Chief Financial Officer with a Functional Nutrition Brand in Chicago, IL

Are you a strategic financial leader with a passion for health and wellness? We are seeking a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to join a rapidly growing Functional Nutrition brand based in Chicago, IL. This is a unique opportunity to shape the financial future of a purpose-driven company at the forefront of innovation in the wellness space. If you’re driven by numbers and inspired by mission-based businesses, this could be the role for you.

Shape the Financial Strategy of a High-Growth Wellness Brand

A rising star in the Functional Nutrition industry is seeking a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to lead its financial strategy and operations from its headquarters in Chicago, IL. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in finance within Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) or health-related sectors, with demonstrated expertise in scaling businesses, managing investor relations, and driving profitability. If you’re ready to play a pivotal role in transforming lives through nutrition while steering a fast-growing company toward long-term financial success, we want to hear from you.

Key Responsibilities of the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) – Functional Nutrition Brand

Strategic Financial Leadership:
Provide visionary financial leadership aligned with the company’s mission and growth goals. As the Chief Financial Officer with a Functional Nutrition Brand, you will develop financial strategies that support innovation, brand expansion, and long-term sustainability in the competitive health and wellness space.

Financial Planning & Analysis:
Lead all budgeting, forecasting, and financial modeling initiatives. Drive data-informed decision-making across departments by delivering clear financial insights, trend analyses, and performance metrics that guide strategic direction.

Capital Management & Fundraising:
Manage capital structure, oversee fundraising efforts, and maintain strong relationships with current and prospective investors. Ensure optimal capital allocation to support expansion, product innovation, and operational efficiency.

Profitability & Cost Optimization:
Identify cost-saving opportunities and financial efficiencies across the organization. Partner with department heads to align budgetary goals with business priorities, improve gross margins, and maintain profitability without compromising product integrity.

Operational Finance & Controls:
Establish and enforce robust financial systems, internal controls, and compliance frameworks. Ensure accurate financial reporting, risk management, and adherence to regulatory requirements in all financial operations.

Investor & Board Reporting:
Serve as a key liaison to investors, board members, and financial institutions. Deliver timely, transparent financial updates, performance dashboards, and strategic insights that reinforce the brand’s financial credibility and growth trajectory.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:
Work closely with the CEO, marketing, sales, operations, and product teams to align financial planning with business objectives. Support company-wide initiatives with sound financial rationale and execution support.

Growth & Expansion Strategy:
Evaluate and support strategic initiatives including new product launches, market expansion, and potential M&A opportunities. Use financial frameworks to assess ROI, scalability, and business risk for all major initiatives.

Cash Flow & Liquidity Management:
Monitor and manage the company’s cash flow to ensure adequate liquidity for ongoing operations. Optimize working capital, oversee treasury functions, and ensure financial resilience amid market fluctuations.

Compliance & Ethical Governance:
Ensure compliance with GAAP, tax regulations, and corporate governance standards. Uphold ethical financial practices and maintain the highest standards of integrity and accountability in all financial matters.

What the Client is Looking for in You

As the Chief Financial Officer with a Functional Nutrition Brand, the client is seeking a strategic and disciplined financial leader who brings deep expertise in consumer products, health & wellness markets, and high-growth environments. You should be a proactive, detail-oriented executive with a strong command of financial strategy, operational control, and business forecasting — ready to support a mission-driven organization with purpose and profitability at its core.

Financial Leadership with a Strategic Mindset

The client is looking for a CFO who can go beyond numbers to deliver vision. You should have a demonstrated ability to lead financial planning, investor relations, and capital strategy for fast-paced, scaling businesses. Experience within a functional nutrition brand or related Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) vertical is highly desirable. Your ability to link financial decisions to strategic business objectives will be a driving force for the company’s continued growth.

Proven Track Record in Growth-Stage Environments

You must bring a history of success in high-growth, entrepreneurial settings — preferably in health, wellness, or nutrition industries. The client values leaders who have helped companies navigate inflection points by optimizing cost structures, implementing robust financial systems, and securing funding for expansion. As the Chief Financial Officer with a Functional Nutrition Brand, you’ll be expected to drive both discipline and innovation within the finance function.

Expertise in Financial Strategy, Modeling & Reporting

You should possess advanced capabilities in budgeting, forecasting, scenario modeling, and P&L management. The client is looking for someone who can distill complex financial data into actionable insights for leadership, investors, and department heads. Your ability to maintain accuracy while meeting tight deadlines will be critical to success.

Investor and Stakeholder Relations

A key part of your role will be managing relationships with external stakeholders, including investors, board members, and financial institutions. The client seeks a CFO who communicates with clarity and credibility — someone who can inspire confidence, align financial goals with business vision, and build trust through transparency.

Team Development & Cross-Functional Collaboration

Beyond financial expertise, the client is looking for a leader who can build and lead a high-performing finance team. You should be skilled at mentoring, developing talent, and collaborating across departments. Your role will require close coordination with the CEO, marketing, operations, and product teams to ensure financial alignment across all company initiatives.

Integrity, Compliance & Operational Rigor

In this role, integrity and operational excellence go hand in hand. The client values a CFO who leads with ethical rigor, ensuring compliance with all regulatory standards while implementing strong internal controls. Familiarity with inventory systems, supply chain finance, and CPG-related compliance will be seen as strong assets.

FAQs About the Role – Chief Financial Officer (CFO) – Functional Nutrition Brand

1. What are the key responsibilities of the Chief Financial Officer in this role?

As the Chief Financial Officer with a Functional Nutrition Brand, you will be responsible for overseeing all financial functions, including budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management, and financial reporting. You will lead the development of financial strategies, manage investor relations, ensure regulatory compliance, and support data-driven decision-making. Additionally, you’ll play a key role in capital planning, cost optimization, and aligning financial performance with business growth objectives.

