Financial Controller - Crown Bevcan – Carlisle

Our client, Crown Holdings, Inc., are looking for an exceptional Financial Controller to lead Finance at their World-Class Manufacturing Facility in the Heart of Cumbria. This is a rare opportunity to take the helm of financial operations at one of the UK’s most advanced beverage can manufacturing facilities, operated by a truly global powerhouse in sustainable packaging.

Crown is a world leader in metal packaging technology, producing over 100 billion beverage cans annually across the globe. As a Fortune 500 company with over 130 years of heritage—they’re at the forefront of the circular economy, producing infinitely recyclable packaging for the world’s most recognised FMCG brands. Their Carlisle plant is a cornerstone of UK operations, combining cutting-edge technology with manufacturing excellence to serve major customers across Europe. When you join Crown, you’re not just joining a manufacturer—you’re joining an innovation leader that’s shaping the future of sustainable packaging. They invest heavily in their people, technology, and communities, creating an environment where talent thrives and careers flourish.

Carlisle offers the perfect blend of professional opportunity and outstanding quality of life. This historic border city combines vibrant urban amenities with unrivalled access to some of Britain’s most spectacular landscapes. You’ll be based just minutes from the stunning Lake District National Park—a UNESCO World Heritage Site offering world-class hiking, cycling, and outdoor pursuits right on your doorstep. The Scottish Borders and Northumberland are equally accessible for weekend adventures. The city itself is thriving, with excellent schools (both state and independent), a rejuvenated city centre, rich cultural heritage, and a genuine sense of community. Property prices remain remarkably affordable compared to major cities, meaning you can enjoy spacious living without the London price tag. Carlisle offers fast rail connections to Glasgow, Edinburgh, Manchester, and London, making it ideal for those who want the best of both worlds—career progression with a major international company and the lifestyle benefits of a smaller, connected city surrounded by natural beauty. For families, Carlisle is outstanding—safe, friendly neighbourhoods, excellent educational facilities, and countless opportunities for children to grow up with access to outdoor activities and green spaces. For professionals, it offers the chance to make a real impact in a significant role without the stress and expense of metropolitan commuting.

As Financial Controller, you’ll be the financial leader for Crown’s Carlisle site, partnering with the Plant Manager and operational teams to drive financial performance and strategic decision-making. This is a hands-on leadership role where you’ll have genuine autonomy and the opportunity to shape financial processes and outcomes. You’ll oversee the complete financial operation including management accounts, statutory reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and cost accounting. You’ll be the key business partner to operations, translating complex financial data into actionable insights that drive performance improvements. Your work will directly influence plant efficiency, profitability, and investment decisions. This role offers exceptional exposure to the full breadth of manufacturing finance, from inventory management and cost optimisation to capital project evaluation and variance analysis. You’ll work within Crown’s global finance framework while having the freedom to implement improvements and best practices at site level.

Crown are looking for a qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent) with substantial post-qualification experience in a manufacturing or industrial environment. You’ll have a proven track record in management accounting, financial control, and business partnering. Experience in FMCG, process manufacturing, or continuous operations would be particularly valuable. Beyond technical expertise, we need someone who can bridge the gap between finance and operations—someone who’s comfortable on the shop floor as well as in the boardroom.

You’ll be an excellent communicator who can influence stakeholders at all levels, a strategic thinker who can see the big picture, and a detail-oriented professional who ensures accuracy and compliance. Strong systems skills are essential—you should be highly proficient in Excel and have experience with ERP systems. You’ll be someone who embraces continuous improvement, challenges the status quo constructively, and thrives in a dynamic manufacturing environment.

Crown offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package including pension, healthcare, life assurance, and generous annual leave. But beyond the financial package, you’ll gain invaluable experience with a global market leader, access to world-class training and development programmes, and genuine opportunities for career progression within the Crown network. You’ll be part of a supportive, high-performing team where collaboration is valued, and results are recognised.

Crown invests in its people— often promoting from within, supporting professional development, and creating pathways for talented individuals to progress into senior finance and general management roles. This is more than just a job—it’s an opportunity to build a rewarding career with a company that’s leading the transition to a circular economy, all while enjoying the exceptional lifestyle that Carlisle and Cumbria have to offer.

All third party CVs will be sent to Broster Buchanan for consideration.

**Crown is an equal opportunities employer committed to diversity and inclusion.**