Role: Operations Controller
Location: Stoke-on-Trent
Industry: Manufacturing
Salary: £40,000-£45,000
Type: Full-Time - 12 Month Fixed Term Contract
Operations Controller - 12 Month Fixed Term Contract
Location: Stoke-on-Trent (with occasional travel to Wolverhampton)
Salary: Up to £45,000 per annum (dependent on experience)
Our client is seeking a commercially minded Operations Controller to join their UK team on a 12-month fixed term contract. This is a fantastic opportunity to play a key role in supporting operational and financial performance across two UK manufacturing sites.
The position has arisen to provide additional controlling support while a senior leader undertakes an interim commercial leadership role. You will work closely with the Group Controlling Manager and UK operational management team, delivering high-quality financial insight to support business decisions.
What’s on Offer
*Salary up to £45,000 per annum (DOE)
*25 days annual leave + 8 bank holidays + 1 celebration day (pro-rata)
*5% pension contribution
*Medicash Health Cash Plan
*37.5 hours per week (Monday-Friday)
*Full-time on-site for first 3 months (training), with potential hybrid working (1-2 days from home) thereafter
Based at the Stoke site, you may occasionally travel to the Wolverhampton site (pool car provided).
The Role
Operational & Financial Control
*Monitor and report on production processes
*Calculate and analyse standard costs
*Conduct monthly production variance analysis
*Develop and track production-based KPIs
*Perform variance analysis (actual vs budget/prior year)
*Complete monthly costing and closing activities
*Lead the annual budgeting process for operational areas
*Provide first-line SAP support
*Analyse and improve working capital performance
*Support monthly P&L reporting
*Analyse plant and non-plant operational costs
Commercial Support & Contract Management
*Act as a business partner in commercial contract negotiations
*Support contract discussions with the commercial team
*Manage rebate accruals, calculations, credit notes and payment follow-up
*Produce margin analysis, commercial reporting, and ad-hoc analysis
Audit & Compliance
*Ensure compliance with Group policies and financial governance
*Support internal and external audits
*Address and resolve audit findings
Investment Analysis
*Support investment appraisals (NPV/IRR analysis)
*Ensure projects comply with Group policies
*Conduct post-investment reviews
Cross-Functional Support
*Partner across logistics, purchasing, statutory accounts, payroll, ONS reporting, and new product development
*Maintain and lead investment analysis processes
About You
Qualifications & Experience
*Formal accounting qualification (AAT, CIMA, ACCA) or Master’s degree in Finance/Economics (or equivalent experience)
*Experience within a manufacturing environment
*Strong understanding of standard costing and production processes
Technical Skills
*SAP experience desirable
*Power BI experience advantageous
*Strong financial and operational knowledge
*Confident working cross-functionally
Key Competencies
*Structured problem-solving and decision-making
*Ability to recommend cost savings and efficiency improvements
*Strong analytical and reporting skills
*Commercially aware and detail-focused
*Comfortable working with stakeholders at all levels, including European shared services teams
Success Measures
You will deliver:
*Accurate and timely monthly reporting (P&L, variances, costing)
*High-quality standard costing and variance analysis
*On-time budgets and forecasts
*Improved operational KPIs and working capital performance
*Reliable SAP support and investment appraisals
*Accurate rebate management and audit compliance
Our client is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. Reasonable adjustments are available throughout the recruitment process.
Interviews are typically conducted via Microsoft Teams during core hours (8am-5pm). In-person interviews can be arranged upon request.
If you are a proactive finance professional with strong manufacturing experience and a passion for driving operational performance, we would love to hear from you.
INDM