Production Plant Finance Leader (m/w/d)

Job Description

We are seeking a highly analytical and performance-driven Supply Chain Finance Leader to support two IMC manufacturing sites in Germany. This role is accountable for driving financial excellence across supply chain operations, with a strong focus on forecast accuracy, cost visibility, and disciplined capital investment management.

As a key partner to operations, the role ensures robust financial planning, reliable forecasting, and effective allocation of resources to maximize returns. The position offers a clear pathway to a Regional Supply Chain Finance Leadership role, expanding scope across multiple manufacturing sites and distribution centers.

Responsibilities

Forecasting, Planning & Financial Accuracy

• Lead end-to-end forecasting and budgeting processes for manufacturing and supply chain operations.
• Drive forecast accuracy and bias reduction, ensuring reliable outlooks for costs, volumes, and inventory.
• Implement robust financial models and assumptions aligned with operational drivers.
• Provide clear visibility on risks and opportunities, enabling proactive decision-making.
• Continuously improve forecasting processes, tools, and governance.

Capital Expenditure (CapEx) Management

• Own financial evaluation and governance of capital investments across manufacturing sites.
• Partner with operations to assess business cases, ROI, IRR, and payback for capital projects.
• Track and control CapEx spend versus approved budgets and timelines.
• Ensure post-investment reviews are conducted to validate value delivery.
• Drive prioritization of capital allocation to maximize returns and strategic alignment.

Business Partnering & Operations Support

• Act as a trusted finance partner to plant leadership teams.
• Translate operational performance into financial insights and actionable recommendations.
• Support decision-making on capacity, efficiency improvements, and cost optimization initiatives.

Financial Ownership & Performance Management

• Own supply chain P&L components including manufacturing, logistics, and inventory costs.
• Lead month-end close, variance analysis, and performance reporting.
• Analyse cost drivers (materials, labor, overheads) and drive corrective actions.
• Deliver productivity and cost-saving initiatives with measurable financial impact.

Working Capital & Inventory Management

• Ensure accurate inventory valuation and provisions.
• Drive improvements in inventory turns, obsolescence reduction, and cash flow optimization.
• Strengthen linkage between demand planning, production, and financial forecasts.

Performance Improvement & Transformation

• Enhance financial transparency and data quality across supply chain.
• Support digitalization and automation of forecasting and reporting processes.
• Embed a culture of accountability, accuracy, and continuous improvement.

Leadership & Growth Scope

• Build scalable financial frameworks to support expansion across Germany.
• Prepare to lead finance support for multiple manufacturing sites and distribution centres.
• Coach and develop finance talent within the supply chain function.

Qualifications

• Degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or related field (MBA/CPA/CIMA preferred).
• Strong experience in supply chain or manufacturing finance.
• Demonstrated success in forecasting, financial planning, and CapEx management.
• Proven track record of P&L ownership and performance improvement.
• Experience in capital project evaluation and financial modelling.
• Familiarity with ERP systems and advanced analytics tools.

Key Skills & Competencies

• High level of forecasting discipline and financial accuracy.
• Strong understanding of capital investment evaluation (ROI, IRR, NPV).
• Excellent analytical and data interpretation skills.
• Ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders.
• Strategic mindset with strong execution focus.
• Results-driven with high attention to detail.