2. What qualifications and experience are required for this position?

The ideal candidate for the role of Chief Financial Officer with a Functional Nutrition Brand should have significant experience in financial leadership, preferably within the Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG), wellness, or nutrition sectors. A CPA or MBA is highly valued, along with a strong track record in managing cross-functional teams, building scalable financial systems, and supporting rapid business expansion. Experience in fundraising, investor relations, and working with high-growth brands is also a major plus.

3. What financial leadership qualities are essential for this role?

This position requires a strategic thinker who combines analytical precision with business intuition. The client is looking for a Chief Financial Officer with a Functional Nutrition Brand background who can provide both fiscal discipline and strategic foresight. Strong communication skills, integrity, problem-solving ability, and a collaborative approach are essential for partnering effectively with the executive team and external stakeholders.

4. What challenges can I expect in this role?

In this role, you may encounter challenges such as managing cash flow in a fast-scaling company, navigating supply chain and inventory complexities, and ensuring financial compliance within a highly regulated industry. As the Chief Financial Officer with a Functional Nutrition Brand, you’ll also need to respond to market shifts in the wellness industry and balance financial prudence with innovation and brand development.

5. What impact is the CFO expected to have on the company’s performance?

The Chief Financial Officer with a Functional Nutrition Brand will play a critical role in strengthening the company’s financial foundation and enabling long-term strategic growth. By optimizing financial operations, improving reporting accuracy, and providing guidance on capital investment, the CFO will directly influence profitability, investor confidence, and the company’s ability to scale sustainably.

6. What is the company’s culture and work environment like?

The company promotes a collaborative, mission-driven, and performance-oriented culture. Leaders are empowered to take initiative, drive innovation, and make a tangible impact. As the Chief Financial Officer with a Functional Nutrition Brand, you’ll work closely with passionate professionals who are committed to improving lives through better nutrition, all within a dynamic and fast-paced environment.

What Remuneration Can You Expect from This Job?

As the Chief Financial Officer with a Functional Nutrition Brand in Chicago, IL, you can expect a competitive and comprehensive compensation package designed to attract top-tier financial leadership talent. The remuneration for this role typically includes the following components:

1. Base Salary

The base salary for a Chief Financial Officer with a Functional Nutrition Brand typically ranges from $200,000 to $400,000 annually, depending on company size, growth stage, and market valuation. In high-growth wellness and nutrition companies, this figure may increase to reflect the strategic importance of the role.

2. Performance-Based Bonuses

Incentive compensation is a key component of this role. CFOs often receive annual performance bonuses tied to financial milestones such as EBITDA improvement, revenue growth, fundraising success, and cost optimization. Bonus payouts can range from 25% to 75% of the base salary based on both company and individual performance.

3. Equity & Stock Options

As a Chief Financial Officer with a Functional Nutrition Brand, you may be eligible for equity compensation, including stock options, RSUs (Restricted Stock Units), or performance shares. These equity grants are designed to reward long-term commitment and align your interests with the brand’s valuation growth and investor outcomes. For high-potential startups or scaling brands, equity can represent a significant portion of the total compensation package.

4. Long-Term Incentive Plans (LTIPs)

Some companies offer structured long-term incentive plans that reward executives for sustained financial performance over a multi-year period. These may include milestone-based cash bonuses or additional equity tied to company valuation, profitability, or successful liquidity events (such as acquisition or IPO).

5. Executive Benefits & Perks

In addition to core compensation, CFOs typically receive a suite of executive-level benefits, including:

Health, dental, and vision insurance
401(k) or executive pension plans with company match
Paid time off and flexible working arrangements
Executive coaching or professional development stipends
Wellness reimbursements or fitness programs
Business-class travel and expense accounts
Tax planning and financial advisory support

6. Signing Bonus & Relocation Assistance

For the right Chief Financial Officer with a Functional Nutrition Brand, the company may offer a signing bonus or relocation package, especially if the role requires transitioning from another state or industry. These bonuses can range from $25,000 to $100,000+, depending on the candidate’s profile and the urgency of the hire.

Total Compensation Potential

When factoring in base salary, bonuses, equity, LTIPs, and executive benefits, total compensation for a Chief Financial Officer with a Functional Nutrition Brand can range from $350,000 to over $1 million annually in high-growth companies. In cases of significant brand expansion or investment events, total earnings may far exceed these benchmarks.

How to Apply

If you are a strategic financial executive with a strong background in Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG), health, or wellness industries, we encourage you to apply for the position of Chief Financial Officer with a Functional Nutrition Brand in Chicago, IL. This is a high-impact opportunity to join a mission-driven company and lead its financial strategy through a period of rapid growth and innovation.

To apply, please submit your resume along with a cover letter that highlights your expertise in financial planning and analysis, capital management, investor relations, cost optimization, and regulatory compliance. Be sure to showcase your experience working in growth-stage companies—particularly within the nutrition, wellness, or CPG sectors—and how you’ve supported strategic expansion and profitability through robust financial leadership.

As the Chief Financial Officer with a Functional Nutrition Brand, you will play a central role in shaping the company’s financial future, influencing operational decisions, and driving long-term value. If you are ready to make a measurable difference and lead with both vision and discipline, we invite you to apply today.

For more details or to explore additional executive-level finance roles, please visit our Plant‑Based / Functional Food C‑Suite Recruitment Page.

Job Category: Plant‑Based / Functional Food C‑Suite

Job Type: Full Time

Job Location: Chicago

Chief Financial Officer with a Functional Nutrition Brand in Chicago, IL