Finance Director

Finance Director

Fairwood Brands is a collection of luxury residential landscape service businesses. We are growing through both organic and strategic acquisitions and are seeking a Finance Director to support our long-term financial success. This role will be instrumental in FP&A, value creation and project management of integrations and system implementations. Fairwood Brands is owned by Crane Group, a family-owned investment and operating company with a 75-year track record of success and consistent values.

Primary Responsibilities

This role is an exciting opportunity for an experienced finance leader looking to make a significant impact in a fast-paced, highly-acquisitive and dynamic business. The Finance Director will play a key role in FP&A, project management, and supporting short- and long-term value creation initiatives. This individual will work closely with senior leadership to provide financial insights, drive efficiencies, and support system implementation and business integrations. The Finance Director will have one direct report, the FP&A Manager, and will be responsible for delivering strategic and tactical financial guidance.

Responsibilities include:

· Lead the FP&A function, including budgeting, forecasting, financial analysis, and long-range strategic planning.

· Partner with the brand leaders to improve financial performance and track progress to expectations.

· Oversee board and lender reporting by reviewing reporting and developing the MD&A commentary to support financial results.

· Lead project management of system implementations, business integrations, and value creation initiatives.

· Lead the development of the annual value creation plan and financial budget.

· Drive financial modeling and analysis to support business decision-making.

· Develop and maintain key performance indicators (KPIs) to track business performance.

· Support the CFO and CEO in strategic initiatives, board reporting, and long-term financial planning.

· Ensure compliance with financial policies, controls, and regulatory requirements.

· Be a leader across the finance and accounting team, developing and coaching team members to deliver the company's growth objectives.

Desired Competencies

Strategic Thinking: Ability to align financial strategies with business objectives. This includes evaluating long-term growth opportunities, anticipating financial risks, and formulating actionable plans to enhance business performance.

Project Management: Ability to project manage system implementations, business integrations, and financial initiatives. This includes defining project goals, developing timelines, and ensuring projects are completed on time and within budget while delivering expected financial benefits.

Financial Acumen: Deep understanding of financial planning, forecasting, analysis and proficient in financial modeling, sensitivity analysis, and KPIs.

Technology & Systems Proficiency: Advanced proficiency in Excel, ERP systems, and financial planning and visualization tools.

Continuous Improvement & Innovation: Demonstrates a passion for improving processes, leveraging technology, and identifying areas for efficiency.

Storytelling: Ability to transform complex financial data into compelling narratives that support business decisions, with a focus on presenting financial insights to non-financial stakeholders.

Leadership & Development: Ability to mentor and develop direct reports. This includes setting clear expectations, providing regular feedback, fostering a culture of accountability, and encouraging professional growth among team members.

Qualifications

· Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field (MBA or CPA preferred).

· 10 years of progressive financial experience, including FP&A and project management.

· Experience in a multi-location comparable industry (construction, engineering, design-build, manufacturing)

· Experience with acquisitions, integrations, or financial system implementations.

· Strong strategic thinking and modeling skills.

· Ability to collaborate cross-functionally and influence key stakeholders.

· Excellent communication and leadership abilities.

· Proficiency in financial systems and advanced Excel skills; familiarity and BI tools is a plus.

About Fairwood Brands

Fairwood Brands is a multi-location platform, providing comprehensive estate and landscape services to the high-end residential market. This is a large and growing part of the $100 billion US landscaping market. Fairwood’s companies excel in two different tiers of the market:

· “Mass affluent”, with average projects in the $25-50k range.

· “True luxury”, with individual projects ranging from the mid-6 figures to several million dollars.

Fairwood’s current business mix is from 65-90% project (design, install, construct) and from 10-35% services. The individual brands also provide variable levels of ancillary services (irrigation, pools, estate management, etc.). Today, Fairwood Brands is comprised of eight outstanding brands: Bruss Landscaping (IL), Enchanted Garden Landscapes (AZ), Kuppe’s Landscape Services (MI), LML Estate Management (IN), Signature Landscape Contractors (FL), Fine Landscapes (VA), Bear Creek Landscaping (WA), and Executive Landscaping (MA).

About Crane Group

Crane Group is a family-owned company that passionately invests in business, people, and good. They help partners and communities thrive by providing strategic leadership, flexible capital, and a collaborative spirit. And they are creating a future where businesses succeed by running thoughtfully and equitably while uplifting others. Backed by 75 years of proven success, this Columbus-Ohio based company invests in companies with shared values, and they have a long history of helping them win using these keys:

· Competitive Edge: Their formula for success combines the performance focus of private equity and the stamina of flexible capital.

· Winning Record: They are a family office of fourth-generation entrepreneurs who have successfully built and grown dozens of thriving companies.

· Financial Acumen: Their strong balance sheet allows them to creatively structure their partnerships and investment timelines.

· Comprehensive Support: They bolster their partners with expertise and people power in six critical areas: strategy, leadership, legal, finance, IT, and HR.

· Collaborative Approach: Their culture is collaborative, supportive, and empowering. Their business leaders grow and excel as part of their Crane Group network.

Crane Group also teams with investment partners to strategically and geographically diversify holdings, with a focus on private equity, real estate, marketable securities, and social impact. Guided by strong core values, Crane Group embraces a people-first culture. They are committed to fostering equity and inclusion by actively diversifying their workforce, investment partners, suppliers, and community gifts.

Core Values

The Crane Group follows six core values in which are part of their DNA. The values guide the way the company operates with partners, within communities, and with each other:

· Respect: They treat our customers and fellow associates with dignity and respect.

· Family: They encourage teamwork and a sense of family within the workplace.

· Community: They act as leaders and stewards in our community.