Plant Controller
Position Description
We are seeking an experienced and commercially focused Plant Controller to join our manufacturing operation in Leeds, UK. This is a critical leadership position combining financial control, plant accounting, business partnering, operational finance, planning and forecasting, and data analytics.
The Plant Controller will act as a key member of the site leadership team, providing financial insight and challenge to drive operational performance, productivity, margin improvement, working capital management, and strategic decision-making. The role requires a strong hands-on finance professional with advanced Excel skills and proven experience in developing Power BI dashboards and reporting solutions to support business performance.
The successful candidate will be a trusted partner to plant management, influencing decisions through financial analysis while ensuring robust compliance, controls, and accounting governance.
Key Responsibilities
Financial Leadership & Business Partnering
• All mention above
• Drive a culture of financial accountability across the plant.
Planning, Forecasting & Performance Management
• Lead the annual operating plan, forecasts, and monthly outlook processes for the site.
• Develop robust financial models to support business planning and scenario analysis.
• Partner with operational leaders to identify risks and opportunities against forecast.
• Deliver clear analysis of variances across revenue, manufacturing costs, labour, overheads, inventory, and working capital.
• Support capital investment evaluations and post-investment performance reviews.
Manufacturing Finance & Cost Control
• Own product costing, manufacturing variance analysis, and inventory accounting.
• Monitor material, labour, and overhead performance against standard costs.
• Analyse plant productivity, capacity utilisation, yield, and operational efficiency metrics.
• Lead inventory valuation reviews and physical inventory processes.
• Support initiatives to improve gross margin and operational profitability.
Accounting & Financial Control
• Provide local accounting support ensuring compliance with company policies and statutory requirements.
• Support month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close activities.
• Ensure accuracy and integrity of financial reporting.
• Maintain strong internal controls and compliance processes.
• Coordinate with external auditors, tax advisors, and shared service teams as required.
• Drive continuous improvement within financial processes and controls.
Reporting & Data Analytics
• Design, develop, and maintain advanced Power BI dashboards and management reporting solutions.
• Automate reporting processes to improve visibility and decision-making.
• Translate operational and financial data into actionable business insights.
• Create KPI dashboards covering:
o Revenue and margin performance
o Manufacturing cost performance
o Productivity
o Inventory
o Working capital
o Capital expenditure
o Forecast accuracy
• Develop advanced Excel-based models to support planning, forecasting, and business analysis.
Continuous Improvement
• Identify opportunities to simplify financial processes and increase automation.
• Support Lean, Six Sigma, and operational excellence initiatives where applicable.
• Champion data-driven decision-making across the site.
• Drive best practices in financial planning, reporting, and performance management.
Required Education & Qualifications
• CIMA/ACCA or equivalent qualifications
• Manufacturing background
• SAP experience
• Attention to detail
• KPI development and reporting
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