THE PORTFOLIO COMPANY
This portfolio company is a global leader in the dancewear industry, specializing in premium and highly technical footwear, apparel, and accessories for dancers and athletes of all ages. Founded in 1887 and headquartered in New Jersey, the company has built an iconic brand known for authenticity, quality, superior craftsmanship, and classic design. Serving both retail and wholesale markets, it operates internationally with a strong customer base in North America, Europe, Australia, Brazil, and Asia. Following acquisition by The Private Equity firm in 2025, the company is focused on doubling revenue, expanding direct-to-consumer channels, improving operational efficiency, and pursuing strategic M&A opportunities in performance wear and ancillary markets.
THE PRIVATE EQUITY FIRM
The Private Equity firm, founded in 2015, manages over $685M in assets and invests in advanced manufacturing, business services, and consumer sectors. Targeting businesses with $10M–$50M in EBITDA and enterprise values of $100M–$500M, the firm’s strategy emphasizes building global growth platforms, unlocking under-resourced potential, implementing transformative strategies, and leveraging deep operating expertise. The firm maintains active partnerships while empowering portfolio leadership with operational autonomy.
THE CULTURE
The company culture reflects its deep roots in the dance community—creative, passionate, and committed to excellence. While family members remain involved, the focus is on enhancing execution capabilities to match the creativity within the organization. The leadership team values collaboration, accountability, and results, with an emphasis on operational efficiency, data-driven decision-making, and sustainable growth.
VISION
What does success look like in this role?
• Rapid integration as a strategic partner to the CEO and leadership team.
• Professionalization of the finance function, including strong controls, efficient processes, and high-performing personnel.
• Improved information availability and actionable financial insights for strategic decision-making.
• Enhanced reporting to stakeholders including the Board, Audit Committee, lenders, and auditors.
• Driving change to improve performance and efficiency enterprise-wide.
• Building and executing a growth strategy that supports doubling the company’s revenue.
THE ROLE
The day-to-day role for this position will include the following tasks:
- Provide strategic partnership to the CEO and Board, contributing to the company’s overall growth strategy and decision-making.
- Lead all financial functions, including planning and analysis, treasury, reporting, audit, tax, accounting, risk management, and systems management.
- Modernize and professionalize the company’s financial infrastructure, implementing robust controls, efficient processes, and data-driven reporting.
- Drive operational improvements across the business to support profitability, scalability, and sustainable growth.
- Oversee M&A financial activities, from due diligence through to post-acquisition integration, ensuring transactions deliver maximum value.
- Build and develop a high-performing finance team capable of supporting an ambitious international growth agenda.
- Strengthen relationships with key stakeholders, including investors, lenders, auditors, and the Board ensuring transparency.
KEY SELLING POINTS OF THE ROLE
• Opportunity to lead finance in a high-growth, internationally recognized brand.
• Strong private equity backing with significant growth ambitions.
• Ability to shape and professionalize the finance function.
• Exposure to strategic M&A and international expansion.
KEY CHALLENGES FOR THE ROLE
• Transition from a long-standing family-owned environment to a PE-backed growth model.
• Streamlining and modernizing reporting processes.
• Implementing a new ERP system.
• Expanding direct-to-consumer channels and improving underperforming international operations.
YOUR BACKGROUND
• Proven CFO experience in a PE-backed, consumer goods or apparel business.
• International business management experience.
• Strong track record in M&A execution and integration.
• Experience building high-performing finance teams.
• Deep knowledge of finance, accounting, and operational excellence.
YOUR CHARACTERISTICS
• Strategic thinker with strong execution capabilities.
• Collaborative leader with the ability to influence across the organization.
• Results-oriented with a high level of integrity.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, change-oriented environment.
LOCATION
Totowa, New Jersey – minimum 4 days per week on-site.
COMPENSATION PACKAGE
Basic Salary: $250,000–$300,000+ (potential for higher with operational responsibilities)
Bonus: 35%
Equity: Yes
401k: To be confirmed
Healthcare: To be confirmed
Raw Selection is an executive search firm working exclusively with Private Equity firms and their portfolio companies across Europe & North America.
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