Operations Business Controller

Sire Search; Haarlem; On-site; EUR 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Sire Search is seeking an Operations Business Controller to support financial planning, performance management and strategic decision-making across manufacturing operations. You will provide financial insights, monitor performance, evaluate investments, and collaborate with Operations, Supply Chain, IT, HR and shared services to drive efficiency, cost control and sustainable results.

The role requires strong analytical skills, FP&A experience, and the ability to translate data into actionable

Qualifications

• Proven experience in business controlling and FP&A.
• Experience with budgeting, forecasting and variance analysis.
• Experience with factory operations or supply chain is a plus.
• Fluency in English; other languages a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead budgeting, forecasting, modelling and performance tracking.
• Provide variance analysis and recommendations.
• Evaluate capital investments for factories; assess financial viability and risk.
• Prepare management updates and performance insights for senior stakeholders.
• Coordinate factory reporting and ensure reliable financial information through reporting systems.
• Collaborate with Operations, Supply Chain, IT, HR and shared services to support initiatives.
• Support process improvements and strengthen financial controls.
• Ensure compliance with accounting standards and internal controls.

Skills

FP&A

Budgeting

Financial modelling

Data analysis

Stakeholder management

Operational finance

English fluency

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Finance

Tools

Magnitude

Job description

The company

Our client is a leading international organisation with a strong focus on operational excellence, financial performance, and continuous improvement across its business operations.

Role Description

As an Operations Business Controller, you will play a key role in supporting financial planning, performance management, and strategic decision-making across operational and factory environments. You will provide financial insights, monitor business performance, evaluate investments, and work closely with cross-functional stakeholders to drive efficiency, cost control, and sustainable business results.

Responsibilities

• Lead financial planning activities, including budgeting, forecasting, financial modelling, and performance tracking.
• Monitor financial performance against budgets and business case targets, providing variance analysis and recommending corrective actions.
• Evaluate capital investments across factories, assessing financial viability, risks, and potential returns.
• Analyse financial risks and sensitivities to support operational and strategic decision-making.
• Prepare accurate financial reports, management updates, and performance insights for senior stakeholders.
• Coordinate factory reporting activities and ensure consistent, reliable financial information through relevant reporting systems.
• Work closely with Operations, Supply Chain, IT, HR, and shared service teams to support business initiatives and cross-functional projects.
• Monitor budget delivery, cost efficiency, and savings initiatives, ensuring alignment with business objectives.
• Support process improvements and change management initiatives that strengthen financial control and operational performance.
• Ensure compliance with applicable accounting standards, internal financial controls, and relevant company policies.

Requirement

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Finance, Business Economics, Accounting, or a related field.
• Proven experience in business controlling, financial planning and analysis (FP&A), or operational finance.
• Strong knowledge of budgeting, forecasting, financial modelling, and variance analysis.
• Experience supporting factory operations, manufacturing, or supply chain environments is an advantage.
• Ability to evaluate capital investments, analyse financial risks, and translate financial data into actionable business insights.
• Experience with financial reporting systems and tools; familiarity with Magnitude or similar reporting platforms is an advantage.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and stakeholder-management skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with senior management and cross-functional teams.
• Proactive, structured, and comfortable managing multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.
• Fluency in English; additional language skills are an advantage.