Plant Controller / Manufacturing Finance Business Partner

Location: Southern & Eastern Germany (Hybrid)
Contract: 18-month Fixed-Term Contract (with strong potential for permanent employment)
Salary: €65,000–€85,000 + attractive benefits package
Working Model: Hybrid (2–3 days per week on site)
Travel: Approximately 15% between manufacturing sites

About the Role

An international manufacturing organisation is looking for an experienced Plant Controller / Manufacturing Finance Business Partner to support finance operations across two production sites in Germany.

This position partners closely with Plant Managers and Site Leadership teams, providing financial insight, operational support and strategic guidance to improve business performance. The successful candidate will play a key role in manufacturing controlling, product costing, financial reporting, budgeting and operational decision-making within a fast-paced industrial environment.

The role is initially offered on an 18-month fixed-term contract, with a strong possibility of becoming permanent depending on business needs.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as Finance Business Partner to Plant Managers and Site Leadership teams.

• Support operational and strategic decision-making through financial analysis and business insight.

• Manage monthly, quarterly and annual financial closing activities.

• Prepare product costing and plant cost calculations.

• Analyse operational and financial KPIs, identifying trends, risks and opportunities.

• Prepare financial reports and management presentations.

• Support the continuous improvement of reporting tools and financial processes.

• Partner closely with Operations, Manufacturing and Plant Management to improve financial performance.

• Collaborate with finance colleagues across multiple manufacturing locations.

• Ensure accurate financial planning, cost control and operational reporting.

• Provide financial guidance to key operational stakeholders.

• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives across Finance and Operations.

About You

You are a commercially minded finance professional with solid experience supporting manufacturing operations within an international industrial environment.

You enjoy working closely with operational leaders, translating financial information into meaningful business recommendations and influencing decision-making through strong business partnering.

Skills & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration or a related discipline.

• Several years' experience in Manufacturing Finance, Plant Controlling or Operations Finance.

• Previous experience within a manufacturing or production environment is essential.

• Experience in an international or multinational organisation is advantageous.

• Strong knowledge of manufacturing finance, financial reporting and cost controlling.

• Experience with product costing and plant controlling.

• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret operational KPIs.

• Good knowledge of SAP is highly desirable.

• Advanced Excel skills; experience with BI or reporting tools is beneficial.

• Fluent English and a minimum of fluent B2 German are essential requirements for this position.

Personal Attributes

• Strong business partnering and stakeholder management skills.

• Comfortable working with senior operational leaders.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

• Proactive, organised and solution-oriented.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.

• Collaborative mindset with a continuous improvement approach.

Additional Information

• Hybrid working model (2–3 days per week on site).

• Approximately 15% travel between manufacturing locations.

• Attractive salary package of €65,000–€85,000, depending on experience, plus benefits.

• NDA required prior to the first interview.

Please note

Due to the nature of the role and the regular interaction with local manufacturing teams, fluent German (minimum B2 level) is a mandatory requirement.

To ensure an efficient recruitment process, we kindly ask that you apply only if you meet the essential requirements, particularly the manufacturing finance background and the required German language proficiency.

Thank you for your understanding.