Plant Controller (Ref: 196031)

Our client are partnering with a well-established, international manufacturing business operating within a fast-paced, performance-driven environment. With multiple production sites across Europe, the business is focused on driving operational excellence, cost efficiency, and continuous improvement across its network.

This is an opportunity to join a high-growth, commercially focused organisation where finance plays a critical role in supporting operational decision-making and delivering tangible business impact.

They are seeking a Plant Controller to take ownership of financial performance at a key manufacturing site.

Acting as the finance business partner to the Plant Manager, you will be responsible for providing clear financial insight, challenging performance, and driving cost efficiency across the site. This is a highly visible, hands-on role where you will work closely with operations, engineering, and supply chain teams to improve profitability and support strategic decision-making.

You will operate as the on-site finance lead, requiring a proactive and independent individual who is comfortable working in a fast-moving environment and influencing stakeholders at all levels.

• Own site-level financial reporting, including monthly close, forecasts, and budgets

• Analyse performance vs budget and prior year, identifying key variances and drivers

• Monitor and control manufacturing costs, including labour, overheads, and materials

• Track and analyse inventory, ensuring accuracy and identifying optimisation opportunities

• Review and maintain standard costs and Bills of Materials (BOMs)

• Provide insight into production variances (e.g. yield, usage, scrap)

• Partner with operations teams to improve efficiency and reduce cost leakage

• Act as a key advisor to the Plant Manager, challenging assumptions and supporting decisions

• Support capital expenditure planning, including business cases and tracking spend

• Ensure strong financial controls and compliance across the site

• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives from a finance perspective

• 5+ years’ experience in plant controlling, manufacturing finance, or cost accounting

• Strong understanding of manufacturing environments and cost structures

• Proven experience analysing production and inventory variances

• Advanced Excel skills (essential)

• Experience with ERP systems (any platform)

• Strong analytical mindset with the ability to translate data into insight

• Confident communicator, able to challenge and influence stakeholders

• Self-starter, comfortable working independently in a site-based role

• Experience in FMCG, automotive, or similar manufacturing environments preferred

Site-based role in the Netherlands

Reporting into regional operations finance