Business Segment Controller

AMETEK; Leicester; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading metrology company in Leicester is seeking a Business Segment Controller to take full financial responsibility for their Solartron Metrology unit. The role encompasses financial leadership, supporting the Finance Director with consolidated reporting, and driving cost-control initiatives. The ideal candidate will be a fully qualified accountant with significant experience in financial analysis and process improvement within an engineering context. This position is pivotal for optimising financial performance and enhancing internal controls.

Benefits

Competitive salary

25 days holiday

Generous matched pension scheme

Life assurance

Private health plan option

Employee referral scheme

Cycle to work scheme

Qualifications

• Significant post qualification experience within an engineering environment.
• Proven experience as a Finance Manager, Financial Controller or similar.
• Strong track record in standard reporting and financial analysis.

Responsibilities

• Lead all financial activities for the Solartron business.
• Drive cost-control initiatives in collaboration with operational managers.
• Support the Finance Director in delivering consolidated financial statements.

Skills

Financial analysis

Cost control

Financial reporting

Process improvement

Communication

Education

Fully qualified accountant (CIMA/ACCA/ACA or equivalent)

Tools

ERP systems

Reporting dashboards

Job description

The Business Segment Controller is a commercially‑minded and hands‑on finance leader position to act as the Finance Director’s key deputy. The role will take full financial responsibility for the Solartron Metrology unit (around 70% of the remit) and will also support the wider business unit consolidation, financial reporting and process improvement (around 30%). The Solartron business accounts for c20% of the business unit as a whole.

The successful candidate will work closely with leaders of each department including production, supply chain and commercial teams to optimise financial performance, control costs and drive efficiency. This is a highly visible role with exposure to the senior leadership team, and regular reporting to group level.

Key Responsibilities

Business Segment Finance Leadership (c70%)

• Lead all financial activities for the Solartron business, including management accounts, forecasting and budgeting to drive growth
• Provide weekly, monthly and quarterly reporting on financial performance including costs of goods sold (COGS), stock levels and working capital
• Deliver variance analysis for material, labour, overhead costs against standards and budgets; provide insight and recommendations to improve margins
• Work this business leaders to optimise working capital and free cash flow
• Drive cost‑control initiatives in collaboration with operational managers
• Ensure robust stock control and inventory valuation processes in line with UK statutory and group reporting requirements
• Introduce a best practice approach to the Finance Department on site and ensure a co‑ordinated approach with Taylor Hobson Solartron Business Unit
• Support local leadership with investment appraisals, capital expenditure proposals, and scenario modelling
• Promote and enhance key internal controls to ensure compliance with company policies and procedures
• Lead Solartron local Statutory and Internal audits and ensure support is co‑ordinated across the Finance team

Business Unit Consolidation & Support (c30%)

• Support the Finance Director in delivering consolidated Business Unit financial statements and management reports
• Coordinate month‑end close activities across BU sites to ensure consistent reporting and data integrity
• Assist with preparation of quarterly group submissions
• Contribute to the ongoing harmonisation of reporting processes, ERP usage and data standards
• Work with counterparts across the globe to ensure consistency in approach

General Responsibilities

• Lead process improvement projects, including CRM and ERP, within the division to improve accuracy and efficiency in reporting, cost allocation and stock control
• Drive initiatives to automate reporting and strengthen internal controls, particularly around production costing and inventory
• Partner with IT and operational teams to enhance data visibility e.g. dashboards for KPIs
• Support ad‑hoc strategic projects such as capacity expansion, make‑or‑buy decisions, and pricing analysis – take ownership and deliver
• Improve and modernise the way the department operates

Requirements for Consideration

• Skilled communicator with the ability to partner/work with other departments
• Proactive, collaborative and comfortable in a fast‑paced, hands‑on environment
• Flexible approach to tasks provided and the ability to investigate problems with an open and enquiring mind
• Inquisitive nature – ask questions and challenge thoughts
• Able to take accountability and have awareness over timescales
• Able to work within a dynamic environment, autonomously and as part of a team

Experience/Qualifications

• Fully qualified accountant (CIMA/ACCA/ACA or equivalent) with significant post qualification experience within an engineering environment
• Proven experience as a Finance Manager, Financial Controller or similar
• Strong track record in standard reporting, costing and financial analysis with knowledge of UK and US GAAP
• Expertise in SOX compliance and internal control frameworks, particularly within a manufacturing setting
• Experience working for a UK business with international reach
• Demonstratable ability to drive process improvements and improve cost transparency
• Strong commercial awareness with the ability to interpret data and influence decisions
• Demonstrable ability to lead and manage cultural change and continuous improvement
• Excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills, with attention to detail and accuracy under deadlines

Desirable but not essential

• Experience of working within a listed organisation
• Exposure to working for a manufacturing business
• Knowledge of export finance
• Experience of introducing AI to aid efficiency with Finance processes and reporting

What Taylor Hobson offers you

• A fun, relaxed and supportive working environment.
• 1pm Friday finish.
• Competitive salary and 25 days holiday including Christmas.
• Fantastic and supportive onboarding to ensure joiners are well integrated and comfortable at Taylor Hobson.
• Generous matched pension scheme.
• Life assurance.
• Option to join private health plan.
• Enhanced maternity pay.
• We are invested in developing your skills and will promote and encourage progression through the business.
• Mentoring and guidance for accreditation.
• Opportunity to get involved with charity and fundraising, which we are passionate about.
• Sports and Social Club – fun events and activities throughout the year including Christmas party.
• Perkbox – our rewards app offering discounts from a multitude of retailers, a GP service and a 24‑hour Employee Assistance Program to ensure the health and wellbeing of our employees.
• Employee referral scheme of £1000
• Cycle to work scheme.
• An inclusive workforce.
• Free onsite parking, electric charging points and easy access to the city centre.

Business Unit

• Established in 1886, Taylor Hobson is the world leader in surface and form metrology and developed the first Roundness and Surface Finish measuring instruments.
• We provide contact and non-contact measurement solutions for the most demanding applications on a global basis, with a worldwide infrastructure to support our clients; we are a truly global ultra-precision metrology company.
• We are pioneers, continually developing our products to meet the ever‑increasing demands of next generation technologies, particularly in Optics, Bearings, Space, Defence, Aerospace, Automotive, Medical and Renewable Energy technologies.
• Taylor Hobson's world leading brands include: Talyrond®, Form Talysurf®PGI,Form Talysurf®i‑Series,Surtronic®,LUPHOScan,Formalysurf®PGI Optics, Talyvel®, Autocollimators, Micro‑Alignment Telescope and AMECare.
• Taylor Hobson is part of the Ultra Precision Technologies Division of AMETEK, Inc. which is a leading global manufacturer of electronic instruments and electromechanical devices.
• Website: www.taylor-hobson.com