide range of industries including construction, logistics, and aviation.

As Portfolio CFO, you will:

• Lead financial strategy, planning, and reporting across both businesses
• Partner with Managing Directors to drive performance and growth
• Ensure compliance with UK GAAP, tax, and regulatory standards
• Oversee cash flow, working capital, and risk management
• Provide commercial insight to support strategic decisions
• Lead and develop finance teams, fostering a high-performance culture
• Support digital transformation and ERP enhancements

We’re looking for a hands-on, strategic finance leader who thrives in entrepreneurial environments:

• Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)
• Proven experience in senior finance roles, ideally in industrial, B2B, or service-based sectors
• Strong commercial acumen and analytical skills
• Effective communicator with the ability to influence at all levels
• Experience in investor-backed or growth-stage businesses (desirable)
• Familiarity with project-based accounting or capital equipment sectors (a plus)
• Experience of importing/exporting goods would be of interest.

• Work with two profitable, growing businesses
• Influence strategic direction and operational excellence
• Be part of a values-driven, decentralised investment group
• Enjoy flexibility and autonomy in a hybrid working model

For queries, contact Lucy Ramsbottom at lucy.ramsbottom@berwickpartners.co.uk