Global BU Operations Controller

Sulzer; Kotka; On-site; EUR 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Sulzer seeks a Global BU Operations Controller to lead end-to-end operational controlling across our manufacturing footprint. You will partner with Operations leadership to deliver timely financial insights, drive cost analysis, and guide strategic decision-making.

Fluent English and 9+ years in finance/controlling within engineering or manufacturing are required. SAP proficiency and strong communication are essential for success in this global role.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 9 years of relevant professional experience in Finance, Controlling, or Business Partnering roles.
• Previous management experience leading high-performing teams.
• Prior experience in an Engineering and/or Manufacturing environment is essential.
• Fluent English language skills, both written and spoken.

Responsibilities

• Drive operational and cost analysis for the BU at the Operations (factory) level and lead the Controlling team.
• Oversee and coordinate planning, budgeting, and forecasting processes at Operations level.
• Deliver timely communication to BU FICO Head and stakeholders.
• Create and monitor governance procedures for management reports.
• Coordinate with Legal to ensure risk management policies are implemented.

Skills

Stakeholder communication

Negotiation

Analytical skills

Project management

Team leadership

Financial reporting

Internal controls

Education

Bachelor's degree in Finance/Accounting

Tools

SAP ERP

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

Sulzer is a leading engineering company with a proud heritage of innovation. Join our global team to grow your expertise and develop innovative solutions that enable a prosperous and more sustainable society.

About The Role

As Global BU Operations Controller, you will drive and coordinate operational controlling activities across our global manufacturing footprint, acting as a trusted business partner to Operations leadership. You will provide financial insights, performance analysis, and strategic guidance to support decision‑making, while leading the Operations Controlling team and ensuring alignment with business objectives.

In This Role You Will

• Drive operational and cost analysis for the BU at the Operations (factory) level (be responsible end‑to‑end for all controlling/business partnering aspects of the BU at Operations level); support cost accounting, assist in actuals and forecast analysis, develop and maintain the overall reporting framework for the BU at Operations level, support the resolution of complex issues, be ultimately responsible for the Controlling team for all factory LEs, support ERP system developments, and ensure compliance with global policies.
• Oversee and coordinate the planning, budgeting, and forecasting processes at Operations level.
• Deliver effective and timely communication to the BU FICO Head and other internal or external stakeholders.
• Create and monitor governance procedures to maintain a core set of management reports (e.g. DOA, control matrix, etc.).
• Be accountable for the production of core finance management reporting and analysis.
• Coordinate with Legal to ensure that risk management policies and procedures are implemented and managed appropriately.
• Identify and manage continuous improvement initiatives for the controlling function.
• Monitor and develop monthly reports for revenues and expenditures of a factory and all factory sites consolidated; manage and steer factory costs; assist in the analysis of NWC balances.
• Perform continuous project improvement analysis, new product development analysis, strategic sourcing analysis, and other ad‑hoc analyses.
• Provide production and cost information required to perform the end‑to‑end financial close and internal reporting process.
• Provide inputs for the planning, budgeting, and forecasting processes for the Finance organization.
• Provide key operational decision‑makers with accurate and timely financial information, leading to the minimization of costs and the maximization of profitability.
• Empower the Operations Team to manage the day‑to‑day aspects of the processes, providing operational steering.
• Liaise with Procurement regarding order intake.
• Allocate resources to the production process.
• Support the GPOs in establishing procedures for the Cost Accounting function, including the selection and implementation of relevant reporting and tools.
• Deliver effective and timely communication on all relevant issues to internal and external stakeholders.
• Identify and manage continuous improvement initiatives for the Cost Accounting function.
• Drive the implementation of DXC and Financial Services within Operational LEs.

To Succeed You Need

Experience & Education

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 9 years of relevant professional experience in Finance, Controlling, or Business Partnering roles.
• Previous management experience, with a proven ability to lead and develop high‑performing teams.
• Prior experience in an Engineering and/or Manufacturing environment is essential.
• Fluent English language skills, both written and spoken.

Skills & Competencies

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with stakeholders at all levels, both internally and externally.
• Strong negotiation, influencing, and presentation skills.
• Excellent analytical capabilities, combined with strong commercial awareness and business acumen.
• Demonstrated problem‑solving, organizational, and prioritization skills in complex and dynamic environments.
• Ability to coordinate and manage multiple improvement initiatives simultaneously, supported by strong project management skills.
• Proven ability to lead teams within a high‑performance organization and support a variety of business functions.
• Extensive knowledge of internal financial reporting, accounting principles, financial decision‑making, and internal controls.
• Proactive, self‑motivated mindset with a continuous improvement orientation.
• High level of integrity and professionalism.

Technical Competencies

• Excellent understanding of integrated ERP systems, preferably SAP.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel and PowerPoint.

What we offer you

• A highly visible (regional/global) role with the scope to influence strategy and shape business growth across a key growth market.
• The opportunity to deliver measurable commercial impact, expand market presence, and contribute directly to Sulzer's long‑term success in *** BU or function
• Accountability for regional P&L performance, strategic customer partnerships, and sustainable revenue growth, with significant autonomy and decision‑making authority. - probs change this more finance less P&L
• Exposure to senior global stakeholders, international markets, and diverse business functions, creating exceptional opportunities for professional development.
• The chance to lead transformation initiatives and enhance Sulzer's competitive position within a rapidly evolving region.
• Investment in your future through Sulzer Learning, global leadership development pathways, and international career mobility opportunities, enabling both personal and professional growth.

Sulzer is an equal opportunity employer. We believe in the strength of a diverse workforce and are committed to offering an inclusive work environment.

We are proud to be recognized as a Top Employer 2026 in Brazil, Canada, China, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Mexico, Switzerland, South Africa, the UK and the USA.